The Green Bay Packers’ annual Family Night event is a popular preseason showcase that gives fans an opportunity to see the team in action before the regular season begins. With limited seating capacity at Lambeau Field, tickets for Family Night often sell out quickly.
What is Packers Family Night?
Packers Family Night is an annual event held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It takes place in early August, typically on a Friday evening. The event gives Packers fans a chance to see the team practice in a game-like atmosphere at the storied Lambeau Field stadium.
Family Night serves as a warmup for both the fans and the team leading up to the NFL preseason. It allows the Packers coaching staff to run game situations in front of a live crowd, test plays and substitutions, try different personnel groups, and sharpen timing and communication. For fans, it provides an exciting first look at the new Packers team and a fun summertime outing for the whole family.
The practice session is followed by an on-field kicking demonstration and a fireworks show. There are also family-oriented activities around the stadium including games, music, vendors, and player autographs. Parking proceeds from the event go to support Wisconsin charities.
When and where is Packers Family Night held?
Packers Family Night is held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the Packers since 1957. The event usually takes place on a Friday evening in early August, often a week or two prior to the Packers’ first preseason game.
Here are the dates for recent and upcoming Packers Family Nights:
- 2022 – Friday, August 5
- 2021 – Saturday, August 7
- 2020 – Canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019 – Friday, August 2
- 2018 – Thursday, August 2
- 2017 – Saturday, August 5
The event typically begins between 5:30 and 6:30 pm local time with parking lots opening beforehand. The weather at that time of year in Green Bay is usually mild, with average high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit.
How to get tickets to Packers Family Night
Tickets for Packers Family Night are in high demand every year among Packers fans and they often sell out completely. Here are some tips for getting tickets:
- Mark your calendar – tickets usually go on sale in late June or early July.
- Buy early – purchase as soon as tickets go on sale to the public.
- Check Packers website – tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the Packers ticket office.
- Join waitlist – if sold out, join the Packers ticket waitlist for potential late releases.
- Buy resale – use reputable sites like NFL Ticket Exchange or StubHub.
- Invite friends – join other Packers fan groups and pool ticket requests.
The team typically announces ticket availability and on-sale dates in May or June through their website, email newsletters, and social media channels. Fans who want the best chance at getting tickets should be prepared to buy as soon as sales open to the public.
How much do Family Night tickets cost?
Ticket prices for Packers Family Night vary depending on seat location:
Seat Location | Price Per Ticket |
---|---|
End zone/corners | $10 |
End zone bleachers | $15 |
Sideline bench | $25 |
Sideline with backs | $35 |
Club seats | $50 |
There are additional fees per order. Convenience fees apply when purchasing online through Ticketmaster. Prices may be higher when buying tickets resale on secondary markets.
Kids ages 6-14 receive a discount of $5 off the seating section price. Kids 5 and under get free general admission tickets when accompanied by an adult.
Is Family Night sold out for 2022?
As of October 16, 2022, Packers Family Night scheduled for August 5, 2022 is sold out. There is currently a waitlist on Ticketmaster for ticket releases.
The Packers announced on July 12, 2022 that tickets for the August 5 event were sold out to the general public. They typically sell out very quickly every year, usually within hours or days of going on sale.
Fans who still wish to attend should monitor the Packers ticket site and sign up for the waitlist on Ticketmaster. Additional tickets could potentially be released day-of-event if players, staff, or other holds do not get used. But availability is not guaranteed.
Other ways to attend Family Night
For those unable to get tickets to Packers Family Night, there are a couple other options to take in the atmosphere and excitement:
- Attend live TV or radio broadcasts – Local Green Bay stations like WGBA-TV and WTAQ radio set up live on-site broadcasts for the event. Fans can watch or listen in person as the hosts preview the upcoming season.
- Tailgate nearby – Join other fans tailgating in the Lambeau parking lots. You can grill food, play games, and listen to the practice action from just outside the stadium.
- Watch at home – Much of Family Night is broadcast on TV and radio. Watch or listen live from anywhere as the team warms up for the season.
What happens at Family Night?
Packers Family Night kicks off with player warmups around 5:30 pm. Team introductions follow at around 6:30 pm with players running out through the tunnel underneath the giant Packers helmet.
The team then runs a structured practice session from around 6:45 to 8 pm, running plays in different game-like situations. Coaches use the time to evaluate different personnel combinations and packages. Fans in the stands get an up-close look at the new squad.
Following practice, specialists like Mason Crosby showcase their skills in kicking and punting contests around 8:15 pm. A fireworks show then lights up the Green Bay sky around 9:15 pm.
Throughout the evening, fans can enjoy music, contests, food, and drinks. Current and alumni players sign autographs. Kids have the chance to run around on the field after the fireworks end the evening with a bang.
Key events at Packers Family Night
Here is a typical Packers Family Night schedule:
- 5:30 pm – Parking lots open
- 5:30 pm – Player warmups
- 6:30 pm – Team introductions
- 6:45-8:00 pm – Team practice
- 8:15 pm – Kicking & punting contests
- 9:15 pm – Fireworks show
Why attend Packers Family Night?
There are many great reasons to attend Packers Family Night if you can get tickets:
- See the new team – Get a first look at new acquisitions and draft picks in Packers uniforms.
- Experience Lambeau – Soak in the atmosphere at the legendary stadium during practice.
- Excitement buildup – Helps kick off the football season and get fans energized.
- Unique event – The intra-squad scrimmage is only held this one time per year.
- Affordable – Ticket prices are reasonable compared to regular season games.
- Spectacle – Fireworks, contests, music, and more cap off the evening.
For die-hard Packers fans, the tradition, camaraderie, and anticipation of Family Night makes it a can’t-miss event each year. It’s a green and gold celebration in Titletown unlike any other.
Packers Family Night history
The origins of Packers Family Night date back over 50 years though it was not always known by that name. Here is a brief history of the event:
- 1967 – Vince Lombardi introduces intrasquad scrimmage, a practice game between Packers players.
- 1999 – Scrimmage returns as “Packers Preview” under Coach Ray Rhodes.
- 2004 – Preview renamed “Fan Fest” after renovations added lights.
- 2010 – Event becomes “Family Night” under Coach Mike McCarthy.
- 2022 – Family Night continues annual tradition for fans.
The current Family Night format with practice, contests, fireworks, and more has occurred annually since 2010, with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alternatives for sold out Family Night
For those unable to attend the sold out Packers Family Night this year, here are some alternative Packers events to experience:
- Training camp – Free public practices are held throughout camp in late July and early August.
- Alumni Weekend – Interact with Packers greats during this annual reunion.
- Packers Hall of Fame – Visit the Hall year-round and tour Lambeau Field.
- Preseason games – Watch the team play at Lambeau in their first exhibitions.
- Regular season – Try to obtain tickets to a game later in the fall.
While nothing quite compares to Family Night itself, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to still get their Packers fix during the preseason and regular season.
Conclusion
Packers Family Night offers a one-of-a-kind experience for Green Bay fans leading up to kickoff each season. The intra-squad scrimmage under the lights at Lambeau Field lets supporters get an early glimpse of the new team while building excitement for the upcoming NFL season.
Given the limited seating and massive demand, Family Night typically sells out completely within hours of tickets going on sale to the public. Fans hoping to attend need to act swiftly to try and secure seats. While a long shot, signing up for waitlists can provide a chance at last minute ticket releases.
Those unable to get tickets still have alternatives to get in on the Family Night atmosphere through local broadcasts, tailgating, or watching at home. And there are plenty of other opportunities to see the Packers in action during training camp, preseason games, and the regular season ahead.