It’s no secret the Green Bay Packers have plenty of fans across the country, given its unique characteristics and success through the years. Fandom for the Pack has extended across the globe; Packers bars exist all over the world and more people who live overseas are discovering and enjoying NFL football more and more. In this episode, Ana, Eric, and Jake have a fun conversation with German Packers fan Stephan Schliemann, who discovered the team and the sport fairly recently but has become one of the more notable fans in Germany. He even converted his basement into a “Packers game cave” with some sweet amenities. He talks with us from his green-and-gold paradise to discuss how he became a Green Bay fan, hosting a lot of other football fans from around his region to enjoy the games, even creating an Instagram account about it. In the process, he also developed an appreciation for Wisconsin that we also discuss. This episode will pump you up for next season!
The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Fond du Lac County: https://bit.ly/3PHGOqW
The Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX
Campfire Conversation:
The Green Bay Packers are a very unique team. While they have more championships in their illustrious (well, for the most part) history and are one of the oldest teams in the National Football League, they are also owned by a community of shareholders in what is by far the smallest “major league” city and market in the United States. They have fans all over the country and, increasingly, the world. The NFL in general is making inroads in Europe and particularly Germany, where more fans are posting about their love of the game and the NFL teams they follow. Ana, Eric, and Jake were able to talk with Stephan Schliemann, a Packers fan who lives in Gütersloh, Germany. Mr. Schliemann discovered American football through highlights on German television and became more interested in the teams - and Green Bay in particular. Now he has a “Packers Cave” in his basement of his home with some very cool decor, including signed jerseys from players, green LED lighting, and a pool table, couches, and of course a big TV for game-watching. Friends who are also football fans come over to watch during the games, which in Germany take place in late evenings much of the time. We talk with him about what drew him to football and Green Bay in particular, how friends and neighbors are also getting into the game, and the connections he now has with the U.S. as a result. We also surmise how much fun it would be to have him come to see Lambeau Field in person! The season - other than for the Chiefs and 49ers - may be over, but the Packers spirit lives on in this fun football conversation that spans the continents.
See Stephan on Instagram @germanpackerscave, or link to https://www.instagram.com/germanpackerscave/
Inside Sponsors: