Green Bay Gears Up for the NFL’s Biggest Offseason Event: The Draft
Green Bay, Wisconsin, a quaint city renowned for Lambeau Field and its beloved Packers, stands poised to welcome one of the most significant events in the NFL calendar—the NFL Draft. As the smallest market to host this spectacle, the city’s charm and community spirit are set to shine like never before.
A Dream Realized: The Story Behind Green Bay Hosting the Draft
At just seven years old, Corey Behnke made a heartfelt promise while watching a Packers preseason game: he vowed to live near Lambeau Field. Today, as president of the neighborhood association, he enjoys one of the best views of the upcoming draft and is thrilled about its implications for both local residents and fans.
“It’s going to be iconic in a way that no other drafts before have been,” Behnke asserts. With the draft’s arrival, Green Bay is not just hosting an event; it’s showcasing its unique identity as the only publicly owned franchise in the NFL.
Why the Draft is a Game-Changer for Green Bay
With the NFL’s decision to take its draft on the road a decade ago, Green Bay’s officials began dreaming of the day they could host the event. Given the city’s relatively small population and its frigid winter weather, they recognized that a Super Bowl was likely out of reach. However, hosting the draft became a realistic goal, and now, Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy is seeing that vision come to fruition just before retirement.
“We knew the impact this would have not just on Green Bay, but on the entire state,” Murphy explains. "This draft is about community, and as a community-owned team, giving back is our top priority.”
Navigating the Unique Challenges of a Smaller City
Green Bay may be an NFL powerhouse, but its infrastructure presents challenges that larger cities don’t face. With a mere 5,000 hotel rooms within the city limits—which can stretch to 10,000 when including nearby Appleton—many draft attendees might find themselves booking accommodations as far away as Milwaukee or Madison. This is a reality that seasoned Packers fans are already accustomed to during home games.
“When people ask, ‘Can the city handle it?’ they’re really asking, ‘Do we have enough hotels?’” Behnke remarks. “While we might be short on rooms, Wisconsin has plenty of accommodations, and most fans know they’ll be driving to the event.”
Anticipating a Memorable Turnout
Despite some limitations, Murphy estimates that 250,000 fans will come to Green Bay for the draft—a number significantly smaller than last year’s record-breaking attendance of over 775,000 in Detroit. But Green Bay’s draft experience promises to be distinctive and memorable, creating a mounted excitement that can’t be measured in numbers alone.
“The beauty of the draft is its adaptability,” says Jon Barker, the NFL’s senior vice president for global event operations. “We embrace the challenges while seizing the opportunities that a special place like Green Bay provides.”
Tapping into Local Traditions
Green Bay boasts rich traditions that will be woven into the fabric of this year’s draft. Among these are the iconic scenes of players riding children’s bicycles from locker rooms to practice fields—an endearing ritual that will even make an appearance during the draft festivities.
“We sent a Packers-themed bike as part of our pitch to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,” remarks Gabrielle Dow, vice president of marketing and fan engagement for the Packers. This connection to local culture encapsulates what the draft is all about: community spirit and shared joys.
A Festival Atmosphere
The draft experience will extend beyond the stadium, embracing the rich vibrancy of the city. Lambeau Field will provide the backdrop, but fans will also engage in a free NFL Draft Experience festival, featuring games, exhibits, and special activities—including a bike parade for kids on Saturday.
As first-round picks strut into Lambeau, fans will be treated to a visual feast, including a stage in the parking lot adjacent to the field and giant screens enabling everyone to follow the action in real time.
“This will be a three-day commercial not just for Green Bay, but for the entire state,” Murphy emphasizes, assuring that the uniqueness of Wisconsin will shine throughout the event.
Economic Impact and Community Resilience
The anticipated impact of the draft on the local economy is staggering, projected to inject $20 million into Brown County and an impressive $90 million into Wisconsin overall. This is equivalent to the economic benefits generated over three home-game weekends, highlighting the magnitude of this beloved community event.
While some temporary inconveniences like road closures and traffic congestion may arise, Green Bay residents are no strangers to accommodating thousands of fans eager to experience the thrill of Packers games—and they welcome this larger exhibit of hospitality with open arms.
Conclusion: A Community Ready to Shine
For Behnke, the excitement is palpable. As a lifelong fan and co-founder of Cheesehead TV, he believes that the Packers are ingrained into the DNA of Green Bay in a way unparalleled by cities with multiple professional teams. The community embraces its role as ambassadors, showcasing an unmatched commitment to hospitality.
“We take our obligation seriously to show every visitor a great time, just as we do on game days,” he expresses. As the NFL Draft approaches, Green Bay stands ready—not just to host an event, but to celebrate its identity and passion for football with the world.
Explore more about the NFL Draft here.
