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Seahawks-Packers playoff game at Lambeau: What you need to know if you're going

Kendra Meinert
Green Bay Press-Gazette
An image of Green Bay Packers playersis projected on the west side of Lambeau Field on Thursday ahead of the team's home playoff against the Seattle Seahawks in Green Bay.

Lambeau Field is ready to host its first playoff game in three years on Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers in an NFC divisional-round playoff game.

Whether you're coming from across town or across the country, here's what to know if you're going.

Kickoff: 5:40 p.m.

Parking lots: Open at 1:40 p.m. The Lambeau Field lot is sold out to fans with season parking passes. Tailgating spots across the street from the stadium on Ridge Road are $40 per car, on a first-come, first-served basis. Many residents and businesses in the Lambeau Field neighborhood also park cars on their property. Don’t be surprised if prices are higher for the playoff game, assuming the forecast (see below) allows for yard parking. The nearby Resch Center offers reserved parking for cars and buses on its grounds; check availability at ticketstaronline.com. You can find more parking info at packers.com.

Lambeau Field Atrium: Opens at 1:40 p.m. Access is through the American Family Insurance Gate, and you must have a game ticket to enter.

Jasmine, left, and Derek Bennett, from East Troy, are bundled up from the cold before the Green Bay Packers  game against the Washington Redskins Dec. 8 at Lambeau Field. The forecast high for Sunday's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks is 25 degrees.

1919 Kitchen & Tap: Open at 1:40 p.m. to ticketed guests only. If you want to warm up with a bowl of Beer Cheese Bisque or 1919 Chili after the game, it's open until midnight.

Packers Pro Shop: Opens at 1:40 p.m. to ticketed guests only and will be open for one hour after the game ends.

Johnsonville Tailgate Village: Opens 1:40 p.m. Three-piece pop-rock band Doozey will play from 1:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The party space on the east side of the stadium parking lot serves food and drinks and is open to the public before, during and for an hour after the game. Fans without a ticket to the game can watch it on 35 plasma screens inside. 

Lambeau Field gates open: 3:40 p.m.

Re-entry: Not allowed. Once you’re in, you’re in. Make sure you have everything you need once you get in line to enter the stadium.

Security: Searches and walk-through metal detectors will be in place. Allow extra time for getting through security lines due to the heavier clothing. Consider the free "The Pack is Back" rally towel giveaway a thanks for being patient and courteous.

A Green Bay Packers fan is frisked after triggering a metal detector at the Mills Fleet Farm Gate  before the Aug. 11 preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field.

What you can bring in: Fans can carry in items in a clear bag that does not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a 1-gallon clear plastic bag. Additional clothing, blankets and unzipped sleeping bags will be allowed if carried in loosely. Small clutch purses the size of a woman's hand, measuring no larger than 4½ by 6½ inches, are permitted but subject to search. 

What you can’t bring in: Firearms, knives, switchblades, bags, backpacks, coolers, strollers, umbrellas, duffel bags, large purses, fanny packs, obstructive banners or signs and noisemakers. Food and beverages are all prohibited.

Cameras and phones: Small cameras, binoculars and cellphones are acceptable if carried in loosely or in approved clear bag. Selfie sticks, video cameras and still photo cameras with lenses longer than 12 inches are not.

Bottom line: Leave any unnecessary items at home and travel light (or as light as you can when bundling up for the cold).

People shovel snow at Lambeau Field on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Adam Rodewald/Press-Gazette Media

Weather: Game day looks quiet, at least by January standards, with a high of 25 and cloudy skies, with temperatures in the teens around game time. Earlier in the week, the weather forecast called for 8-10 inches of snow, but since then that winter storm system has pushed east and south. The forecast Saturday morning calls for only about an inch of snow Saturday night. That prompted the Packers to reduce the number of shovelers needed to help clear Lambeau from 700 to 350, beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday. Fans should still allow extra travel time for navigating possible snow-covered roads and streets to get to Lambeau on game day.

What to wear: Count on a minimum of four hours out in the elements, so it's function over fashion. Layer up and pay special attention to keeping your head, feet and hands warm. They’re always the first to feel it when the cold sets in. Those disposable feet and toe warmer packs you can stick in your boots are your best friend.

Free hot drinks: There will be free hot cider and Kwik Trip hot chocolate to help fans keep warm. The hot chocolate will be available at 40 concession stands in the stadium. Hot cider will be available at sections 105, 106, 133, 134, 326 and 427. There's a limit of two per person.

Country singer-songwriter Abbey Cone will perform the national anthem at Sunday's playoff game at Lambeau Field.

National anthem: Abbey Cone, a singer-songwriter named to the 2020 class of CMT’s Next Women of Country, will sing the anthem. There is no flyover.

Halftime: The High School Quarterback Challenge Championship will feature winners from the regular season battling it out in a bracket-style competition.

Packers alumni: If you want to congratulate former Packers cornerback Al Harris on his upcoming induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in April, he’ll be on Lambeau’s club level from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. Look for former receiver James Jones to pop up at random locations around Lambeau during the same time. 

Snow sculptures: Check out three large snow sculptures outside Lambeau Field created by Team USA Snow Sculpture, including a bust of Bart Starr.

A snow tuber gets a view of Lambeau Field as he begins the ride down Ariens Hill in the Titletown District.

What’s happening in the Titletown District: The outdoor skating rink and tubing hill are both open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Prices have been increased for game day: $15 to skate (includes rink admission and skate rental) and $7 for a single tube ride. There also will be free activities throughout the park from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. as part of Titletown Gameday Live, including live music and ice carving. Find more information at titletown.com.

What’s happening at the Stadium District: Whether your jersey says “Rodgers” or “Wilson,” you’ll find plenty of fellow fans in the sports bar neighborhood near Lambeau Field. It’ll be the nightlife hub for out-of-town visitors throughout the weekend.

Anduzzi’s Sports Club is doing back-to-back bands: The Presidents at 9 p.m. Saturday and Johnny Wad for its tailgate party from 2:40 to 5:40 p.m. Sunday. Stadium View Bar & Grille will host signings by former Packers players Gilbert Brown and Dave Robinson at 3 p.m. Sunday as part of its pregame festivities. The Bar on Holmgren Way, Green Bay Distillery and D2 Stadium District Sports Pub will get in on the action, too.

Lambeau Field in Green Bay, pictured on Jan. 8.

What else is happening around town: Well ... it’s January. In Green Bay. On the first weekend after the first full work week post-holidays. So, in other words, not much. The area’s primary concert venues — Resch Center, Meyer Theatre, Weidner Center, Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center, Green Bay Distillery (concert hall only) and Lyric Room — are all dark this weekend. 

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Contact Kendra Meinert at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KendraMeinert