Reggie Yates: Touchdown USA

I'm travelling stateside,

to explore a slice of Americana like never before.

ALL: ..of The United States of America.

To get to the heart of the communities...

I am positive that that is where Clark Kent grew up.

..and the passions...

That is one heck of a handshake. Look at this.

That's a nice handful, isn't it?

..of the country's most iconic footballing cities.

Touchdown Patriots!

First up, I'm heading to an unassuming Midwest town

that's home to just 100,000 people.

All right.

Yet it proudly boasts one of America's most iconic sports teams.

The Green Bay Packers.

The team put this place on the map.

This lady needs tickets.

Green Bay Packers is owned by the community, by the people,

they don't work for us, they are part of us.

But beyond the football...

I feel nowhere near as glamorous as I should sat next to you.

..I want to get under the skin of the people.

How will I know what house is yours?

It's got a big Super Bowl trophy carved out of a tree.

The culture...

I have never been hunting before, on land or on water.

..and the town itself.

You live and die Green Bay Packers when you live in Green Bay,

you don't have a choice.

Welcome to Green Bay.

RADIO PLAYS

'It is a couple minutes after nine o'clock as we gear up...'

I've been to America 100 times before,

but I've never experienced small-town life.

As a big city kid born and raised,

you spend your entire life having the world at your fingertips,

having everything around you.

But if you are in this town,

what is there to do apart from going to see the Packers?

What is making this town buzz,

what is making this town excited, apart from the football?

At the moment, I don't know. Ted's got a new lawnmower, maybe.

There it is,

you've got people's homes right here, and in their back garden,

kind of got something overlooking it.

I don't know if you've noticed,

there's something huge just over there.

I can't believe that. That is just nuts, isn't it?

Look at the size of this.

When you think about small towns in the UK,

and small clubs in the Premier League,

those little towns and little clubs

have stadiums that hold 30,000 people.

We are in a town that has 100,000 people

and they've got this. Look at the size of that thing.

I almost felt more proud than I've ever felt when I walked into the

brand-new Arsenal stadium and it held a massive 60,000 people and

I was like, "Look at this!" That's just ruined that moment, hasn't it?

Cheers, Green Bay. I've only just got off the plane

and you are already making me feel tiny, inferior.

If your local club has a stadium that size,

how many people locally support the club?

How many people love the club?

How many people are fanatical enough to make this exist,

and to fill this every week?

American football is by far the biggest and most passionately followed sport in the USA.

And next Sunday,

I'll be one of 80,000 supporters taking a seat at Lambeau Field

for my first ever match.

It's a local derby against one of the Packers' most fierce rivals,

the Detroit Lions.

To understand what the Packers mean to Green Bay,

I want to meet the people who live here.

And I'm starting with the town's newest arrival.

Hello, guys. I'm sorry to disturb you mid-session,

but I heard there was a baby with a Green Bay Packers hat on,

and I think I've found the baby.

This is Grayson. Hello, Grayson.

We were just here for a checkup.

OK, how old is Grayson? He's 20 days. 20 days.

So I take it you are a big Green Bay Packers fan?

Absolutely. The baby has no choice but to be a fan.

Absolutely. It's just the life.

You live it and we've been coming to Bellin,

like I am with Grayson today,

everything is Packers, Packers, Packers, and it's exciting.

He literally was born into Packer culture.

We actually had him the day of a Packer game,

I had to leave my house during a Packer game.

You say that like it is sacrilege. It was.

It was because I'm like watching the game, we had to DVR it,

in case we missed anything good.

We made our way to the hospital

and then put the game on right away in the delivery room

because I couldn't miss much of it.

Getting a season ticket for my local club, the Arsenal,

was the proudest day of my life ever.

Are you a season ticket holder for the Green Bay Packers?

I'm not a season ticket holder,

but actually we are taking him Friday to go get him signed up.

Hang on a second, this is a newborn baby, this is a 20-day-old baby.

Why are you signing baby up so early?

You know, it takes a while to get the tickets.

I mean, in my lifetime, I probably won't be able to get season tickets,

it just takes that long because people love the Packers so much

that they just want to be signed up.

So we have to start him early,

and what better way than to go actually to Lambeau Field,

sign him up and get him on the list?

I thought I was one of those uber fans who at the age of seven,

I got my first Arsenal kit and I was like, "This is me,

"this is the team I'm going to support for life."

But I've come here and I've met a 20-day-old baby who was signing up for a season ticket.

And apparently it's not an anomaly,

this happens everywhere in this town,

and that is something that is completely new to me.

Sports teams around the world have passionate fans.

But here in Green Bay, there are signs that this entire community

is completely obsessed by the club.

The city's nickname even references the Packers' glorious history.

To get the official line on this ingrained allegiance,

I'm going straight to the top.

Do you think I'm dressed appropriately to meet the mayor?

I've suddenly thought, "Should I be wearing a shirt and tie?"

This could go horribly wrong.

Sorry in advance if it does.

The mayor has actually invited me to a council meeting.

I'm going to have a look at his notes.

One of the first things he is going to cover is Green Bay Packers related stuff.

I mean, this is a council meeting, it's in an official looking room.

And the guy is talking about football.

Can you all please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance?

ALL: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands,

one nation under God,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I would like to thank those of you who were in attendance last night,

for the young life event,

that was well attended by the Green Bay Packers

and Jordy Nelson matched every donation last night,

dollar for dollar.

They're telling me we are in for a good weekend.

All in favour of that motion, please say aye.

All of those opposed...

After serving for 12 years,

Jim Schmitt is Green Bay's longest serving mayor

and one of the Packers' most devoted fans.

Welcome to Green Bay.

Lovely to meet you. Thanks for having me.

We love our home team here, the Green Bay Packers.

The tie, sport card. Look at that.

The other side too. No way.

I wear the apparel

and got some great gifts from the Packers.

This was the Super Bowl we experienced down in Dallas.

That's five years ago, right?

Yes. And to go there and win the game is...

It doesn't get much better. For that to happen while you are mayor,

that must be a pretty special thing.

I mean, it's... Look, and I know that.

Not only is it great to be mayor of Green Bay,

but with the Packers and have them win the Super Bowl,

that doesn't happen very often.

We are going to do that again.

This is my certificate.

A lot of people have stock in the Packers.

I've got a few...

We can't skim over this because this is a big deal.

Look at that. The plaque, it says, "Green Bay Packers owner,"

and then there's your name. To be an owner of the team you support.

That's a pretty big deal.

As unique as that is, a lot of people have that.

We don't have one wealthy owner that controls the decisions,

that decides if the team is going to move, take the profits.

The ownership of the Green Bay Packers is owned by the community,

by the people.

They don't work for us, they are part of us.

Were you born and raised here?

Yes, I was born and raised in this community,

so I'm a lifelong Packers fan.

I was going to say, did you have any choice in choosing the club

you support? Because it almost feels like if you decided, "You know what,

"I'm going to be a Raiders fan," you would be kicked out of the town, surely.

Well, I will tell you, Reggie,

you would not be mayor if you weren't a Packer fan.

Of all the 32 clubs in the NFL,

the Packers are the only fan-owned, non-profit team in the league.

Reaching for the goal-line.

Touchdown! He's got it.

Winners of a record 13 league championships...

The Packers are Super Bowl bound.

..and an impressive four Super Bowls...

The Green Bay Packers are world champions of football.

..the Packers are so steeped in NFL folklore that the iconic Super Bowl trophy

is named after their legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is coming home, where it started.

Owning a slice of this fabled club isn't just for city officials

and wealthy businessmen.

I'm heading to meet the Froelich-Gloecklers, a typical family of lifelong fans,

who are among the 360,000 devoted supporters

who have proudly invested in the Packers.

And the family home is situated just 52 steps from Lambeau Field.

The front door's open. Look at that.

Hey, I saw the door was open.

I didn't want to assume I could just wander in.

Hey, Bea. Good to see you.

Yeah, that's the way they do it. They just walk in this house.

I'm John. You're John?

Hello, John. And who's this little excitable chap?

Oh, this is Hammy.

So, are you as big a fan as Grandma?

Well, that's not possible.

But I can get close.

So, what's it like in the stands then across the street at the Packers' stadium?

I'm going to be there this weekend. Oh, it's all business.

You've got to have your game face on. Grandma will tell you.

You can't cheer when the Packers are on offence.

That doesn't make any sense.

Surely, if they're going to score a touchdown,

you're going to want to cheer? Well, after the touchdown is made,

but not while they are deciding the play in the huddle.

So, you are the person that shouts everyone else in the stand?

Well, it makes me a little mad when they do that.

Has Grandma ever started any rows in the stands then?

She's feisty.

Oh, really? She's feisty, yeah.

Don't holler when Roger is out on the field.

Noted. I don't want to get a tap from Grandma, that's for sure.

Look at these stubs.

Packer fanatic Bea became an owner in 1997

for a modest $250 and has only missed one home game

in the last 59 years.

'83, that is a golden year.

The year I was born. Year of champions.

Ice Bowl. December 31st.

Wow! That's history, right there.

Two tickets. My husband's and mine. That's amazing.

You're not that long out of university, right?

And it almost feels as though the town is made up of families,

as opposed to people of your age.

Yeah. Cos most people go to the bigger cities nearby, right?

Right, yes. That's exactly it. I love this town,

but you don't see much of us 20-somethings wandering around.

So, what is there to do?

There's lots of sort of outdoorsy activities, I'm sure, right?

Right, it's really great if you are into outdoorsy stuff

and getting your hands dirty and...

Is that your thing? Yeah, I'm into that.

Oh, yeah? What are you good at then?

What is your thing? Are you a hunter?

Yeah, yeah. So, Grandpa and I, he's taken me hunting since I was four.

Wow! Duck hunting out on the bay. Right.

This is one of the best places in the world for that.

I'm here for a couple of days. Do you mind if I join in?

I'd love to learn a little bit about that.

We will see what's biting. We can give it a shot.

There is a horrible sort of epidemic that I've occasionally suffered from,

which is big-city arrogance,

where you don't really understand the workings of small-town life.

Tonight, I've been exposed to a really lovely, little family unit.

Everybody is talking about their relationship with the Packers,

their relationship with the team.

Clearly, family is a massive part of what makes this town so special.

I think I'm starting to get closer to getting what this is all about.

I've seen how football is big business here,

but other traditional industries have taken a hit in recent years.

In the face of recession and the financial crash of 2008,

approximately 10% of Green Bay's local population

now live below the poverty line.

Awesome, life-saver.

Waiting 45 minutes. Thank you so much.

This is somebody's starting point when they come and enter shelter. Right.

I am visiting a local shelter that provides a roof and hot meals

to the people struggling to make ends meet.

So, there seems to be a lot of people that need help?

There are. And I think, with our meal programme,

the idea behind that is that,

if we can help people stay in their apartments, stay in their homes,

pay their medical bills by providing them a meal,

then we are preventing a whole lot of people from maybe becoming homeless.

To try and raise vital funds,

it is important that the shelter taps into the Packer brand,

which generates over $12 million for the local economy at every home match.

Start from the beginning and make this car.

Right, so... Is it going to be a boo-boo scarf?

Is it going to be a boo-boo scarf?

I'll have you know I've got a very steady hand, thank you very much.

All right, I hope you're ready for the most amazing scarf ever seen.

Usually what I do is I start in the middle.

Yes. So that you can kind of...

And you want to have it be the length of the scissors.

And a swoop.

OK. All right.

Remember, one swoop.

Not woop, woop, woop. It's one swoop.

One swoop. Or you get little jaggies in there.

OK. One swoop.

You can stand if you want to. Woo!

You are dealing with a pro. Still have all your fingers?

You are dealing with a pro, ladies.

Now, we are going to move on to cutting holes. OK.

I feel nowhere near as glamorous as I should sat next to you. Oh!

How long does this normally take for most people?

Five seconds for the seasoned hole-cutters.

That's not bad. You're getting there.

I'm getting there. So, how much are you selling these at a time?

These sell for $10.

$10 a time. And all of that money is coming back?

Right back into our shelters.

So, how many scarves do you think you've actually produced since you started?

Oh, my gosh. What, 20,000?

Probably, yes. That's incredible. 20,000 to 25,000.

Did you expect it to be as successful as it has been?

Absolutely no, I did not think this would happen.

I thought we'd make a couple of hundred bucks.

And now... And be done with it.

$50,000 later.

Correct. That's absolutely incredible.

This impressive production line is made up of volunteers,

including shelter resident Pete,

who found himself homeless a year ago and is being helped by the charity.

How long have you been here?

About six weeks.

How are you finding it? It's quite an opportunity.

And why do you describe being here as "an opportunity"?

It's an opportunity to become independent

and a productive member of the community.

And it's quite a collaboration that goes on.

Yes. That makes that happen.

How many people are living in the shelter at the moment?

I believe it holds 96.

It might be close to 80.

Quite a lot of people as well.

With the people that you've met,

what would you say you've learnt about the town?

Erm...

That all kinds of people can get together

and everybody is pretty helpful.

It's a really nice collaboration.

It's freezing outside today.

At the moment, just over there, we can actually put the camera on it,

there's a whole line of people.

And when I say people, I mean families.

There's mums with young kids,

there's fathers holding babies in their arms,

who are coming in here to get a hot meal for the night.

And this massive dining hall is about to be full of people

because 200 to maybe 300 people will be in here tonight having dinner

off the back of the donations from the scarves

and off the back of donations to the shelter itself.

This place is doing an amazing thing and it's incredible

where the money is coming from this is actually making it work.

Thank you. Yes, please.

Thank you.

The fanatic adulation of the town propels players to superstardom

and intense media scrutiny.

In a town of just 100,000 people,

what is it like to live your life in a goldfish bowl?

How are you doing?

You all right? Good. You are a brave man,

coming out here in just a T-shirt and flip-flops, man.

Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari has established himself as

one of the key players within the side

and has become a fan favourite since signing in 2013.

How does it feel being a Green Bay Packer, because, you know,

this is a very unique club and a very unique set-up here?

Er, it's pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie.

Out here it's,

you've got the best fans in

the United States, in my opinion.

Yes. The stadium, it speaks for itself.

Between the amount of people that filled the space

and some of the names of some of the greats that our surrounding

the top tier of the place, do you feel a level of pressure

because, again, it doesn't just end here?

This culture has been accustomed to winning,

so you kind of have a standard.

You've got to win games, you know. Here, this is title town.

This is where the Lombardi Trophy was...

Gets its name, so there's definitely a standard here that is higher among

other teams in other cities. So, for those that might not know much about

the team and might not know much about you,

can you explain your role as part of the Packers

and what you do on the pitch? Basically,

keep the defenders from tackling anyone who touches the ball.

So, when you run the ball, we try and open holes,

so the running back has a crease to run through.

For the quarterback, when he wants to throw a football,

we try and keep a pocket clean for him.

We are basically keeping guys away from anyone

who holds the ball at that point in time.

So, that's a super physical role. Yes.

So, basically, outside of the sport, if we got into a row,

I wouldn't want you running at me.

I could push you, or I could move...

I'm really good at moving things, when needed.

I guess I'm a glorified sumo wrestler.

Do you want to finish that thought?

You could push me... What? How far?

However far I need to push you, I guess.

So, you guys have had two losses back-to-back and I'm sure, as a player,

that can't be the nicest stat in the world to be reminded of.

Just putting it out there...

Should things not go to plan, and it's three losses back-to-back,

how is this community going to react? You can't put that omen out there... I'm sorry.

There's some wood to touch. There you go. You are clearly not superstitious.

No, not at all. By any means. How does this community react to something like that? Erm...

I mean... Of course, no-one's really going to be happy,

but very supportive.

They are going to rally behind us. "What can we do?

"Anything we can help with? "We can scream louder."

I know our fans are great, at the end of the day.

It's not... No-one...

This place is going to fill up, no matter what.

Regardless of the record, regardless of how many losses we have in a row.

But we're not thinking like that.

We are going to think in positive. We know we are going to go out there

and we are going to do our best. And with our best, we are going to win. Well, good luck.

Thank you. Let's get that win.

Yes, sir. Go, Packers, go. Did I say that right?

Go, Pack, go. Oh, how embarrassing.

Go, Pack, go. But you've got to have a little more enthusiasm.

Oh, sorry. Go...! So, I can shout?

Yes, you can. There's an echo.

Go, Pack, go! We'll work on it.

We'll work on it.

You know, off the back of chatting to David

ahead of the game on Sunday,

I never thought I'd say this, but I feel a little bit more not only

knowledgeable about the game,

but also invested in what is going to happen

because it clearly means a hell of a lot to everyone who is in the stands.

The fans, you know?

They really want this to be a success.

But the players are the same. They want to win.

They've had two losses back-to-back and a win for them

isn't just a win for the team, it's a win for the town, as well.

So, it's a big deal.

WIXX, this is 101...

Are you guys expecting lights and cameras? Look at this.

Tonight, I am joining Bea for a fans' Q and A,

hosted by Packers star player Micah Hyde.

All right! Micah Hyde, the special Packer guest will join us.

It may look like a press conference,

but these are ordinary fans who all want the opportunity to share

the room with the players they love.

Hello, Mr Hyde. How are you doing? Good, how are you?

Yeah, I'm all right.

It doesn't matter if you win or lose, we still love you.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

That means a lot.

The thing about this is, this is a pro athlete who is hosting his own

radio show. And in front of a live audience, as well as thousands,

or maybe hundreds of thousands of people listening at home.

This is... This is just a very, very strange and unique experience.

Let's meet your guest. This guy has been playing very well for us.

And making plays, making plays on offence.

And making plays on special teams.

Oh! Justin Perillo. Oh, Justin Perillo.

Thanks for having me.

Welcome, Justin. Thanks for having me.

Green Bay fans have the opportunity to ask the players anything they like.

In a bromance, would you be Batman, or would you want to be Jason Bourne?

I'm going with Batman, yeah.

For sure. These two guys are with you.

Young Tristan, fire away, buddy.

What's it like to be on the Packers?

It's awesome. Just so much history in the organisation.

It's such a great organisation too.

Go ahead, Reggie. Hello. Reg from London.

Do you watch British football?

And do you realise it's the superior sport?

Wow!

Erm... No, I don't.

Actually... I don't, but I guess I got to start watching it now.

All due respect to the folks from England here,

but I think American football is by far superior.

These players, they are millionaires.

They play for a huge team.

They appear on television in games that are watched by millions of people.

And they are out here, in this tiny little studio,

talking to fans from a small town on a real personal level.

And you just don't get that.

Definitely not when it comes to these squillionaires in the Premier League.

Game day is fast approaching,

but this morning I am heading to the stadium for a different reason.

It's a big day for newborn baby Grayson.

He has no idea what's happening right now.

No. Look at that. But he will be appreciative when he's older.

Is it commonplace then to sign up a baby this young for a season ticket?

It's very much commonplace.

My sister, her two young kids, two and five, they are both signed up.

And let the waiting begin.

Realistically, how long do we think it's going to actually take for baby

Grayson to finally receive his season ticket?

20 to 40 years.

Yes, 20 to 40 years, probably.

Wow. We'll be old.

That's incredible. The waiting list is huge.

We are on the waiting list ourselves.

And we are in the 100,000...

I was going to say, do you know your number on the waiting list?

I don't, but I know it's like in the 110,000 range.

Wow, that's a long way off.

Yeah, so there's a lot of people to go through to get to us.

Yes. All right. We've put Grayson on the waiting list.

OK. There's the card confirming it.

Great. Thank you. Thank you so much.

All right, well, he's only 117,957.

Wow. On the waiting list.

No way. It's a long old way to go.

I didn't think it was possible for things to be quieter

than they were.

It's kind of nice, though, to get away.

I'm heading out to one of Green Bay's famous lakes with John,

to encounter, aside from football, his favourite pastime.

All right, so, what are we wearing, bro?

We've got to get you outfitted first, Mr Hollywood.

It's like the world's ugliest sneakers, man.

As you've probably guessed, I have never been hunting before.

No! On land or on water.

No!

Great.

All the gear and no idea.

It is definitely a surreal moment for me.

I'm going to try my hardest to avoid being the guy that actually uses one

of these. Because I don't know how much I want to actually shoot a duck.

I don't think I want to do that today.

Even if it is something that John does on a regular basis.

And, you know, this is normal for John,

but it definitely isn't normal for me.

So, hopefully, hopefully, he'll get that.

I actually think I've lost him.

I should probably keep up.

John?

All right, so this is it.

We've made it? Yeah.

This is where we're going to get 'em.

Now, it seems pretty duckless right now.

Right now. And, if you're not watching, they are out there.

Duck for dinner. So, what do we do?

We go out there and... Yep.

We're just going to start throwing them.

When was the last time you stacked it and fell in?

Never. OK.

Space them out real good.

It looks natural that way.

What am I doing?

Nothing to be scared of here.

Are you ready, chief?

I'm ready. I'm ready. There's definitely a shrivel situation happening in my trousers.

Beyond that, I'm ready. All right, let's go. Let's do it.

Yes. Got some important things for you.

Here's your gun. Look at this!

Look at this thing!

Don't they give this to two-year-olds at Christmas?

If you are good.

You're going to be using that and I'm going to be using this?

Yes.

What on earth...? We're going to go and get us some ducks.

A slight difference between our weaponry.

I've got a feeling John doesn't trust me much.

You don't trust me, do you, John? Come on, buddy. OK.

I'm not going to lie, it doesn't look like we're going to see anything any time soon.

No, no. It looks really quiet out there.

It's not looking promising. Maybe you can help me swot up on tomorrow

because it's the big game. Yes. And I've never seen one before.

What do you guys do to entertain yourselves on the stand?

You watch the game. But it's going on for three hours.

Do you not sing? Do you not chant? Do you not eat hot dogs?

So, there's the Packer chant that we are kind of known for.

And what does it sound like? It's going to go...

HE HUMS

And then that's where you come in... Go, Pack, go!

OK. Let's have a practice. You want to practise?

Yes, let's do it. OK.

Go, Pack, go! OK, but it's got to be in beat.

What are you talking about? There's a beat to it.

Dude, I was born with rhythm. What are you chatting about?

Go, Pack, go!

Go, Pack, go!

Are there any other songs apart from that? Erm...

You don't have... Ooh to, ooh to be, ooh to be a...

Gooner! You don't sing that?

I don't even know what you said. What?

Actually, that's some north London stuff right there, man.

Yeah? That takes a lot of work, to get that level.

All right. All right. We'll build up to that.

Ooh, hey, hey, hey!

I think we've got a duck. Oh, man.

I wish I'd seen them.

They just went? Yes.

Should I have been blowing this? Well, something got them to come in.

Maybe that was it.

DUCK CALL SOUNDS

I think my presence is putting off the ducks.

We are not exactly having much luck, but that doesn't seem to matter.

Top you up? Oh, thank you very much.

Why do you think people like me from the bigger cities

don't really understand this bit of your culture,

this whole idea of coming out here and hunting?

Because the idea of killing a duck doesn't really...

Doesn't really appeal.

That's the worst part, to be honest.

I don't enjoy that either.

But it's not about that.

We had more fun coming out here on sunny days like today

when there are no ducks flying and just talking, hanging out.

Heading out to the lake is a tradition started with his grandpa

when John was just four years old.

There are certain things that Grandpa and I did, you know?

You took the rolls and the cocoa.

I haven't done it since Grandpa died.

This is special. Aw.

Yeah. Thank you for sharing it with me, man.

You bet. I appreciate that.

I think through meeting you guys,

I'm starting to see what it means to actually be a resident in one of

these towns that I would usually sort of drive through and go,

"Oh, I can't imagine ever living there."

Yeah, I'll follow you. All right.

Oh, am I leading the way back, yeah?

You know where we came from.

This could go horribly wrong.

John's a really lovely guy and doing this with him is kind of cool

because he not only explained it all,

made me feel like I was part of it,

but also made me understand why he has loved it so much

and also why it has been such a huge part of what his family does

and the fact that this is something he did with his grandfather,

who is no longer with us, says to me that this is something

that is really special to him.

101 WIXX, it is Murphy in the morning, along with Kitty and Nick.

Just a couple of minutes after seven o'clock.

Big game at Lambeau, everybody's excited.

What are your thoughts? Those stupid Lions! I hate the Lions.

They have not won here in like 137 years. No...

Hey!

Anybody got a ticket?

It's finally here, game day.

It's only 8.30am and the town is busier than I have seen it all week.

Go, Pack, go!

Festivities are high and it seems like a massive party

is already kicking off near the stadium.

ALL: Go, Pack, go! Go, Pack, go!

You definitely ain't seeing any of this outside my favourite club

three and a half hours before kick-off,

people are still in their beds.

It's an early kick-off today, let me just make that clear,

it's 8.30 in the morning.

In the parking lot, die-hard fans are gathering to tailgate,

an important pregame ritual.

Hello. How are you doing?

I'm good. Not as good as you.

Are you from the UK? I am.

OK, I get the feeling that you are a bit of a big fan.

I'm a typical Packer fan.

Oh, yeah? Yeah!

You have got a couple of those incredible Super Bowl rings on as well.

Yes, I've got to put on my shareholder ring right now.

OK, so you are a shareholder? Yeah.

When did you buy your stock?

'97 and 2011, so I have two shares.

What do you have to do to get a ring that size?

Well, not when you get 10 or 11 or 12,

when you get 13 World Championships, they get that big.

That's incredible. 13-time World Champion, Green Bay Packers.

And do you tailgate before every game?

Oh, yeah! And how big a part of the experience is this for you?

It has grown... It's the relationship.

It's, you know, it's meeting people,

I meet people from all over the world.

OK, the thing that I'm trying to get my head around is the fact that we

are here two and a half, what, three and a half hours, sorry,

before kick-off. This is insane.

It's so early. It's a little late.

We usually get here... They open up the lot at four hours ahead of time

and then we get out here two hours ahead of time and park and wait

so we can get the key spot that we want.

Oh, wow. So it starts six hours before kick-off.

Oh, my goodness. Sleep is overrated. You're knackered.

All right, I'm going to go in there and I'm going to try

and find a hot dog, right? Go to Brock, go to Brock.

Brock, OK, I'm on it. One last thing. What's that? Go, Pack, go!

People are really, really pushing the boat out.

It's an amazing family atmosphere here.

We've got people sort of shouting at each other, offering food.

Sorry, bro. I just heard someone shout at their neighbour,

"Hey, do you want some chips?" It's like, it's not rowdy at all,

it's like a really nice sort of family gathering

and it seems as though this end is a little quieter than that end.

I think it gets less and less crazy the further down you go.

I've just seen a bowl of M, this is definitely the less crazy end.

It's hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere, I mean,

between tailgating and all this colour and excitement and beer...

..you can't help but not be part of the...

Part of the vibe, it's great.

I walked out of this tunnel when this place was empty

and now doing it while the place is full... Oh...

It's a completely different experience, look at this. Whoa!

This is incredible. I mean, there's a good 20,

maybe 30,000 more people here than at home games I am used to.

NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYS

So the coin toss is about to happen.

I've got a minute to try and find Bea and find John and find my seat.

And actually enjoy this thing, it's been a long time coming,

we are finally here, it's time to enjoy the game.

I'm going to go and get a hot dog.

I know those jerseys anywhere. Hello, guys.

There he is. How are you doing?

Bottom line is, we need to get in the end zone to win, right?

Right, yeah. And that's points.

Right. But to get there, you have to go the ten yards.

Right now in four down.

This is it, this is it! This is it. It's the moment. Go, Pack, go!

Hey! You have got the rhythm. You did the hip-hop hands.

Yeah! Thank you for the prep. Well done, well done. I'm pleased we rehearsed that.

..kicking from left to right.

Great to have you with us on a sun-splashed afternoon in Lambeau Field

and here's the kick-off.

Now, you are very particular about when we don't make noise,

so when am I not allowed to cheer? I'll let you know. OK.

Starts the tailback. Throws it out right.

Rogers looking. Throws. Left side, incomplete. Oh! Oh, man.

He's got Lance in the middle of the end zone, touchdown.

Oh, that's a good touch.

That's not us. I know, I know, it's impressive though.

Yeah. Yeah.

I think I cheered for the wrong team just then.

At the moment, the Packers are down,

they are down by six and there's two full quarters to go.

Actually, I actually sound like I know what I'm talking about now, don't I?

So, yeah, the Packers are down by six and John and Bea

have suddenly gone very quiet.

Come on. Oh! Am I allowed to make noise now?

Yes! Yeah, all right.

Coming across the board. Stafford looking.

Throws to the middle.

CHEERING DROWNS OUT SPEECH

Detroit four yard line. Moves to the left side.

Touchdown!

CHEERING DROWNS OUT SPEECH

Roger shotgun and here is the snap.

Scans the secondary.

Throws it over the middle, a leaping grab.

CHEERING

That's exactly what they thought would happen.

So what is the deal now?

It's going to be a 45-yard field goal, it's doable.

That's doable? It's doable. It's a long way.

If they don't get this then it is over.

Oh, man. Here we go.

Field goal attempt. Come on, Mason.

The snap.

The arm extended. Here it is.

And no goal.

And the Lions hang on to win 18-16.

Oh, man. Those are the breaks, man.

Whoa. Those are the breaks.

I'm not going to keep you, I can imagine that you are desperate to get out

of here, man. Thank you so much for talking me through that...

I wish we could have got a win for you. So close. I wish we could have.

One hell of a game. Oh, come here, Bea. Yeah. Oh, what a game.

If we had won, I would have been crying, but now I'm going...

Oh, well, it must have been the Lions' turn.

Well, I'm truly converted after that.

You've had me on a roller-coaster of emotions today.

I nearly cried at the end then.

I'll let you guys shoot off, lovely to see you, Bea.

Thank you for looking after me.

I think the strangest thing about leaving now

is that this small town suddenly feels quite familiar.

I think the club is as special as it is because it is in this town

because it is set up in a really unique way

and because the fans care so much.

I wouldn't say I came here with my nose in the air,

but I definitely came here completely confused as to why,

as to why some people

don't want to leave a town that is this small.

I don't think this is something that I would want for myself,

but I definitely understand it

and I have loved every minute of being here.

The international community has accused us

of violating human rights.

In a world ruled by hate and fear...

The time for change...is now!