Shopko Ready to Kick Off Packers 2013 Season in Stores and at Lambeau Field

GREEN BAY, Wis., Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When the Green Bay Packers take on the Washington Redskins on September 15 at their first home game of the 2013 football season, thousands of fans will enter historic Lambeau Field through the new Shopko Gate which was recently completed as part of the stadium's South End Zone expansion.  The opening of the Shopko Gate further strengthens the partnership between Shopko and the Green Bay Packers, building upon a longstanding relationship that has been enjoyed for more than 20 years.

"We are very pleased to have our longtime partner Shopko enhance their relationship with the Packers through the Shopko Gate," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We share a lot of history here in the Green Bay area, along with a deep commitment to the community. Shopko has been a great teammate to the Packers and we look forward to having thousands of fans enter Lambeau Field on game day and for other events through this exciting new gate."

When fans enter the Shopko Gate, they will be surrounded by Shopko branded signage created by Shopko's marketing department.  Shopko Vice President Advertising Kathy Friedland-Howard and her team worked countless hours to develop the "We Believe" concept for the signing package which will truly resonate with Packers fans.  The new signage and imagery fit seamlessly into the historic venue and were designed to evoke pride and emotion in Packers fans.  The Shopko Gate at Lambeau Field is truly a special place for fans to reflect on the team's winning tradition as they view photos of Packers greats including Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr and Lynn Dickey. 

The "We Believe" theme, along with the historic images of Packers alumni and iconic plays, plays off of the legendary history and ongoing success of the Green Bay Packers.  The wording on each sign relates to the images of the Packers while also building a shared identity between the team, the unique hometown values of the Green Bay area and the Shopko brand.  "We believe in our community, our team and our customers," said Jill Soltau, Shopko President and Chief Merchandising Officer.  "The same values that have made the Packers football legends are reflected in Shopko's tenacity as a regional retailer.  The signing throughout the South End Zone will resonate among generations, reinforcing the ties between the team, the community and an incredible shared endurance."

The 2013 football season is also in full swing at all Green Bay area Shopko store locations.  As the "Official Hometown Store of the Hometown Team," Shopko carries everything that Packers fans need to gear up for gameday, including jerseys, hats, tees, Packers-themed jewelry and accessories, home decor and tailgating accessories.  For ladies, Shopko will also have specially designed, and NFL approved, Packers-themed clear bags that meet the league's new size requirements. 

"We have enjoyed a great relationship with Green Bay's beloved Packers," said Mike Bettiga, Shopko Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer.  "We are proud to sponsor the new Shopko Gate at Lambeau Field and to provide Packers fans with everything they need to cheer for our team, whether in the stands or at home.  As the Packers have expanded the stadium to welcome more fans, Shopko is also expanding our brand into more communities to serve more customers.  The partnership between the Packers and Shopko, both companies founded on Midwest values, is a natural fit.  Shopko is proud to be the 'Official Hometown Store of the Packers.'" 

About Shopko

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is a $3 billion retailer that operates over 330 stores in 21 states throughout the Midwest, Mountain, North Central and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 134 Shopko stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in small to mid-sized cities; 176 Shopko Hometown locations, a smaller concept store developed to meet the needs of smaller communities; 18 Shopko Pharmacy locations; and  5 Shopko Express Rx stores, a convenient neighborhood drugstore concept.

Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm focused on leverage buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience.

For more information, visit www.shopko.com.

SOURCE Shopko