4th And 26 Packers’ season get even scarier with Lambeau Field’s Spooktacular Fun, Haunted Concourse

The Packers have a certain reputation for delivering thrills in their games. This year, especially, seems to be a return to the Cardiac Pack of yore, where games end either in a yelp of triumph or a chest-clutching yowl of heartbreak. Even when the team is on the road, Lambeau Field is still in the business of sending shivers down spines. Spooktacular Fun is happening this weekend at the storied stadium, featuring a mix of spooky things for kids and The Haunted Concourse for some genuine scares. The A.V. Club sat down with Seth Curkeet, one of the masterminds behind the haunted event, for a closer look at the event.

The A.V. Club: What’s the backstory of the house?

Seth Curkeet: The Haunted Concourse is part of Spooktacular Fun at Lambeau Field. The Packers organization has been putting on the event for about eight years now. It consists of child-friendly events in the atrium, and the Haunted Concourse itself, which is more of a PG-13 affair. The Haunted Concourse costs $2 per person, and this year those proceeds are going to Stingcancer in Green Bay.

AVC: How did you get involved?

SC: About four years ago I was on a date with a lovely woman I met online. We were at an outdoor cafe on the square when her friend Pete Nelson walked by. She introduced me and mentioned that I was a special effects makeup artist. Pete asked if I’d be interested and I said, “Sure!” Several years later, here I am, getting a taste of what Pete goes through to make this happen.

AVC: Any good stories about the players?

SC: The players are invited to a preview on opening night for them and their families, but we treat them just like all our guests. No one breaks character or in any way diminishes the experience for them. We take great pride in that.

AVC: Best reaction of an attendee?

SC: The bonus scares are always the best. Two years ago I was a creature that appeared to be part of the wall—very Alien—and I’d stay very still until a guest got close, then BAM! Well, in comes a family, and dad is checking out everything like he’s shopping at the hardware store. He was clearly in “nothing phases me” mode. He walks right up to me and examines the costume quite closely, then turns his back. Had no idea I was in there. Well, with his back to me, I couldn’t resist. I leaned way out and gave him bunny ears. The rest of the family starts screaming and he turns to see what the fuss is. Boom! Fell right back on his butt. The veneer was gone and he starts laughing, because we really got him. It was great.

AVC: What is the appeal of a live haunted house?

SC: Probably moments like that guy I scared. He didn’t expect to really be scared—after all, we go to great lengths to make it a safe environment for our guests—but there he got a genuine scare and he loved it. People who really enjoy the scare and show their joy in the aftermath.