From three prime-time games on Sunday night to a matchup with the Bears on Monday night, the Packers’ 2010 schedule packs an interesting punch.
After returning to the playoffs last year and recovering some key players from injuries, there is a strong feeling that the Pack could have a memorable season.
Ticket prices have gone up a bit this year at Lambeau Field, but the four-game preseason and 16-game regular season offer plenty of opportunities to see Green Bay in action, whether at home or away. Some games will offer easier access to tickets than others. Whether you’ve never been to a game at Lambeau Field or you’ve made it into a sport by getting sale tickets to just about every contest, it’s worth getting a feel for how the schedule will play out.
Preseason begins, as usual, with the Midwest Shrine Game on August 14. The Cleveland Browns are coming to town and giving fans their first look at some of the guys looking to make the roster. It’s a chance to say ‘welcome back’ to the Pack, have a nice evening and check out the rookies. No pre-season game is mandatory, but a lot of people like to get to that first game on the 2010 schedule. You’ll face a little competition for tickets, but it shouldn’t be hard to get some relatively cheap seats.
After a trip to Seattle, he returns home to face the Indianapolis Colts in what will be the last really significant preseason game (if there is such a thing). The starters are likely to play at least half and that goes for the Colts as well. Let’s hope Peyton Manning is healthy. It’s a tie and that could push prices up a bit. The Pack ends preseason in Kansas City, and if you’re in the area, it’ll probably be the cheapest ticket you’ll see all year. KC is not good and the preseason final game doesn’t offer much excitement.
The regular season opener is Sunday, September 12 in Philadelphia. Game 1 tickets are tough and fans love their Eagles. It’s also a new team, so if you’re looking to see this one in person, you’ll be up against not only a hostile local crowd, but plenty of other interested buyers from that area as well.
The Packers faced Buffalo on September 19 at noon in their home opener…always a tough ticket. You can take part in the Packer-Bear game in Chicago on what should be a nice Monday night in late September, but don’t forget his helmet. The Lions come to town the following week in what could be a ‘cheat game’. Coming off a Monday night in Chicago, the pack could find themselves in trouble. This might also be your first chance at relatively cheap tickets, as the Lions aren’t much of a draw.
The Pack then goes to Washington, where the Skins have a new coach and a new QB in Donovan McNabb. Seats at Redskin games are the most expensive in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins have a huge following across the country and rarely come to Green Bay. Expect plenty of Florida Dolphin fans to make the trip for a Sunday afternoon showdown in Lambeau. After that, it’s the first of two with Brett Favre and the Vikings. Last year tickets for this game sold for hundreds of dollars and we expect the same this time. Just saying “I was there” in what could be Favre’s last game in Green Bay will pay off.
The Packers then travel to take on the New York Jets. Again, a tough spot for the opposing fans and a great test for the greens and golds. From there comes November and a visit from the Dallas Cowboys. Again, expect an influx of fans from Cowboys country wanting the Lambeau experience and willing to pay impressive prices to do so. The Packers’ visit will be one of the biggest events on the Cowboys’ 2010 schedule.
After a week off, the Packers visit Minnesota. Could it be the last connection between Favre and the Pack? It’s always fun for Packer fans to visit the Metrodome since it’s relatively close, but tickets will once again be at the top.
From there, it’s off to Atlanta to face the Falcons in late November. Since it’s Thanksgiving week, you might be lucky with a cheap ticket, but airfare might be a different story. There’s no need to worry about the weather with the game taking place in the comfortable confines of the Georgia Dome.
After that, it’s Packer weather. The 49ers come to Lambeau when the Packers hope to start the playoff campaign. Sometimes tickets are a little cheaper in December and the Niners won’t be much of a draw. From there, it’s off to another indoor venue, Ford Field in Detroit. That one might be worth circling for a Packer road trip.
The game of the year could be December 19 when the Pack takes on the New England Patriots on the road. It will be in prime time, but it could also be a classic if you’re looking for a Christmas trip to the Boston area.
The New York Giants will fly to Green Bay on Christmas Day and play the Packers on Sunday, December 26 at 3:15. There’s not much doubt that the Packers’ cheap ticket deal-hunter could have things going for him for this one. Many people will be in vacation mode, spending time with friends and family or out of the area. It’s also a doubleheader, which means the TV will appeal to many.
The Packers end the season with a noon game in Lambeau against the Bears on January 2. Demand for tickets could depend on whether the stakes are high, but Bears fans will travel, and the rivalry always means solid demand. Again, if it’s too cold, it might be a good time to shop, assuming you can handle it!