• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Fans urged to dress properly for cold NFC championship game

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Fans who plan to attend the National Football Conference championship game Sunday at Lambeau Field are being urged to dress properly for the cold weather and to get there early.

Projections are for the temperature to reach a high of 3 degrees Sunday, with the thermometer almost certainly registering below zero during the game with the New York Giants. That compares with 13 below at the so-called Ice Bowl on Dec. 31, 1967 in which the Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys for the NFL title at Lambeau Field.

David Zeller, owner of Zeller’s Ski and Sport in suburban Allouez, recommends ignoring outdoorsy apparel for skiing that’s made from breathable material and going with expedition-weight clothing instead.

“Dressing for activity is different than dressing for a game where there’s not a lot of movement,” he said.

“The big no-no is wearing cotton,” Zeller said. That includes jeans which lack in insulation and anything that absorbs or retains moisture.

John Denis, owner of Denis Sport Shop in Ashwaubenon, suggests layering with several types of insulation material, especially wool, fleece and polypropylene blends, and wearing a good down jacket. The concept of layering is crucial for all parts of the body, he said.

“There’s a reason to spend more on socks,” he said.

“Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers are right next to each other ... and you retain the body heat better.”

Fans heading to Lambeau are also urged to enter security screening an hour to an hour and a half before game time.

Green Bay Police Capt. Karl Fleury said that, because people will be wearing more layers of clothing than usual and carrying extra blankets, it will take more time to do pat-down searches.

“If you wait, it will be a mad rush to the gates,” he said.

The Green Bay Fire Department will have 21 emergency medical staffers on duty, up from the normal 16 to 18.

“They’ll have extra blankets and hot packs on hand,” Fire Lt. Nick Craig said.