Give Me What Green Bay Has

Listen, I understand that is a very upsetting way to start a Bears blog. But the reality is that with all of this talk about a new stadium for the Bears, being in Green Bay felt like an opportunity to see what all the hype is all about and what the Bears could learn for their next stadium project.

The Town

The very first thing I thought as I pulled into Green Bay and the stadium emerged and towered over the rest of this small town was, “This kind of reminds me of Arlington Heights.” 

It’s a smaller Arlington Heights but it’s similar. The houses are mostly built from that same generation. There are restaurants, bars, sidewalks and subdivisions. It’s a neighborhood. 

Like a Cubs game in Wrigleyville or a Notre Dame game in South Bend, there is a tangible aura as you pull into this town. I want that for the Bears.

The Atmosphere

Everything surrounding Lambeau Field feels intertwined with the culture of the Packers. You feel the tradition on the streets. The Lombardi Trophy is everywhere – and I mean everywhere. 

I can see how they became “Entitledtown.” Of course, that would happen. 

The fans, the players and the coaches  – everyone – is reminded of it at nearly every corner they turn. It’s the right kind of pressure in my opinion. Any young player walking into that town doesn’t have to be taught what they are playing for and who came before them. It’s represented at every turn in Green Bay.

The Tailgate

There’s a perfect symmetry of parking lot tailgates and backyard/garage tailgates. A perfect mixture of concrete and grass. Clear skies and great views. What a vibe. There’s even a little downtown street with some bars. 

You look at all of this and you think about Arlington Heights and you think about how it could be every bit of what this is, if not more. 

Although I will say it was shocking to see how slow Packers fans take to get going for a noon kickoff. I know Bears fans would have them beat by three hours minimum! Overall, there are some impressive backyard setups, some insane garages and endless potential and places that can always evolve. It’s a sports fanatic’s dream.

No Cookie Cutters!

When you look at Lambeau Field, it has a distinct look. When you look at the stadium, you see the Green Bay Packers. I don’t really know the proper way to say that other than to say that when we went to the Raiders stadium last year in Las Vegas, that stadium could’ve been anywhere in the world – and I would’ve believed you. When you walk around the concourse, you wouldn’t be able to tell if you were in Arizona or in Detroit. Your stadium needs character. The Packers have that. The Vikings have that. I want the Bears to have that.

Training Camp Solution?

One thing that stood out was the Packers’ practice facilities right across the street from Lambeau Field: the Don Hutson Center. I’ve seen it on TV on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” and beyond but when you see the layout of what they have adjacent to the stadium, you immediately see a pathway to solving the training camp problem the Bears have had. 

And yes, it’s a problem. It’s a nuisance. 

Not enough fans can get into Halas Hall. Practices are limited. There is no parking. There are no stores. There just isn’t enough of everything. 

With the Packers? They have their own little town here. Restaurants, parking, space, opportunity, and most importantly, practice facilities that can fit everyone. Maybe the Bears can look into something similar and leave Halas Hall to be where business gets done.

Inside the stadium

The fans feel on top of the field from top to bottom. That’s how it should be. The more spread out, the worse it feels. Lambeau Field is not like that. You feel like you’re hovering over the field. 

Or maybe I was just wobbly from the beating. 

Either way, the field feels suffocated by the fans. It’s not like that everywhere. I can remember going to Jerry’s World in the early years of that stadium opening for the Cowboys. And that stadium felt spread out and cavernous. The noise didn’t travel as well. Take it from the Seahawks, who have a definitive advantage with the architecture of their stadium: noise matters! And how your stadium is designed has a huge impact on that.

The Bears Need To Hear It

I know some have been annoyed by the flowers I’ve been throwing at Green Bay and their amazing football town. But you know what? Bears fans deserve that. I want that. And Arlington Heights could EASILY be that, if not more.