NFL Commissoner Roger Goodell Impressed By Plans To Expand Lambeau Field

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday that he "was impressed with plans to expand Lambeau Field" by the start of the '13 season, according to Don Walker of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Goodell noted that he "had seen the plans to add as many as 6,600 seats on the south end-zone area of Lambeau Field." Goodell: "I think it's great and responsive to the fans. And that's more general admission seats." The commissioner was a "little more circumspect about one aspect of the financing plan." The Packers have said that they "are considering seeking NFL permission to have a stock sale as part of the financing plan." Goodell said that he is "aware of the stock sale request, and said the matter would have to go through a few NFL committees before a decision is made" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 9/9).

ROCK ON: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman noted the "big-party atmosphere infusing the area" around Lambeau Field before Thursday night's Saints-Packers season opener is something the Packers "would like to see" more often throughout the year. Talk of a Titletown Entertainment District "has been swirling since the renovation of Lambeau Field in 2003, but there are no definitive plans as yet." The Packers "are spending $143 million to expand Lambeau Field by 6,600 seats, add new entrances and make other improvements, and have talked of developing the east parking lot." But for now, the team "is focusing on the recently announced project." The Packers have said that "development outside the boundaries of Lambeau Field, even on land the team owns, will rely in part on collaboration with Green Bay, Ashwaubenon and Brown County" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 9/8).