Upgraded Stadium Awaits Packers and Fans as 2013 Season Begins

Each week during the 2013 NFL season, we'll round up the latest news and views surrounding Wisconsin's state religion, the Green Bay Packers.

Training camp cannot begin soon enough for the Green Bay Packers and their fans, who by now are undoubtedly tired of hearing Greg Jennings shoot his mouth off.

The first practice is Friday, as the team works to finally put behind it the terrible defensive performance in last year’s playoff loss in San Francisco. First-round pick Datone Jones, a tackle, is among those expected to help upgrade the defense.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has two new toys in the backfield, in running backs Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin. Though wide receiver Jennings is now playing for The Team That Wears Purple and Donald Driver is retired, the Packers still have one of the top pass-catching groups in the NFL.

They also are one of the most financially flush organizations in the league. The team reported record profits this week, as it unveils a $143 stadium expansion and renovation that makes it the third-largest NFL stadium.

And Forbes just ranked the Packers 18th among most valuable sports franchises in the world.

You can check out the Packers at training camp, or try to win tickets to the Aug. 3 Family Night Scrimmage courtesy of the Elm Grove Library.