GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers began their 12-hour flight to Brazil early Wednesday morning.
Fans bundled up near the tarmac waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite Packers players.
Green Bay residents Rob and Maureen Pritchard have been Packers fans all their lives. Maureen Pritchard said they have attended many send offs in the past, but this one is special.
“This is historic. It’s a big deal. It’s a big deal for them to be going to South America for the first time,” said Maureen Pritchard. “We like to make sure that the team knows that the community is behind them. The kids love to come out and see the team or any chance that they can get.”
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport director Marty Piette said some airlines are adding non-stop flights out of Green Bay to help deal with the uptick in passengers for away games.
“We’re seeing a number of fans come through the airport on their way to Brazil,” said Piette. “The Packers themselves just flew out this morning. We also see an awful lot of fans travel through the terminal building for away games. Some teams travel better than others, but certainly Packer games are busy for us.”
While some fans watched the takeoff, others were preparing for their own flight. Erika Robillard said as soon as she found out the Packers were playing in Brazil, she bought tickets.
“We love international travel,” said Robillard. “We have never been to Brazil, so we thought it was a great opportunity… unique experience in an international country, in a soccer stadium. And I think it’ll be very different.”
Fans across the state are excited after the playoff run in 2023 and are eager for the season to start. Rob Pritchard and his family have attended many Packers offseason events this year to show their support. That included being at the airport early on Wednesday morning.
“It’s super exciting. We absolutely love the Packers, training camp, all the time and I’m building up to this for a long time and we’re ready to go,” said Rob Pritchard. “I’m expecting a good game, a competitive game. I think it’s going to be close, but I think we’re going to pull it out in the end and say, come back to Green Bay, undefeated.”
The Packers open their season against the Philadelphia Eagles Friday night at 7:15 p.m. in São Paulo, Brazil.