In the city where tailgating is practically a birthright and Lambeau Field looms like a cathedral, one tailgate rises above the rest—both in spirit and in spectacle. Lot 1 at Lambeau isn’t just a place to grab a brat and a beer before the game. It’s a destination. A tradition. A family reunion of Green Bay Packers fans from every corner of the country—and sometimes far beyond.

Headed by longtime fan and resident “Poobah of the Parking Lot” Scott Schwartz, Lot 1 is equal parts party and pilgrimage. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the iconic yellow fedora, the fluttering flags high above the Tundra, the homemade tinfoil Lombardi Trophy perched proudly on the custom bar, and the thumping soundtrack of Cheeseheads With Attitude rallying fans to full voice. Whether it’s Lot 1, its temporary relocation to Lot 9, or wherever the Packers’ game day magic may land—it’s the people, not the pavement, that make this tradition legendary.

Scott’s been doing this for over 30 years. What began with a Weber Smokey Joe and a few buddies has grown into a sprawling, multi-family celebration that hosts fans from every state—and every team. No kidding—on any given Sunday, you’ll find regulars from Texas, Ontario, California, Minnesota, Kentucky, New Mexico, and even Germany or Australia. Some bring coolers, others bring cookies, and a few bring entire coolers full of fresh perch and bluegill fillets. There’s a woman from Minnesota who deep fries three turkeys every year just to feed folks she only sees once a season. That’s just how this crew rolls.

And it is a crew—a carefully woven network of diehards, newcomers, and honorary captains. Justin Sipla, known affectionately as “The Enforcer,” drives from Iowa City and rarely misses a game. His absence is so rare that when he does miss, a life-size “Sipstick” photo stand-in makes an appearance. Reyne Kasieta, the group’s culinary MVP, shows up with themed cakes, baked masterpieces, chili pots, and Halloween spreads so detailed they include autopsied rival team jerseys stuffed with sausage. Their table game is strong, but so is their sense of purpose—tips from Reyne’s goodies go directly to support JDRF in honor of her grandson.

But what really makes Lot 1 stand out isn’t just the food or fanfare—it’s the philosophy. Here, everyone is welcome. That’s a lesson Schwartz took to heart decades ago after being treated poorly as a Packers fan on the road. Now, it’s gospel. Opposing fans are invited in with a beer, a button, or a spot at the bar. "Have a shotski with us," they’ll say. "Tell us what you do back home. Show us your traditions."

The experience is full of rituals: the Grandma Lambeau Apple Pie Shots with a mystery ingredient. The unique game-day buttons created by Schwartz for every matchup. The ceremonial reading of “Tim the Diehard Packer Fan,” a heartfelt poem recited from the tailgate’s perch. And of course, the group pledge—“The Wedge of Allegiance”—a rally cry that reminds everyone why they’re there: "A wedge of cheddar protects us better..."

The setup itself is a marvel: a custom Packers bar built from salvaged doors and personalized license plates from all 50 states, Canada, and Guam. The sound system is pro-grade, helmed by Schwartz’s old DJ buddy from McSwiggin’s. Homemade trophies and signs decorate the spread, and yes, you’ll find Packers legends' families, TV crews, and perhaps even Emeril Lagasse’s production team dropping by to check it all out. Lot 1 has won awards, landed on national television, and taken home titles like “Best Tailgate in America.” But for Scott and his crew, the accolades are just icing on the beer-brat cake.

What really matters is community. This isn’t just a tailgate. It’s a support system. They’ve stood by each other through life’s highs and lows—birthdays, funerals, spring break road trips, and yes, heartbreaking playoff losses. In Green Bay, football is more than just a game. It’s a way of life. And on game day, Lot 1 is where that life comes fully alive.

So whether you're decked out in green and gold or repping the away team, make your way to the flags, the bar, the music, and the heart of Lambeau. If you're lucky, you might earn a VIP lanyard. At the very least, you'll leave with a button, a story, and a hundred new friends.

Because here at Lot 1, everyone’s family—and game day is a reason to celebrate that fact.