Hey! What do you get when you cross members of the Phellowship (a group of sober Phish fans) with die-hard Packer fans? You get Section Yellow, the only sanctioned, fan-driven sober resource and ambassadors’ group in the NFL. In this video, I chat with Section Yellow’s founders John Plageman and Thomas Doughman about their experiences in getting the group started, the strength they’ve received from sober fans and their allies, and the hope to expand sober acceptance in an area where drinking is not just part of the culture, it’s often the whole thing. And we talk a bit about football too…
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(00:00) Sober Sports: Columnist, Community, and Concerts
Ryan introduced himself as the Sober Sports columnist for The Sober Curator and highlighted the importance of interviews like this one. They discussed the unique experience of attending a baseball game while sober. Ryan then introduced John and Thomas from the Section Yellow Organization, a group that supports sobriety at sports events, particularly Packer games in Wisconsin. John shared his personal journey of becoming sober, his love for the Grateful Dead, and finding a supportive community at the band’s concerts. He also mentioned his involvement in setting up a sober support table at these events.
(04:36) Sober Support: Section Sober’s Success Story
John and Thomas discussed their involvement with the Brown County alcohol and drug coalition and how it led to the creation of their nonprofit, Section Sober. The organization aims to support those who are sober and welcome those who are sober allies, with a focus on inclusivity. They have had a successful year, with personal donations and corporate sponsorship, and have been incorporated into the fan experience at Lambeau Field.
(09:49) Sober Awareness Campaign: Green Bay Efforts
Thomas, John, and Ryan discussed their efforts in promoting sober awareness through their Facebook page and various local initiatives. They emphasized a campaign of attraction rather than promotion, with John noting that they aim to provide information and options rather than directing people towards a specific path. Their approach includes engaging with local businesses and nonprofits to increase awareness of sobriety resources in Green Bay. They also mentioned the ‘Sober Green Bay’ initiative, which involves giving out stickers and cards to establishments to indicate a safe space for those seeking sobriety.
(14:33) Patient Recovery Resource Initiative
John and Ryan discussed their initiative to break down complex medical jargon and insurance options for patients, aiming to help them navigate the path to recovery. They noted a significant barrier to treatment is often transportation and insurance, which they try to address through their work. Thomas highlighted that the resource is especially beneficial for family members or friends trying to support a loved one through recovery. John mentioned their resource cards are being widely distributed, with some pharmacies going through up to 100 a month. Ryan commended their work, noting it aligns with his own experiences with the aging and disability resource center.
(18:14) Booth Inquiry and Contingent Engagement
Ryan inquires about Thomas, John, and Ryan’s booth, which includes a kiosk and posters. They mention that the kiosk will look like it fits in at Lambo, and they have a table with posters and information on the table. They have four contingents who come to the table, including those who are aware of them through their Facebook page and are excited to share their experience and take selfies. A third contingent is intoxicated and gives a slurred thumbs up.
(20:03) NFL Sober Fan Support Efforts
Thomas, Ryan, and John discussed the unique effort they are leading in the NFL to support sober fans at games. They highlighted the impact of their volunteer table at a recent preseason game, which provided a space for fans celebrating sobriety anniversaries or attending their first sober game. They emphasized the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding sobriety, especially in a state like Wisconsin, which is known for its alcohol-driven culture. John shared a scenario to illustrate the need for support, and Ryan further elaborated on the state’s culture of branding consumption. The trio acknowledged the progress they’ve made in gaining the NFL’s attention and expanding awareness of their efforts but also recognized the ongoing need to combat stereotypes about sobriety.
(27:52) Yellow Balloons: Symbols of Sobriety at Packers’ Games
John and Ryan shared the tradition of releasing yellow balloons during the fourth quarter at the Packers’ games, which initially started as a way to identify sober individuals in a crowd of 80,000 people. This silent statement has caught on and has become a tradition in the history of the Packers. Thomas noted the significance of this tradition, pointing out that it is now fully endorsed and seen as pockets of sobriety in the stadium.
(31:39) Sober Initiative: Growth, Inclusivity, and Community
Thomas, John, and Ryan discussed the success and impact of their sober awareness initiative at the Lambo game. The initiative, which includes the use of balloons to silently indicate sobriety, has seen significant growth each year and has garnered attention from other groups. The team emphasized the importance of inclusivity, welcoming both those in recovery and their supporters. They were asked for advice on replicating their efforts, and they encouraged others to focus on building a community and supporting systems for those in recovery.
(35:53) Section Yellow Fan Initiative Launched Successfully
Thomas, Ryan, and John shared their experience of allowing a fan from a local pro hockey team in Massachusetts to use their “Section Yellow” concept. The fan was interested in learning from their work with the Packers. They asked for credit and requested to trademark the name, while also prohibiting the promotion of alcohol. The fan committed to attending 15 games, with potential for more if they made the playoffs. The success of this initiative led to interest from NFL fans in other cities, prompting the trio to encourage others to start similar communities. They expressed a desire to support and spread this positive vibe, rather than franchise it or control specific locations.
(38:45) Young Team, Low Expectations, Potential Breakthrough
Thomas, Ryan, and John discussed their expectations for the upcoming season, noting that they have low expectations but also the potential for a breakthrough with their young team. They expressed a need for new leadership and discussed the potential of Jordan Love, who has been well-received by both the team and the fan base. There were concerns raised about the defense, particularly about Rashawn Gary’s health, and the potential challenges of a young quarterback and receiver core. The team also mentioned their hope to see Love develop a portion of Rogers’ skillset.
(42:40) Young NFL Team’s Performance and Potential
Thomas, John, and Ryan discussed the age of their team, which is the youngest in the NFL, and expressed concern over the performance of their rookie kicker. They also talked about the potential of individual players, such as Derek Watt and Eric Stokes, and their hope for a better season. They mentioned the team’s running back core and the receiver Jaden Reid, who shares the same name as John’s daughter. The conversation also touched on the history of the Green Bay Packers and the team’s current coach, Joe Barry, with hopes for a top 10 defense and above .500 season.
(48:05) Packers Fan Podcast Planning
Ryan expressed appreciation for the time John and Thomas spent discussing various topics, including their shared interest in the Green Bay Packers. The group also jokingly discussed the possibility of starting a sober podcast focused on the Packers, tentatively dubbing it “Monday Mockail”. It was agreed upon that this would be an enjoyable and informative way to engage with fans.
About Section Sober
Section Sober came into being after Co-founder John Plageman had the idea for a sober support table at Lambeau Field. This dream became a reality in 2019, and the group wanted to create a nonprofit charitable organization to support these efforts. Section Sober, Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Section Sober Mission
The mission of Section Sober is to cultivate sober-friendly spaces within Brown County, WI. communities. We aim to reduce the use of harmful substances and welcome all that support a healthy lifestyle.
Section Sober Vision
The vision of Section Sober is to spread the concept of sober-friendly spaces across the nation.
#ADDTOCART SECTION SOBER MERCH
SOBER SPORTS: Welcome to Sober Sports with Ryan Burg! Sober Sports is our section of the site dedicated to promoting sobriety and wellness through sports and fitness. The section features articles, interviews, and personal stories from athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are committed to living a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle. By highlighting the benefits of sober living and the role that sports and fitness can play in achieving and maintaining sobriety, Sober Sports is changing the way we think about wellness and encouraging a more positive and empowering approach to recovery.
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
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