The story of Stadium View begins when the husband and wife team of Jerry and Diane Watson had a vision. They bought a building that was, at the time, a women’s fine clothing store in September of 1992. They turned the 7,000 square foot building into a Sports Bar in just 28 days!
When coming up with a name, many options were discussed. When it came down to it, nothing could surpass “Stadium View” for obvious reason. Since 1992, three event halls have been added, along with two additional full service kitchens, an addition to the original sports bar, an indoor & outdoor beer garden ,as well as a rooftop bar!
Over the years, Stadium View has witnessed numerous incredible events here in Green Bay, including a concert by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill that drew nearly 10,000 people. Jim Rome brought his radio show here for Tour Stop #5 where he drew a crowd of 2,500 people.
When the Packers, with a very young Brett Favre, won Super Bowl XXXI over New England we cheered along with the rest of the city -- only to have a less fortunate result the following year in Super Bowl XXXII versus Denver.
With a name centered so directly around football, the tailgate parties at Stadium View are the stuff of legends. There can be as many as 3 live bands and 3 DJ’s playing throughout the course of the day. On any given home Packer game, it is not uncommon for Stadium View to have 6-8,000 -- or even as many as 10,000 -- people come through our gates.
The accolades that Stadium View has achieved through the years span from local awards to National Honors. We have received recognition by Forbes Magazine as the #1 Sports Bar in America, Esquire Magazine has named Stadium View as one of the top 100 Bars in the Nation and we were named one of MSN’s Top 10 Sports Bars in America -- “Again.”
There has been no shortage of celebrities to come through our doors. We hope you’ll enjoy reading a list that includes a few to highlight. Sports celebs, including: Dan Dierdorf, Terry Bradshaw, Al McGuire, John Mortenson, Pat Michaels, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Trey Wingo, Tony Kornheiser, Ron Jaworski, Kenny Mayne, Rachel Nichols and Chris Carter.
Rockstars include: Metallica, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Godsmack, Steve Miller & sometimes an occasional Elvis sighting. Other celebrities include: Pat Morita “Mr. Miyagi,” Rupert from “Survivor,” Bill Murray, Tommy Thompson, Ken Norton & Spike Lee just to name a few. And Yes, numerous Packer players including Brett Favre and Bart Starr.
We consider ourselves a “Mom & Pop” business where everyone is welcome to have a great time. Over the years, countless customers have approached us and said Stadium View reminds them of “Home,” no matter where they are from. Thank you all for the many great years of patronage. We couldn’t have done it this long without you.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
The Watsons
*The legend that is Stadium View is currently in it’s second generation of the Watson family. Stadium View is presently operated by Jerry and Diane’s son, Bob Watson, his wife Amanda Watson - along with a management staff second to none. There are very few places as big as Stadium View that have been able to stay in a family as long as we have. As we approach our 33rd Packer season, the forecast looks promising for this “Mom & Pop.”
