Packers still have their sights on London

[Cheesehead]

“That was one we thought there was a chance,” Murphy said. “The Rams game last year, those of you who were there could see why they didn’t give it up. More than half the fans there in a huge stadium were Packers fans. The Chargers’ stadium is relatively small … but we’re looking forward to going out to LA. We’ll have to be satisfied with Winnipeg for now.”


While it’s not a regular-season game in London, next month’s trip to Canada will mark the Packers’ first international contest since they played Kansas City in a preseason game at the Tokyo Dome on Aug. 2, 1998.


One other possibility that could help the Packers’ overseas cause is the potential of more international opportunities if the NFL were to add a 17th regular-season game. Regardless, Murphy believes it’s in the best interest of all parties involved to give the franchise that opportunity.


“Working with the league, that would be our hope,” Murphy said. “Quite honestly, I think it would be great for our fans but I think it would be good for the league, too, to have an organization or a team like the Packers who are so popular globally for us to play overseas.”


Following Wednesday’s meeting, Murphy also said the Packers are still vying to host an NFL Draft, submitting applications for 2022 and 2024 (the 2023 draft is already scheduled to be held in Kansas City).


Murphy believes the continued development of Titletown and construction of the new Brown County Expo Center, which will be located across the street from Lambeau Field, could be appetizing to the league despite Green Bay’s small population. The $93 million facility is slated to open in early 2021.


The NFL began sending the draft to different cities in 2015, with the intention of bringing it to the franchises and fan bases that are unlikely to host a Super Bowl for geographical or climate reasons.


“Obviously we’re probably not going to get 600,000 people here for three days,” said Murphy, alluding to how many people attended the draft this past April in Nashville. “I don’t think it’s all about the revenue. Given our history and tradition, the reality is Bears fans, Vikings fans could drive up for a day. You don’t have to have 50,000 hotel rooms. We’re going to keep pushing for it because I think it would be great for the organization and community.”