Post date: Jan 05, 2014 1:26:55 PM
Workers at the Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field stadium and their fans are preparing for brutal cold during Sunday's NFL playoff game.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 2, 2014)(NBC) - Extra layers of clothing, medical care, and good old-fashioned warm drinks will be on tap to combat Arctic conditions for Sunday's (January 5) NFL playoff game in Green Bay, Wisconsin, between the Packers and San Francisco 49ers.
With temperatures expected to drop below zero Fahrenheit (-18 C) accompanied by icy winds during the game, frostbite and dehydration are of particular concern.Players will wear the latest in fabrics that retain body heat, use chemical heat products in their shoes and gloves and apply petroleum-based products to their faces to protect their skin but fans will have to use more traditional methods to stay warm.
"We brought our ski bibs and work overalls and insulated overalls and big warm hats, I think we're ready to go," Packers fan Dennis Caldwell said while shopping at Lambeau Field for one last hat Saturday (January 4).
Medical personnel, as always, will be on hand at the stadium to help treat any cold related health problems but doctors are warning fans who attend the game to be aware of the dangers of exposure to severe cold.
"Frostbite are like a tingling sensation in your fingers or some loss of sensation followed by pain and then complete loss of sensation," local hospital medical director Chris Thompson said when asked what symptoms fans at the game should look for.
The beverage service at Lambeau Field, a stadium that is used to dealing with severe cold, is even taking the extra precaution of insulating the beer taps and making sure they have extra hot beverages.
"We're well aware we're going to have a high demand for hot drinks and we're going to do everything we can in our power to make sure we have enough for the fans," said beverage service worker Chris Millerwise.