Packer Fan Tours In the News
Fan flashback: There's no forgetting fans on Bourbon Street
By Thomas Rozwadowski / Green Bay Press Gazette
Posted October 1, 2006
It seems like only yesterday since the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots 35-21 in Super Bowl XXXI, bringing the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown after a 29-year absence. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of that Super Bowl victory, we're reminiscing with fans to see what they cherished most.
A rabid Packers fan, Dennis Garrity was born and raised in the Green Bay area and became a season ticket holder at age 10. He is president/chief executive officer of Packers Fan Tours, the team's official tour company.
What were you up to 10 years ago:
"Well, we were in the midst of an exciting football season, obviously. At this point, it was a few games into the '96 season, and a lot of us thought something special was going on. As for the business, we were very busy. There was an overwhelming amount of interest in both home and away games, because if you remember, in those days, we were going on the road and taking over stadiums. You'd be in Tampa, and half the stadium was filled with Packers fans. It was a lot of fun."
Favorite memory from that season:
"So many … the most memorable weekend was in New Orleans (for the Super Bowl). Walking up and down Bourbon Street, there was green and gold everywhere. I think people know that Packers fans are a different breed from all other professional teams, and I certainly won't forget that atmosphere anytime soon."
What was it like being at the game:
"There were so many exciting plays: the early pass to Andre Rison, the long score to (Antonio) Freeman, obviously Desmond (Howard's) long kick return after the Patriots had just scored.
"I was down on the field after the game, and a group of us were invited by Disney to accompany the Super Bowl MVP and participate in a parade. They filmed some footage with Brett (Favre), because they weren't sure who the MVP was at that point. But when Desmond was announced, we went over there and spent some time with him."
How did you celebrate afterwards:
"It was just chaos on the field. I remember seeing Reggie (White) with the (Lombardi) trophy in his hand. Brett looked exhausted, but was also wonderfully pleased. Also, the ceremony in the middle of the field with all the photographers mobbing the players … (Mike) Holmgren was taken off the field by the players. It was amazing."
Were you able to soak it all in:
"It was such a long, arduous wait for Packers fans, so to get to the pinnacle, and be right on the field, I had to pinch myself."
Thoughts on the 2006 season:
"I'm cautiously optimistic. Clearly, they are retooling, and we've already seen some of the effects of that. But I think the young players are going to get better as the season wears on."
Over or under 10 years to reach another Super Bowl:
"I think we're going to see it within four years … I trust what (General Manager) Ted (Thompson) is doing, and we're going to gel as one, solid team."