Packers to cut off alcohol sales early

GREEN BAY - Fans of the losing team in Saturday's playoff game at Lambeau Field might not be able to cry into their beers, because their cups could be empty.

Saturday night's playoff game is against a big rival, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Green Bay Packers are taking extra steps to make sure fans behave themselves.

The team is cutting off alcohol sales after halftime. Not only that, police and security workers will be extra vigilant during the game.

"Live and die and breathe Packer," said Dan Algie.

Algie drove from New York to Lambeau for the Packers-Vikings matchup.

"Every year we come," Algie said.
 
However, this game will be different
.
Packers officials say fans can't buy alcohol once the third quarter begins.
 
Normally, the taps run through the end of the third quarter.

"It's a different nature, this game. It's a Saturday night, it's a playoff game, it's against a division rival, all those things add up," said Packers director of corporate security Doug Collins.

Team officials also promise police and security workers will be tough.

"There's not going to be as many warnings for those that are using obscene language or inappropriate behaviors. We're just going to escort them out," Collins said.

After the Packers-Vikings game last month, a Minnesota man was charged with disorderly conduct after a fight in a parking lot near the stadium.

But the team says that incident and others like it did not cause the decision for shorter alcohol sales and stronger security.

They say this game has unique circumstances.

"The message to our officers to have zero tolerance, and to be very vigilant on all ordinances, so that we are ensuring the safety of everybody at the game," said Green Bay Police Lt. Kevin Warych.

Green Bay Police say they'll have additional officers both at the stadium and in the parking lot.

The Packers say 99 percent of fans follow the code of conduct. Some fans in that majority feel they're being punished by the shorter alcohol sales.

"Very disappointing! This was my Christmas gift from my family, my three children are with me, we made the trek, I still say, 'Go Pack Go,' but I want my beer too!" exclaimed Algie.

• Click here to read the full fan code of conduct

The Packers are also asking fans to help out the team by reporting poor conduct to stadium and law enforcement personnel.

The team also reminds fans to arrive early, as enhanced security measures are still in place. Fans can move through the gates faster by bringing only the essentials to the game, lessening screening time.