Fans chanted “Go, Pack, go,” and the Green Bay Packers did just that Monday, departing Lambeau Field en route to Super Bowl XLV amid a rousing sendoff.
Several hundred fans turned out as team members boarded four buses outside the stadium and headed for the airport.
Snow and cold did not discourage fans from dressing in green and gold and gathering outside the stadium to witness the team’s official departure.
“You’ve got to be here, man,” said Joel Blean of De Pere. “I’ve been a Packer fan all my life, and this is what Packers fans do.”
Fans pressed up against chain link fences to watch players and other team officials make their way to chartered buses parked on the stadium’s west side.
A cheer went up from the crowd with each player sighting. When the fence sprang open and the buses pulled away at about noon, many fans ran across the parking lot and chased after the vehicles, hoping for one last glimpse.
“I want to see them all,” said Brittany Sack of Appleton, who was wearing green and gold striped overalls. “I’ve got to show my spirit.”
The team flew to Texas to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in football’s biggest game Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Team president Mark Murphy addressed Monday’s crowd over a loud speaker and told fans that the Packers were focused on capturing their fourth Super Bowl title.
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“We’re going to bring the Lombardi trophy back here where it belongs,” Murphy said, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Despite inclement weather conditions, fans dressed in wild costumes, chanted, and waved signs for more than an hour.
John Tubbs of Ashwaubenon said he took the day off work to join the fun.
“This is exciting,” he said. “It’s just like the good old days when you knew we were going all the way. Everybody feels it.”
Pat Vandenack traveled from Marinette to wave pompoms and show her spirit.
“We are sending our team off, and we hope they come back Super Bowl champions,” she said.
Some fans said they would be following the Packers to Texas and attending the big game — or hoping to get tickets down there.
Greg Hiebing of Appleton went to Monday’s sendoff hoping to purchase tickets. He followed the Packers to Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII, but could not get tickets.
“I’ve been to two Super Bowls and never been inside,” he said. “I want to try and go this year and actually get inside the stadium.”
Mark Madson of Clinton and Dieter Sturm of Lake Geneva showed off their “Packer Mobile,” a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado convertible decked out in green and gold. The two men said they plan to drive to Texas and tailgate at the big game.
“We’re going to have a hell of a time,” Madson said.
See the Packer Mobile
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