FOND DU LAC, Wis. — The Packers 2025 Tailgate Tour features current players and alumni packed into a Packers-themed bus to visit several communities throughout the state.
For Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness, it’s the first time he has participated in the Packers Tailgate Tour. He joined fellow third year pro Tucker Kraft as they met and took photos with fans. Van Ness said this has been a fun experience so far.
“It’s just awesome to get inside these factories and be around the amazing hard-working people of Wisconsin and just the people that support us and allow us to do what we love on Sundays,” said Van Ness.
For others, it was not their first time participating in the Packers Tailgate Tour. Packers Hall of Fame offensive lineman Marco Rivera participated over a decade ago after his playing days. He said when they asked him to join again, he jumped at the opportunity.
“You see the smiles on their faces, the handshakes,” said Rivera. “It’s just, it’s a special feeling, it’s a great feeling, it’s special fans.”
On Tuesday morning, the Packers stopped at the Robinson Inc. production plant in De Pere and the Mercury Marine factory in Fond du Lac. Jennifer Stuart is a support tech at Mercury Marine. She said seeing Packers players and legends take time out of their days to spend time with the community is incredible.
“I don’t know of any other major sports teams that do this and come to the community and talk to us and interact,” said Stuart. “That’s why the Packer fans have such a long waiting list is because we’re rabid fans, because they do things like this.”
Van Ness said he is focused on this upcoming season but is making sure to take in this unique experience.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning about Mercury and the motors and the industrial process behind it… it’s been a lot of fun so far,” said Van Ness.
The five-day tour with over 15 total planned and surprised stops, will continue through Saturday, April 12.
