By Mara Allen
Contributing Writer
ASHWAUBENON – On Jan. 8, the Green Bay Packers lost to the Detroit Lions, ending their season and leaving fans without football in Green Bay until July.
Actually — that’s not true.
Football returns to Green Bay on March 19, when the Green Bay Blizzard kick off their season at home.
The Blizzard, which went 6-10 last season, are looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019 season.
Head coach Corey Roberson is optimistic about his team and what they can accomplish this year.
“I’m pretty excited about the guys we have in,” Roberson said. “I’m expecting us to be able to come out and compete. That’s all we can ask for. Of course, our end goal is to win the championship, but we’re taking it one game at a time.”
This season’s 25-man roster will feature seven returning players, along with 18 new faces.
The team held training camp at an offsite location for the first time in franchise history. Players, coaches and staff headed north to Houghton, Mich., where they stayed for eight days. The team used Michigan Technological University’s athletic facilities and lodged in Northwinds Adventures’ cabins.
Second-year wide receiver Steve Newbold said this year’s camp was great for the team’s camaraderie.
“Having training camp at Michigan Tech was cool,” he said. “It was a lot different than last year’s camp. There were no distractions, and we really got to know each other. It was an awesome experience that brought the group together.”
The Blizzard’s mission is to provide affordable, family-fun. The organization prides itself on its relationship with the Green Bay community. If someone doesn’t see players during their frequent visits to local schools, businesses or events, they can meet them on the field after the game during the “5th Quarter” for autographs, pictures and possibly a game of catch.
Fans will be treated to a whiteout theme during the season-opening game. Snow will fall after every Blizzard touchdown. Bruiser snowglobes and white bam sticks will be available at the doors while supplies last and several food and beverage specials will be in effect.
“The Blizzard front office has worked really hard to make this a fun afternoon for families,” said Selena Cashman, director of gameday operations. “Blizzard games aren’t just football — they’re entertainment for all ages.”
The Blizzard compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL). IFL games are fast-paced and high scoring since the field is only 50 yards long. Walls around the bowl are the out of bounds markers, so fans in the front row could have a player in their lap at any second. Unique rules specific to the indoor game and promotions during all breaks keep fans on their toes throughout the entirety of the game.
Defensive lineman Deldrick Canty decided to return to the Blizzard for a fourth and final season. The veteran has seen it all in his time in Green Bay, and acknowledged that a season can be filled with ups and downs.
“Adversity will always separate the men from the boys in tough situations, but only the men will strive to be better,” Canty said. “We’re ready to get to work and strive to be better every day this season.”
The Blizzard will take on the Frisco Fighters on March 19. Frisco finished with a 15-3 record last season, losing in the Eastern Conference championship. Doors open at 2 p.m., and kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m.