Limos let fans enjoy luxury excursions to Lambeau

From tailgating to braving the cold, there are all sorts of rituals that come with attending a home Packers game. Some local fans have added yet another tradition: Making the trip to Lambeau Field in the lap of luxury.

Area limousine company representatives say it's common to drive fans the hour-and-a-half to Green Bay.

"It's the way to go," said Valinda Schmalfeldt, manager of Moonlight Limousines of Marathon.

Fans and limo company managers agree there are plenty of advantages. Having a driver means large groups can make the trip without worrying about road conditions, traffic, parking or drinking. That means more time to simply enjoy the experience.

"The camaraderie amongst the people is great," said Jack Scholz, 68, of Wausau, who was planning to reserve a limo for Sunday's NFC Championship game.

Limo service managers said they typically make trips to Lambeau Field for every home game, but business fluctuates.

Business usually is better if the team is doing well, said Tate Baumer, president of Baumer Limousine of Wausau. It also picks up at the end of the season, when the annual talk of Brett Favre retiring is in the air.

Some companies offer special rates they said are more affordable than thosee for weddings or other events, since they take into account the time spent at the game. Prices range from about $435 up to $675 for several hours.

That could seem like a lot, fans said, but taking a group makes it manageable.

"(People) think they're really, really expensive," Tina Spees, 41, of Wausau said. "They're really not, especially if you get three or four couples."

Beyond the obvious benefits of wintertime business, limo drivers said there's nothing quite like driving a crew of Packers fans.

"Packers fans are usually very excited," Baumer said. "We really enjoy Packers fans."