Packers Tailgate Tour Celebrates 50 Years of Community Impact

Tour stops in Wisconsin and Iowa raise funds for local charities

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Packers tailgate celebration, with overlapping planes of green, gold, and navy blue shapes representing the energy and excitement of the event.The Packers Tailgate Tour brings the team's iconic green and gold colors, community spirit, and fan energy to cities across Wisconsin and beyond.Racine Today

The 20th annual Packers Tailgate Tour made stops across Wisconsin and Iowa, connecting with fans, supporting local charities, and celebrating the team's long history of community engagement. The five-day tour featured current players Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams, along with Packers alumni James Jones, Randall Cobb, Desmond Bishop, and Brandon Jackson, who shared stories and participated in events benefiting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Project 16:49, Hannah Center, and NAMI Dubuque.

Why it matters

The Packers Tailgate Tour is a longstanding tradition that showcases the team's deep commitment to its local communities. By visiting schools, senior living facilities, military bases, and other community hubs, the Packers players and alumni connect directly with fans and lend their support to important causes. This year's tour highlighted the team's 50-year legacy of using its platform to make a positive impact across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

The details

The tour kicked off in Racine, where the group visited the Johnsonville Global Headquarters, toured a production facility, and enjoyed a classic tailgate experience with Johnsonville employees. They then traveled to Port Washington High School, Case IH manufacturing in Sturtevant, and a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser in Racine. The following days took them to the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Janesville Parker High School, Swiss Colony in Monroe, the Field of Dreams movie site in Iowa, and more, engaging with the community and supporting local charities at each stop.

  • The 20th annual Packers Tailgate Tour took place from April 14-18, 2026.
  • The tour made stops across Wisconsin and Iowa over the course of five days.

The players

Edgerrin Cooper

A current Packers player who participated in the 2026 Tailgate Tour.

Evan Williams

A current Packers player who participated in the 2026 Tailgate Tour.

James Jones

A Packers alumni who has participated in multiple Tailgate Tours over the years.

Randall Cobb

A Packers alumni who has participated in multiple Tailgate Tours over the years.

Desmond Bishop

A Packers alumni who has participated in multiple Tailgate Tours over the years.

Brandon Jackson

A Packers alumni who has participated in multiple Tailgate Tours over the years.

Ed Policy

The Packers President and CEO, who was embarking on his first Tailgate Tour.

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What they’re saying

“We really like to give back, take care of our team and our members. Food brings people together. Just like the Packers on Sunday. They bring people together.”

— Brandon Koehler, Director of Operations, Johnsonville

“To see what Habitat does to put a roof over families' heads and to be a part of that really means something to me. It's important, so kudos to the volunteers and the donors here tonight.”

— James Jones, Packers Alumni

“It's a lot of fun, we get to see everybody come together to meet the Packers, to have an experience that they wouldn't be able to have other than at Lambeau, and to support affordable housing in our community at the same time.”

— Grant Buenger, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Racine and Kenosha Counties

What’s next

The Packers will continue their community engagement efforts throughout the year, with plans for the 21st annual Tailgate Tour already in the works.

The takeaway

The Packers Tailgate Tour demonstrates the team's longstanding commitment to supporting its local communities across Wisconsin and the Midwest. By connecting directly with fans, visiting schools and businesses, and raising funds for important causes, the Packers players and alumni are making a meaningful impact that extends far beyond the football field.