Lambeau Field is the home of the Green Bay Packers and one of the oldest continuously used stadiums in the National Football League
Lambeau Field opened on September 29, 1956, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The stadium was built for $960,000 and originally called New City Stadium. It was renamed Lambeau Field in 1965 to honor Curly Lambeau, the Packers' founder and first coach. The field sits at 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay and has been the Packers' home ever since it opened, making it the second-oldest continuously used NFL stadium after Soldier Field in Chicago.
The stadium has undergone major renovations multiple times. The most significant was a $310 million project completed in 2015 that added a new atrium, expanded seating, and modernized facilities. Despite these updates, Lambeau Field retains much of its original character and remains one of the most recognizable venues in professional football.
Key Takeaways
- Lambeau Field opened in 1956 and is the second-oldest continuously used NFL stadium, home to the Green Bay Packers since its construction.
- The stadium's current capacity is 81,441 seats after expansions and renovations, with the most recent major project completed in 2015.
- The field is named after Curly Lambeau, the Packers' founder and coach, though it was originally called New City Stadium when it first opened.
- Winter games at Lambeau Field are played in outdoor conditions, and the stadium is known for its harsh weather during the NFL season.
- The Packers have won four Super Bowls, with two victories (I and II) occurring when the team played at Lambeau Field.
Stadium Capacity and Layout
Lambeau Field currently holds 81,441 people. The stadium is divided into multiple seating sections, with the main bowl surrounding the field and upper-deck areas added during renovations. The field itself is 120 yards long and 53⅓ yards wide, the standard dimensions for an NFL playing surface.
The stadium's layout reflects its age and multiple renovation phases. The original structure was relatively straightforward, but additions over the decades created the modern facility. The 2015 renovation added the Atrium, a climate-controlled entrance area on the west side of the stadium that serves as a gathering space for fans before games and during events.
Seating sections are numbered and organized by level. Lower-bowl seats are closer to the field, while upper-deck seats offer a wider view of the entire playing surface. Club-level seating and luxury suites are available for premium ticket holders, with amenities that vary by location and price point.
Weather Conditions and Playing Environment
Lambeau Field is an outdoor stadium with no roof, so games are played in whatever weather Green Bay experiences during the NFL season. Winter games are particularly notable—temperatures can drop well below freezing, and snow or ice may cover the field. The stadium's location in northern Wisconsin means that late-season games and playoff contests often occur in harsh conditions.
The field itself is natural grass, which is maintained year-round. During winter months, the grass is covered with protective blankets and heated to prevent it from dying. The field's drainage system is designed to handle snow melt and rain, though standing water can occasionally be visible during particularly wet games.
Wind is another factor at Lambeau Field. The stadium's open design means that wind can affect both gameplay and fan comfort. Kickers and punters must account for wind direction and speed, and fans in upper-deck sections may experience stronger wind exposure than those in lower-bowl seats.
Packers History and Championships
The Green Bay Packers won the NFL Championship three times before the Super Bowl era began: in 1929, 1930, and 1931. After the NFL merged with the American Football League, the Packers won Super Bowl I (played after the 1966 season) and Super Bowl II (played after the 1967 season), both under coach Vince Lombardi. The Super Bowl trophy is named after Lombardi in his honor.
The Packers won their third Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXI) after the 1996 season, when Brett Favre was the quarterback. This victory came after a 30-year drought without a championship. The team's fourth Super Bowl win came after the 2010 season, when Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV.
Lambeau Field has hosted numerous playoff games and championship contests throughout its history. The stadium is considered one of the most difficult places for opposing teams to play, partly because of the weather and partly because of the passionate fan base that fills the stands.
Fan Experience and Traditions
Packers fans are known for their dedication, and Lambeau Field is often packed even during losing seasons. The stadium's location in a relatively small city (Green Bay's population is around 100,000) makes it unusual among major sports venues—most NFL stadiums are in much larger metropolitan areas.
The Lambeau Field Atrium, completed in 2015, provides a modern entrance experience with shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. The atrium is open on non-game days for tours and special events. The Packers Pro Shop, located in the atrium, sells team merchandise and memorabilia.
Tailgating is a major part of the Lambeau Field experience. The stadium has extensive parking areas where fans gather before games to cook food, socialize, and prepare for kickoff. The tradition of tailgating at Lambeau Field dates back decades and remains central to the game-day atmosphere.
Tours and Off-Season Access
Lambeau Field offers stadium tours on non-game days. Tours typically include access to the field level, the Packers Pro Shop, and various areas of the stadium. The tour route and specific areas available may vary depending on the day and any special events scheduled at the venue.
The Packers Hall of Fame is located at Lambeau Field and features exhibits about the team's history, notable players, and championship seasons. The hall of fame includes memorabilia, photographs, and interactive displays. Hours and admission prices vary seasonally.
During the NFL off-season (roughly May through August), Lambeau Field hosts other events including concerts, college football games, and high school championships. These events bring additional visitors to the stadium and help maintain the venue year-round.
Getting to Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is located at 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The stadium is accessible by car, and parking is available in multiple lots surrounding the venue. On game days, parking fills quickly, so arriving several hours before kickoff is recommended.
Green Bay is served by Austin Straubel International Airport, which has commercial flights to major hubs. The airport is about 10 miles from Lambeau Field. Ground transportation from the airport includes rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services.
Public transportation in Green Bay is limited compared to larger cities. The local transit system, Green Bay Metro Transit, operates bus routes, but most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing to reach the stadium. During major events, some special shuttle services may operate from downtown Green Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coldest game ever played at Lambeau Field?
The coldest game was the NFC Championship on January 20, 1968, when the temperature was minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of minus 46 degrees. This game is often called the "Ice Bowl." More recently, a playoff game on January 20, 2008, had a wind chill of minus 32 degrees.
Can I visit Lambeau Field when the Packers are not playing?
Yes, stadium tours are available on non-game days. The Packers Hall of Fame is also open to visitors during off-season hours. You can check the Packers' official website for current tour schedules and admission information, as hours vary by season.
How old is Lambeau Field compared to other NFL stadiums?
Lambeau Field opened in 1956, making it the second-oldest continuously used NFL stadium. Only Soldier Field in Chicago (opened 1919) is older among stadiums still in use. Several other stadiums have been rebuilt or relocated since their original construction.
Why is there grass at Lambeau Field instead of artificial turf?
The Packers have maintained natural grass at Lambeau Field as part of the stadium's tradition and character. Natural grass requires more maintenance, especially in winter, but the organization has invested in systems to keep the field playable year-round.
What is the Lambeau Leap?
The Lambeau Leap is a tradition where Packers players who score touchdowns jump into the stands to celebrate with fans. This tradition began in the 1980s and has become iconic to the stadium experience. Opposing players occasionally perform the leap at Lambeau Field as well.