Hagemeister Park
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Hagemeister Park was the name of a football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was the home of the Green Bay Packers of the NFL from their founding in 1919 through 1922.
It was a classic sandlot, located near Baird and Walnut streets, adjacent to the East River. The playing field was roped off from the spectators' standing area. There were no ushers, no band, no bleachers and no public address system (it hadn't been invented yet). There also were no gates, since there wasn't a fence. Spectators would jump off the streetcar and walk over to the sideline to watch. Fans who drove to the game could park their cars about ten yards behind the ropes. Fans often sat in their cars or on top of them, although most stood on the sidelines, following the action up and down the field. At halftime, the teams would adjourn to opposite end zones and discuss tactics for the second half. Spectators would form a ring around the players and join in on the discussions.
George Whitney Calhoun, a writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the club's unofficial press representative, would pass a hat among the spectators for donations.
In 1920, a small section of grandstand was built, with a capacity of a few hundred, on one side of the field, and a fee was charged to sit in them. In 1921, a portable canvas fence was erected around the entire field, and a regular admission fee was inaugurated.
Hagemeister Park was torn down in 1923 to make way for a new Green Bay East High School, and the Packers moved their games to Bellevue Park.
Preceded by first stadium |
Home of the Green Bay Packers 1919-1922 |
Succeeded by Bellevue Park 1923-1924 |