Packers training camp opens

The Green Bay Packers open the 63rd edition of training camp Monday, and along with players, coaches and staff taking the field, more than 100,000 fans are expected to visit between the first practice, July 28, and the final open practice, Aug. 26.

In addition to Packers practices, followers of the Green and Gold will take in the new Tundra Tailgate Zone, the Lambeau Field Atrium, the Packers Hall of Fame, Lambeau Field Stadium Tours and the Packers Pro Shop.

For visitors to training camp, an all-encompassing guide, www.packerstrainingcamp.com, is available online with daily practice schedules, activities schedules and other important information.

According to the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, training camp will attract an estimated 115,000 visitors from across the nation and as many as 20 foreign countries. With an economic impact estimated at more than $48 million, training camp has a positive financial impact on many area businesses. The figures do not include activity from Family Night.

The newest attraction this summer is the Tundra Tailgate Zone. The free attraction is a 46,000-square foot area in the parking lot on the stadium's east side which includes three climate-controlled tents that will house an entertainment area with a main stage, the Packers Experience presented by Kemps, and a food and beverage area.

The Packers Experience presented by Kemps, a popular interactive games area that annually draws thousands, returns for a fifth summer. Free to the public, it begins July 28 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours vary each day, based on the practice schedule. It will be closed July 31, and Aug. 4, 7, 10, 12, 15-17. All children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian to enter the area. A signed waiver of liability by the minor's parent or legal guardian is required upon entering and may be downloaded from www.packerstrainingcamp.com and signed in advance to present upon entering.

The "Future Lambeau Leapers" area, designed specifically for fans ages 12 and younger, will take place in the main stage tent in the Tundra Tailgate Zone this year. The area will give kids the chance to meet players, shake their hands, and potentially get autographs. Players will appear in the tent following the first practice of the day (either the 8:45 a.m. or 2 p.m. workout).

The Arise Health Plan Wellness Headquarters returns this year. Other Packers partners will have a presence at camp, too, including Packers Partners Club of Champions, Packer Fan Tours, Gatorade, American Family Insurance, Johnson & Johnson, Kohls and DiGiorno.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame will be a popular choice for thousands of training camp attendees. New films have been added to the mix, as well as other updates. Its extended training camp hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (920/569-7512 hotline). Lambeau Field Stadium Tours features expanded hours during as well (schedules are available online and through the hotline, (920) 569-7513). Ticket sales begin at 8 a.m. The Legendary Lambeau Experience, a two-hour walking tour, returns this summer after a successful debut in 2007. It features stops in the Lee Remmel Press Box, network TV broadcast booth and visitors locker room. Included in the tour is an admission pass to the Packers Hall of Fame, a snack on the tour, a Packers seat cushion, and a $5 interactive game card for the Curly’s Game Zone at Curly’s Pub.

The Packers Pro Shop also features extended training camp hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (7:30 on days with night practices) Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays (800/992-5750 hotline). Special hours will be in place for Family Night and preseason games. Additionally, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open to visitors and contains several dining options, including Curly’s Pub and Frozen in Time, plus four eateries. Check www.packerstrainingcamp.com for hours of operation.

In addition to www.packerstrainingcamp.com, a matrix message board in the Tundra Tailgate Zone will display practice times, Atrium information and scheduled activities. A Fan Assistance Kiosk will be located in the Tundra Tailgate Zone, too. A complimentary camp guide will be available daily at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel kiosk.