By Mallory Allen
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Blizzard is set to host three home games at the Resch Center in a 16-day span — May 5, 13 and 20 – an experience dubbed “May Mayhem” by the organization.
“It’s definitely stressful, but really exciting too. We’re moving from the laser show into the post-game concert into the 20th season celebration. There’s been a ton of work and planning in our front office to make this all happen,” said Blizzard Director of Sales Ryan Hopson. “And it’s wild because once May is over, we’ll only have one home game to go.”
The basics
Founded in 2003, the Green Bay Blizzard is a member of the professional Indoor Football League (IFL).
Similar to the traditional style of football most fans are used to, the 50-yard field and other rules regarding formations and scoring that are distinctive to the IFL make for fast-paced, high-scoring, electrifying back-and-forth contests.
Every Blizzard home game has a theme, and along with that comes a variety of fun giveaways, promotions, and/or food and beverage specials for attendees to enjoy.
Players run through a “fan tunnel” comprised of area school groups and clubs during pre-game introductions; halftime performances feature youth sports teams, dancers or bands; and kids participate in games and challenges on the field during time outs and media breaks.
At the end of every game, fans are invited onto the field for the “Fifth Quarter” to take pictures with and get autographs from Blizzard players and coaches.
“Blizzard football is the best kept secret in Green Bay,” said Selena Cashman, who manages the team’s social media and community relations. “Affordable family fun, entertainment, football – you name it, we have it. You aren’t just getting a football game, but a full-on show.”
May Mayhem
Kickstarting the team’s busy month is “Kids Night” (May 5th, 6:05 p.m) in which children ages 12 and younger can attend the Blizzard game for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Local teachers will “Dash 4 Cash” to win money for their schools at halftime, and Cinco de Mayo food and beverage specials will be available.
After the game, fans will be treated to a special 20th season edition of the Blizzard’s annual laser-light show.
“I can’t wait to see the laser show,” Cashman said. “We first did it during the 2019 season and somehow, it gets even better every year. This year’s laser show is going to be epic.”
One week later (May 13th, 3:05p.m.) is the team’s yearly “Faith & Family Day” featuring a ost-game concert from Christian singer-songwriter Micah Tyler.
“All the May games are going to be great, but personally, I’m most excited about our Faith & Family Day,” Hopson said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing Micah Tyler perform after the game.”
Wrapping up “May Mayhem” is the Blizzard’s “20th Season Celebration” (May 20th, 6:05 p.m.) which will commemorate the Green Bay Blizzard franchise’s 20th birthday.
Blizzard alumni and staff from past years are set to return in honor of the team’s milestone season.
Since the Blizzard’s first season took place in 2003, the first 2,003 fans in the doors for the game on May 20 will receive a free doughnut and an exclusive 20th season trucker hat.
A career fair will be set up in the Resch Center concourse prior to the game, spotlighting job opportunities with businesses who are partners of the Green Bay Blizzard.
Join in
“Between all the themes, promotions, giveaways, special events and opportunities for fans to engage with the players, Blizzard games are about so much more than just football,” Cashman said. “It’s about coming together with friends and family and connecting as one big community.”
Hopson added that May Mayhem provides the perfect opportunity for people who have never experienced a Blizzard football game to give it a go.
“I dare you to try it out and not like it. Come to one of our games in May, or better yet, come to all three. We’ve got some amazing things planned and it’s crazy affordable. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on all the fun.”
For more information, visit www.greenbayblizzard.com.