Green Bay Packers sendoff and return plans

GREEN BAY - Due to security reasons, fans won't be able to see the Green Bay Packers off at Austin Straubel Airport.

But Packers officials say fans will be able to come to Lambeau Field before the team heads to the airport on Monday. That will take place at 11:45 a.m. at the Mills Fleet Farm Gate in the southwest parking lot.

Plans have also been made for those wanting to cheer on the Packers when they return to Lambeau on Monday, Feb. 7. Fans are being asked to gather on Packerland Drive, Hazelwood Lane and Lombardi Ave. as the team’s buses return. An exact time has not been determined, but it is expected to be between 2 and 3 p.m.

"There was concern around the parade route about pedestrians getting real close to the buses," said Lt. Jeremy Muraski with the Green Bay Police Department. "Obviously we want to make sure the pedestrians are safe. We want to have some setbacks so the busses can safely travel. So the crowd is safe."

When the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI in 1997, there was a parade that ran through downtown Green Bay. More than 100,000 fans gathered along the route in the freezing cold. Crowds around the buses slowed the procession to a halt at times, taking hours longer than expected.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt met with the Packers Thursday and was hoping downtown would get another shot.

"I think there's things from 14 years ago that maybe didn't go as smoothly," said Schmitt. "I tried to explain, it is a different administration, we are planners. But look, they are the customer in this. We can't have a parade without them."

The Green Bay Packers are also planning a special “Return to Titletown” celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at Lambeau Field, from 4 to 5 p.m. The event will only take place if the Packers win Super Bowl XLV.

Tickets priced at $5, will go on sale Monday, Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. through Ticketmaster. A limit of 20 tickets per person will be in place. A portion of the proceeds will benefit charity. Parking will be free.

Players, coaches, and team officials will take part in the event. There will also be a special season highlights video and fireworks.