This is an artist's rendition of what the south end of Lambeau Field will look like when the current project is completed.

When the Green Bay Packers announced a few months back that the NFL franchise would launch its fifth stock sale, there was much snickering and giggling in the background. Two-hundred-and-sixty-eight-thousand transactions later, that snickering by the naysayers is all gone and the Packers are taking $67 million to the bank where they will earmark it to be utilized in the $143 million upgrade to Lambeau Field that will add about 7,000 seats to the south side of the iconic stadium, completing enclosing the bowl.

You want to talk home field advantage now? If you thought it was loud at Lambeau before, this will certainly increase the decibels.

Those are all good things for the Packers organization which is not only one of the oldest franchises in the league, but also one of the most business-savvy. What is sort of amazing is the fact that more than 90 percent of the sales were completed via the Internet. So, not only are the Packers banking on their brand recognition as an important part of marketing, but it is also using the power of the Web to promote the team.

Another important factor in the sales was the number of those living outside the area who bought in. While half of the sales came from those living in Wisconsin, 8.5 percent each came from Illinois (hear that, Bears fans?) and California. Texas and Minnesota each accounted for 5 percent of the sales. And in a two-day flurry of sales, 2,000 Canadians also bought in.

Though the Packers brass figured conservatively when estimating the number of sales the stocks would generate, they are also very pleased with the final outcome – a result that will give the team even greater options on this and future projects at the stadium site.

In the meantime, be prepared to enter Lambeau Field that has a whole new look with a fan base that is energized not only by the on-field product they have come to adore, but because hundreds of thousands of them are actual owners of the team.

That unique fact will never be found with any other franchise.

So, stop with the snickering and giggling … the NFL’s franchise situated in the smallest geographic area with the smallest overall population just grew to be the largest in heart and tradition.

Suck on that Jerry Jones.

There are those who are brutally honest about the happenings in the game. Some are witty and some just plain deadpan.

I thought it might be fun to give just a taste of what was posted last night during the Vikings vs. Packers game.

Enjoy.

Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky)
11/14/11 6:00 PM
The scene from Lambeau Field before tonight’s #Packers-#Vikings game. pic.twitter.com/LIcqUYmA
Green Bay Packers (@packers)
11/14/11 7:46 PM
Cobb first rookie in GB history to have a 100-yard KR, 80-yard PR in same season.

Green Bay Packers (@packers)
11/14/11 8:01 PM
Packers up 14-0, 5:02 remain in 1Q. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:53 time of possession. 24-yard TD pass to Jennings

See more after the jump …

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This has got to be one of the greatest commercials I’ve ever seen.

The Vikings are not only teetering for survival on the field but on the social, political and economic landscape as well.

Things are getting bad to the west and as a football fan I’m torn. On the one hand, tearing the Vikings out of Minnesota and transplanting them 2,000 miles away in L.A. would be devastating for the Packers/Vikings rivalry. On the other hand, this is a franchise without a home and not enough fan support, political nerve and money to keep them in place.

It’s all so sad. This commercial Pretty much says it all.

Vikings fans, watch it and weep.
Packers fans, watch it and count your blessings.

A dream that the Minnesota Vikings team comes to Lambeau Field and is dominated by the Green Bay Packers.

I have a dream that the Minnesota QB Brett Favre is greeted with boo’s for his final showdown at the not-yet-frozen tundra. My dream includes several interceptions that includes a “pick six”.

I have a dream that Aaron Rodgers has a great night.  A night with few errors, great accuracy, excellent decision making and no sacks.

I have a dream of few penalties and good officiating. I have a dream that the Packers are able to help the Vikings continue their road game losing streak.

I believe in the Green Bay Packers.  I believe in the players, I believe in the fans.

I have a dream that the Packers will once again lead the NFC North.

The game was, as always a nail-biter.  My stress level was high, my blood pressure, even higher.

It was probably one of the best football games I’ve seen all year.  But the best part, MY DREAM CAME TRUE!

The Packers beat Brett Favre and the Vikings in Lambeau.  This was a critical game, the Packers NEEDED this win.  Not just for their record, not just for the division, but also to get that monkey off of Rodgers’ back!

Rodgers ended the night with 21-34, 295 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs while Favre had 212 yds, 1 TD and 3 INT’s. (more…)