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Packer backers Fans celebrate signing of Lambeau Field financing bill
Posted: Monday May 15, 2000 10:35 AM
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Blustery winds didn't stop about 1,000 high-spirited Packers fans from gathering in Lambeau Field to witness Gov. Tommy Thompson's signing of a bill to help the team renovate the 43-year-old stadium. Most fans were adorned in green-and-gold team gear for the event. Fan Larry Primeau, nicknamed the "Packalope," roamed the crowd with Mardi Gras beads draped across the antlers he wears attached to a Packers helmet. Kids in numbered jerseys threw footballs on the playing field, where the signing was held, as the crowd cheered for the governor and Packers president Bob Harlan.
In one section of the stadium, about a dozen protesters held up signs denouncing the proposed half-percent sales tax that Brown County residents will vote on in September. Among the messages on the signs were: "The Final Vote Is Yours -- VOTE NO," and "We Are Few Representing Many -- VOTE NO." About twice as many supporters of the project were also in the stands, displaying signs urging taxpayers to "Save Our Stadium for Our Kids" and "Vote YES for Our Home Team," and dispersed when the governor arrived on the field. The crowd was in a celebratory mood and most seemed confident the sales tax referendum would pass in November. Many said the tax would not be a burden on county residents. "It's only a half percent. Other counties have higher taxes. The team is a big revenue-maker. It brings more money into the economy," said Green Bay resident Todd Klopp, who brought his three sons. "The biggest payers will be corporations and visitors from out of state. For residents, it's pennies a day," said Frank Schmechel, who held a pro-Packers sign behind the protesters.
"It's a good thing for the city and the county. It'll keep the team a valuable resource. People move here to be near the Packers," said Mike Hendricks of Green Bay. "Opponents are taking a narrow-minded approach. If they understood the impact on the economy they would vote for the tax," Green Bay businessman Larry Obermann said. Negative publicity surrounding some team members' legal troubles didn't appear to faze the celebrants. "I don't like taxes supporting ridiculous salaries and subsidizing bad behavior in professional sports. But Green Bay would not be on the map without the Packers," Obermann said. Several longtime fans looked back nostalgically at the connection between the town and the team. "It's a part of history. It means everything in the world to me. I've been coming here since I was a little boy," said Jerry Mortell, a Packers timekeeper for 32 years.
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