Lambeau tailgate traditions

GREEN BAY - For 13 years, John Bell and his friends have waited to come back to Lambeau Field on Super Bowl Sunday.

“We said from the get-go, every time the Packers go to the Super Bowl, this is what we're gonna do,” said Bell.

With a bonfire, food and a modest television, the group takes in the game from the only place they want to be.

“The hallowed ground, the frozen tundra and all it's about. This is the place to be,” said James Zirbel, a friend of Bell’s.

In 1997 the tradition began for the friends, and they rang in a Super Bowl win.

“It was a great time, we decided to do it again the next year,” said Bell.

So again in 1998, with a similar set up, they parked in Lambeau’s lot for another Super Bowl tailgate.

“There was no one in the parking lot except for us and a couple reporters,” said Zirbel.

But things have changed since then and other fans have started a similar tradition.

“We couldn't have picked a better spot to watch the game,” said Taylor Siolka, Green Bay.

“We were 10 years old last time the Packers were in the Super Bowl. This is a long time coming,” said Tyler Chrisinger, Green Bay.

Fans were living it up in the parking lot doing the Raji dance and their best Aaron Rodgers impressions. And they came prepared in all different ways. One group rolled in with party bus.

“Why come to Lambeau Field? This is where it all started! The trophy history!” said Curt Beams, owner of the party bus.

Another came with an apartment-like set up.

“I got my recliner and they have the couch and bits and pieces and here we are, the living room,” said Ray Papke, Ashwaubenon.

They are among about one dozen groups that have made the Packers parking lot a Super Bowl party zone.

“You can't go wrong coming out here,” said Eric VandenAcker, Green Bay.

And while the spot is still relatively low key, with not nearly as much traffic as the local bars, it’s tradition that keeps these fans coming.

“Couldn't ask for a better spot to tailgate,” said Zirbel.