Howdy Y'all

[OkiePacker]

New Packer fan from Oklahoma here!

I've been a lifelong Oklahoma State Cowboys fan. College football has been my favorite sport since I can remember. Well, it sucks now. And I'm saying that only partly because we went 3-9 last season. I could go on a long rant, but I think even you guys in Big 10 country get it. Di$ney and the $EC can absolutely suck it.

Anyway, I'm in my 30's and have never consistently watched NFL football until recently. Oklahoma is 100% college sports. Even with the Thunder in town, college football rules the Fall. So with its decline, I had to look elsewhere. I did NOT want to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. That'd be like being an OU Sooners fan. No thanks. Kansas City is the next closest, but I don't bandwagon.

At this point in time, a few years ago when I was just starting to watch and follow the NFL more, I happened to work with a couple of diehard NFL fans who have since become good friends of mine. One was an LA Rams fan. The other a Green Bay Packers fan. I mean the first one was just a nonstarter for me. Large market team with all the money and a brand new stadium? That's just too easy. Too superficial. He's originally from LA, so it's cool. But that's just not for me. What about Green Bay? I've never given the team much thought. Ever. One Fall Saturday, both said friends joined me tailgating for an OSU game and the Packer fan made a comment about how driving into Stillwater through town to Boone Pickens Stadium reminded her of Green Bay and Lambeau. What? I was then informed that Lambeau sits in a residential neighborhood and even has a similar facade to BPS. Well that's just charming as hell! And Green Bay is the smallest city in the NFL being half the size of Wichita? That's right up my alley! Owned by the fans!? Stop. That's perfect. I love a program that does more with less. That punches "above" its weight. That's Oklahoma State, and that's Green Bay. I've been following for the past few seasons now.

Alright I've been typing long enough, but now the big kicker. The aforementioned friend and her husband, my wife and I, and another couple will be making the trip up from Oklahoma the weekend of November 2 for the Panthers game. It will be my first ever NFL game. I'm very excited. It's 5 months away but I thought I'd introduce myself, get to know some of you, and maybe get some tips, recommendations, among other things.

Oh, and you'll love Collin Oliver.

 

[weeds]

Hey-o ... welcome to the forum.

 

[milani]

New Packer fan from Oklahoma here!

I've been a lifelong Oklahoma State Cowboys fan. College football has been my favorite sport since I can remember. Well, it sucks now. And I'm saying that only partly because we went 3-9 last season. I could go on a long rant, but I think even you guys in Big 10 country get it. Di$ney and the $EC can absolutely suck it.

Anyway, I'm in my 30's and have never consistently watched NFL football until recently. Oklahoma is 100% college sports. Even with the Thunder in town, college football rules the Fall. So with its decline, I had to look elsewhere. I did NOT want to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. That'd be like being an OU Sooners fan. No thanks. Kansas City is the next closest, but I don't bandwagon.

At this point in time, a few years ago when I was just starting to watch and follow the NFL more, I happened to work with a couple of diehard NFL fans who have since become good friends of mine. One was an LA Rams fan. The other a Green Bay Packers fan. I mean the first one was just a nonstarter for me. Large market team with all the money and a brand new stadium? That's just too easy. Too superficial. He's originally from LA, so it's cool. But that's just not for me. What about Green Bay? I've never given the team much thought. Ever. One Fall Saturday, both said friends joined me tailgating for an OSU game and the Packer fan made a comment about how driving into Stillwater through town to Boone Pickens Stadium reminded her of Green Bay and Lambeau. What? I was then informed that Lambeau sits in a residential neighborhood and even has a similar facade to BPS. Well that's just charming as hell! And Green Bay is the smallest city in the NFL being half the size of Wichita? That's right up my alley! Owned by the fans!? Stop. That's perfect. I love a program that does more with less. That punches "above" its weight. That's Oklahoma State, and that's Green Bay. I've been following for the past few seasons now.

Alright I've been typing long enough, but now the big kicker. The aforementioned friend and her husband, my wife and I, and another couple will be making the trip up from Oklahoma the weekend of November 2 for the Panthers game. It will be my first ever NFL game. I'm very excited. It's 5 months away but I thought I'd introduce myself, get to know some of you, and maybe get some tips, recommendations, among other things.

Oh, and you'll love Collin Oliver.

Welcome! I was a huge Big 8 fan before your time with both football and basketball. Great fun, great rivalries and tradition.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

Welcome to the forum, Okie! Titletown USA!!!

 

[El Guapo]

An Okie from Muskogee that becomes a Packers fan? Insane...

I could rant on college football as well, but it the end, I always try to remind myself that it's still 18-22yr old kids playing a sport that they love. If you really want to get into Packers lore, you can read the brief history of the team on their website (scroll down): https://www.packers.com/history/

If you love to read, for around $100 there is a 4-volume complete history of the Green Bay Packers which is an amazing read: https://www.packersproshop.com/green-bay-packers-home-and-office/media/the-greatest-story-in-sports

Hopefully you have already booked a room for the Panthers game. Hotel rooms can be hard to come by. However, make sure that you do some exploring. My favorite way to enjoy Packers tailgating is to be on the move. Roaming around the tailgating can be pretty rewarding because everybody is so friendly.

 

[OkiePacker]

Thanks, fellas!

An Okie from Muskogee that becomes a Packers fan? Insane...

I could rant on college football as well, but it the end, I always try to remind myself that it's still 18-22yr old kids playing a sport that they love. If you really want to get into Packers lore, you can read the brief history of the team on their website (scroll down): https://www.packers.com/history/

If you love to read, for around $100 there is a 4-volume complete history of the Green Bay Packers which is an amazing read: https://www.packersproshop.com/green-bay-packers-home-and-office/media/the-greatest-story-in-sports

Hopefully you have already booked a room for the Panthers game. Hotel rooms can be hard to come by. However, make sure that you do some exploring. My favorite way to enjoy Packers tailgating is to be on the move. Roaming around the tailgating can be pretty rewarding because everybody is so friendly.

Yes, the Packers history makes them an intriguing team as well. Just very cool stuff all around. Easily likeable franchise!

We do have an AirBnB booked. We'll roll in Friday night and spend all Saturday seeing the town. Any recommendations there? Where's the good food and beer?

And I am the MOST excited about tailgating. I want to see how it's done in the NFL. Does anyone on this forum have a good tailgate? What are the tips there?

The sports void of Summer is almost upon us. Football season will be here before we know it, though!

 

[gopkrs]

Love what you say about Collin Oliver. Will watch him in preseason

 

[OkiePacker]

Love what you say about Collin Oliver. Will watch him in preseason

The dude just gets to the quarterback in any way possible. I'll also be very interested to see reports of him in practice.

 

[El Guapo]

Any recommendations there? Where's the good food and beer?

And I am the MOST excited about tailgating. I want to see how it's done in the NFL. Does anyone on this forum have a good tailgate? What are the tips there?

Unfortunately I don't have any good info for you here. I've never lived in GB and when I come into town, we usually just set up a tailgate behind my truck and then stroll around. As I said before, that's usually my favorite thing to do. Walk around, make friends, and you'll likely be offered more food and booze than you can imagine....or at least a smile and a "Go Pack."

I'm sure that you could look up some good blogs on places to eat and drink. I've had a few beers at the Hinterland Brewery next to Lambeau. Krolls is also right next to Lambeau, and makes good food. I'm sure that someone will tell you there is something better.

If you can, get tickets to go through the Packers Hall Of Fame. It's pretty extensive and worth it.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Welcome. I grew up an LSU fan. In my family if you didn't love LSU then you weren't family. I didn't know much about the NFL growing up. When my husband and I moved to WI in 1979 I started watching. Found it very confusing at first, but learned to love it. I didn't adopt the Packers until Lynn ****ie was QB. There was just something about him.

I am the GB fanatic in the family. Everyone knows not to bother me when they are playing.

I've only been to a preseason game. We had great fun and I'm sure you will too.

 

[OldSchool101]

The dude just gets to the quarterback in any way possible. I'll also be very interested to see reports of him in practice.

@OkiePacker. He wasn’t selected until Rd5. In your opinion did Oliver fly under radar some because he missed most of 2024 or was it more the deep DL class or some other reason. His numbers look more like a 3rd Round type prospect imo that’s why I’m asking. Thanks.
(pacing ~30 sacks and 54 Tackles for loss across his college career)

 

[OkiePacker]

Unfortunately I don't have any good info for you here. I've never lived in GB and when I come into town, we usually just set up a tailgate behind my truck and then stroll around. As I said before, that's usually my favorite thing to do. Walk around, make friends, and you'll likely be offered more food and booze than you can imagine....or at least a smile and a "Go Pack."

I'm sure that you could look up some good blogs on places to eat and drink. I've had a few beers at the Hinterland Brewery next to Lambeau. Krolls is also right next to Lambeau, and makes good food. I'm sure that someone will tell you there is something better.

If you can, get tickets to go through the Packers Hall Of Fame. It's pretty extensive and worth it.

Thank you. I'll keep all that in mind. Definitely do plenty of strolling around. I'm just excited to see the whole scene!

Welcome. I grew up an LSU fan. In my family if you didn't love LSU then you weren't family. I didn't know much about the NFL growing up. When my husband and I moved to WI in 1979 I started watching. Found it very confusing at first, but learned to love it. I didn't adopt the Packers until Lynn ****ie was QB. There was just something about him.

I am the GB fanatic in the family. Everyone knows not to bother me when they are playing.

I've only been to a preseason game. We had great fun and I'm sure you will too.

Thank you!

@OkiePacker. He wasn’t selected until Rd5. In your opinion did Oliver fly under radar some because he missed most of 2024 or was it more the deep DL class or some other reason. His numbers look more like a 3rd Round type prospect imo that’s why I’m asking. Thanks.
(pacing ~30 sacks and 54 Tackles for loss across his college career)

I think all of the above. It was devastating when he got injured last year. But he was a four-year player and there's plenty of tape from his first three years. Which leads to the next thing; how many positions he played. Started as EDGE, then was moved to LB, and I'm pretty sure our DC just made up a hybrid position for him at some point. I think maybe a lot of teams just didn't know what they'd do with him? He's just an athlete that you want out there and again I'll say that he just has a knack for getting to the passer. And yeah, his size and a deep DL class didn't help. But he will WORK for you. He's not afraid of work.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

Thanks, fellas!



Yes, the Packers history makes them an intriguing team as well. Just very cool stuff all around. Easily likeable franchise!

We do have an AirBnB booked. We'll roll in Friday night and spend all Saturday seeing the town. Any recommendations there? Where's the good food and beer?

And I am the MOST excited about tailgating. I want to see how it's done in the NFL. Does anyone on this forum have a good tailgate? What are the tips there?

The sports void of Summer is almost upon us. Football season will be here before we know it, though!

As far as gameday, you'll probably get a bunch of different recommendations. However, what I like to do is set up a tailgate on the north/northwest of the stadium, across the street on Lombardi Ave. Then we'll head over to Titletown for a couple beers and listen to the band that's on stage for a while before heading into the stadium.

 

[El Guapo]

....and as much as I'm a fan of tailgating (I am), don't forget that the line through security can get pretty long. Head into the stadium sooner than later so that you are in your seat for the flyby, not standing in the line to get in.

 

[OldSchool101]

Thank you. I'll keep all that in mind. Definitely do plenty of strolling around. I'm just excited to see the whole scene!



Thank you!



I think all of the above. It was devastating when he got injured last year. But he was a four-year player and there's plenty of tape from his first three years. Which leads to the next thing; how many positions he played. Started as EDGE, then was moved to LB, and I'm pretty sure our DC just made up a hybrid position for him at some point. I think maybe a lot of teams just didn't know what they'd do with him? He's just an athlete that you want out there and again I'll say that he just has a knack for getting to the passer. And yeah, his size and a deep DL class didn't help. But he will WORK for you. He's not afraid of work.

Interesting. He looks legit.

Welcome to the Forum!

Oh.. just Stay around long enough and you’ll be like the Men’s Warehouse..”youre gonna like the way you look”!

 

[Thirteen Below]

The dude just gets to the quarterback in any way possible. I'll also be very interested to see reports of him in practice.

He's on my watch list for sure. He's small for an edge rusher, but he'll bulk up a bit when he gets hooked up with NFL strength and nutrition programs, but if I recall his RAS was something like 9.75. There are job opportunities for edge rushers here, that's for sure.

You mentioned places to eat... I haven't been back to Green Bay since my dad died 17 years ago, so I can't comment on the restaurants. Although back in the day, Chili John's is where players from both teams often used to go after the game. My first wife's cousin used to play for the Steelers, and one time after a game she and I had dinner that evening with her cousin, as well as Tony Dungy (who got along famously with my dad), John Stallworth, and a couple of linemen whose names I don't recall. I sure do remember how much they ate, though, and how much space they took up at the table! I'm 6"4", about 230, and I never felt so small in my life! That was a memorable dinner; they were all such low-key, down to earth guys, and Stallworth was honestly one of nicest, most decent people I'd ever met. One of those guys who you just feel like it was a privilige to meet him and spend time with.

Early on Game Day, eat a very light and early breakfast, because you'll want to have a good appetite when you show up at Lambeau. There'll be thousands of people grilling bratwurst and burgers in the parking lot and the front yards within a half mile, and if you park a few blocks away from the stadium and walk past people's houses, you'll probably be too stuffed to eat any more by the time you get to the parking lot. Tailgaters and front yard grillmeisters will be disappointed or even borderline offended if you refuse their bratwurst. You will make many Facebook friends.

 

[Voyageur]

He's on my watch list for sure. He's small for an edge rusher, but he'll bulk up a bit when he gets hooked up with NFL strength and nutrition programs, but if I recall his RAS was something like 9.75. There are job opportunities for edge rushers here, that's for sure.

You mentioned places to eat... I haven't been back to Green Bay since my dad died 17 years ago, so I can't comment on the restaurants. Although back in the day, Chili John's is where players from both teams often used to go after the game. My first wife's cousin used to play for the Steelers, and one time after a game she and I had dinner that evening with her cousin, as well as Tony Dungy (who got along famously with my dad), John Stallworth, and a couple of linemen whose names I don't recall. I sure do remember how much they ate, though, and how much space they took up at the table! I'm 6"4", about 230, and I never felt so small in my life! That was a memorable dinner; they were all such low-key, down to earth guys, and Stallworth was honestly one of nicest, most decent people I'd ever met. One of those guys who you just feel like it was a privilige to meet him and spend time with.

Early on Game Day, eat a very light and early breakfast, because you'll want to have a good appetite when you show up at Lambeau. There'll be thousands of people grilling bratwurst and burgers in the parking lot and the front yards within a half mile, and if you park a few blocks away from the stadium and walk past people's houses, you'll probably be too stuffed to eat any more by the time you get to the parking lot. Tailgaters and front yard grillmeisters will be disappointed or even borderline offended if you refuse their bratwurst. You will make many Facebook friends.

I have been to a lot of stadiums for NFL and college football games, and a lot of major and minor league baseball games. But I have never been to any location outside of Green Bay where they actually do a tailgate as it should be done. The tailgate, in Green Bay, is a happening, not just a bite to eat. It's a prepared activity that's so intensely popular that there are actually rules of etiquette that surround the function, and there are actually more people who go to the area to tailgate than actually attend the game.

Green Bay has more people in the parking lots in the area doing tailgate parties even while the game is in progress, watching the game on TV using generators, or battery packs to run their TVs. As far as friendly, it's so friendly that even fans wearing gear from the visiting team will be invited to join the Packer celebrants for a brat and beer.

Anyone who tries to tell you that some other venue does it better has obviously never been to Green Bay or sampled the hospitality that exists because nobody else in sports even comes close to the happening in Green Bay.

 

[milani]

I have been to a lot of stadiums for NFL and college football games, and a lot of major and minor league baseball games. But I have never been to any location outside of Green Bay where they actually do a tailgate as it should be done. The tailgate, in Green Bay, is a happening, not just a bite to eat. It's a prepared activity that's so intensely popular that there are actually rules of etiquette that surround the function, and there are actually more people who go to the area to tailgate than actually attend the game.

Green Bay has more people in the parking lots in the area doing tailgate parties even while the game is in progress, watching the game on TV using generators, or battery packs to run their TVs. As far as friendly, it's so friendly that even fans wearing gear from the visiting team will be invited to join the Packer celebrants for a brat and beer.

Anyone who tries to tell you that some other venue does it better has obviously never been to Green Bay or sampled the hospitality that exists because nobody else in sports even comes close to the happening in Green Bay.

The WHOLE experience is what makes the Lambeau visit so special. All teams have fans that make merry for an NFL game. Green Bay is truly a mecca for football. I told people when I first visited for a game years ago that Packer games are like celebrating Christmas for 6 months straight.