The Green Bay Packers are surveying fans about possible expansion options in the south end zone of Lambeau Field.
Last September, an economic impact study indicated that adding as many as 10,000 seats at Lambeau Field could generate new revenue, new development and new jobs. And about a year ago, the team conducted focus groups asking fans about various seating options.
The new survey includes various indoor and outdoor seating concepts which the team says "would be unlike any other concepts currently being offered at other NFL facilities."
The plans, none of which are set in stone, include a variety of outdoor seating ranging from traditional seating to higher-end premium seating. Many of the seats would be under cover. "The unique design pushes the front row of every seating level forward to be as close as possible to the action, creating what has been referred to as the "Wall of Fans."
The team notes the proposed expansion would include a new facade and entry gate at the south side of the stadium.
In addition to showing what options the team is thinking about, the survey also is asking fans to tell them what they might be willing to pay.
The survey is apparently circulating this week among season-ticket holders and other shareholders.
Here's a brief rundown of what the Packers asked fans about. In each option, the Packers tried out various prices to gauge interest in the seating option.
1. One option in the south end zone is East and West Terrace bleacher seating with backs (see above). The area is outside but would be covered by the canopy. There also would be standing room viewing platforms of the field at the ends of the seating section.
The seating would be sold on a season basis as either a green or gold package game.
In the survey, fans are asked if they would be willing to pay $100 a game for the seats. Fans also are asked if they would be willing to pay 30% more in order to have stadium seating with chairbacks and armrests in the East and West Terraces.
2. Another option the Packers asked about is so-called "On the Wall" bleacher seating with backs. "This seating would be an enhancement to the general seating located throughout the main bowl of the stadium. This area would be located outside and centered on the end zone, but would still be covered by the canopy. Fans are asked if they would be willing to pay 30% more over the price of bleacher seating in order to have this kind of seating. According to the survey, this would mean individual stadium seats in the south end zone might cost $117 to $143 per seat per game compared with a bleacher seat elsewhere that would range in price from $90 to $110.
Other price points are discussed as well for each option.
3. The Packers also asked about so-called Gold Level stadium seats. According to the survey, these would be seats that would be better than general seating throughout the stadium. The seats would be 20 inches wide with arm and back rests.
4. The survey also includes a possible outdoor seating area that would be covered from the elements. "This area would have three rows of stadium seating (chairs with arm and back rests), high bench-like tables, and would be accessible only to patrons in this seating area. The area would consist of patio space that could include specialty food service, table top seating, standing room viewing platforms as well as 20-inch wide stadium seating. Access to this area would be limited to those whom purchase seating in this section." The seating area would be sold on a season-ticket basis.
5. Loge-style seating. "Seating in this area would have a capacity of 200 people and would include segregated three-row deep seating sections consisting of 10 to 12 upholstered 21-inch wide seats." The area would have access to an indoor lounge area. Access to this area would be limited to those whom purchase seating in the section, and would be sold on a full season-ticket basis.
6. Finally, the Packers asked about a possible open-air plaza or patio that would be available for standing room only single-game ticket sales.
The Packers have not indicated when they might move on expansion. The team is moving ahead with a new sound system, but put off for one year plans to add new videoboards.