Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/147468
UPFRONT connections By Sean Lyons Welcome back! Green Bay business event welcomes the Packers with annual luncheon H ow would you like to have lunch with B. J. Raji? To talk with Jordy Nelson about the upcoming season over coffee? To argue with Clay Matthews over who will get the last piece of cake? Indeed, few fans get the chance to rub elbows with Packers players, 20 | Insight • A u g u s t 2 013 C O U R T E S Y G R E E N B AY A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E The "Welcome Back Packers Luncheon," hosted by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce every year in late August, sells out fast. but every year, at the close of the summer, some lucky people do. The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's annual "Welcome Back Packers Luncheon" will take place in the Lambeau Field Atrium Aug. 28. The Packers are introduced for the lunch when they're ready, as they will be coming from that morning's practice. Every player will be in attendance (except for those that might be injured). The event was first held back in the 1960s when Vince Lombardi was coach. Originally as a dinner, it was hosted after the first week of training camp. In 1996, former Coach Mike Holmgren changed it to a luncheon, continuing the tradition at a different time in the day. The event is capped at 900 attendees. There are 100 tables with spots for nine people, plus a 10th empty chair – reserved for a "mystery" Packers player. Just before lunch is served, the players and coaches are introduced, one by one. Each draws a number from a bucket that corresponds to a specific table and is escorted, to applause, to the lucky group. Afterward, Coach Mike McCarthy is expected to give a brief speech about the upcoming season. Given the excitement surrounding the event, it sells out quickly, "within a matter of a few days," says Marilyn Heim, special events coordinator at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. One thing to remember is that this is an annual event. Knowing how much pride Titletown has in its team, the tradition will undoubtedly continue. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m