Fans brave cold for Driver retirement tickets

GREEN BAY - Hundreds of Green Bay Packers fans braved the cold Friday morning to try to score tickets to Donald Driver's retirement ceremony next week.

Early arrival turned out to be a necessity, because the free tickets were gone in a matter of minutes. Some people who showed up didn't get tickets.

"Here we go! Big as life! Ever since 11:00 last night I've been here waiting!" said Ed Ferris, one of the fans waiting in line.

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With limited free tickets available, fans started lining up late Thursday night. They traveled from as far away as Michigan, Madison and Sturgeon Bay to show their love for number 80.

“I'm just so proud that he's going to retire in green and gold, especially after coming here as a rookie and playing here the entire time," Brian Frisque of Sturgeon Bay said.

"He's such a role model for people on and off the field,” said Alyssa Uhen of Oshkosh. “It's so much fun to watch him with his smile and I've watched him since I was a little girl."

The fans' dedication to “Double D” meant staying warm any way possible as temperatures dipped below zero degrees.

"I've got my blanket, 3 jackets on!" said Ashley Evoe.

"4 layers on the top, 3 on the bottom, snuggly warm boots," explained Jennifer Jorns.

It didn't take long for Donald Driver to find out about his fans standing in the freezing cold. He sent out this tweet about 8 a.m.:

And Driver’s fans love him - enough to spend a morning out in the cold to send him a warm farewell next Wednesday.

The Packers gave away about 1,000 tickets. All of them were gone just 15 minutes after the ticket offices opened at 9 a.m.

Driver's retirement ceremony is Wednesday at 11 a.m. If you were able to get a ticket, Packers officials say doors will open at 9:30. You should enter through the Miller Lite Gate, which is the atrium entrance.