Packers and tourism groups gearing up for 2025 NFL Draft
GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- Tourism organizations around the state are starting to plan how to accommodate the 250,000 people expected to come to Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft.
A dream that is years in the making finally came true for the Green Bay Packers organization. But how does that dream become a reality?
Brad Toll of Discover Green Bay explains the planning begins now to welcome the masses to Green Bay.
"As they come in, they will be filling their cars with gas, having lunch, hit cafes and restaurants throughout our state," explained Toll. "And we fully expect fans will be staying overnight in cities throughout Wisconsin."
While officials say the impact will be felt throughout the state, they haven't been able to specify where the event will actually be happening.
The Packers organization says the main functions will happen on what it's calling the "Lambeau Field Campus," which includes Lambeau Field, the Titletown District and the Resch Center and Expo.
The exact location of the main stage is ultimately up to the NFL.
Regardless of where the stage is, all local hotels are already being called on by Discover Green Bay.
"We have all the space that the NFL needs all reserved already," said Toll. "So, we are in good shape there."
The tourism organization is also working with various venues throughout the city.
"If there's special events or things that they want to do, we want to be able to provide a variety of options," said Toll.
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy says people could stay in more than hotels.
"Assuming the ice is melted, Lake Michigan may be having some cruise ships, and we've had some discussions also with Amtrak about the possibility of running train service up from Milwaukee," explained Murphy.
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Toll says they are also working with other visitors bureaus around the state for people that will be lodging in different cities.
But it will also be all hands on deck from people in the Green Bay community. Those who live in the area can look into renting out their own homes.
"Short-term rentals -- this should be noted as well, are inspected by the county, health inspections," said Toll. "And paid the taxes that hotels pay, and if that's the case certainly we welcome it."
As well as driving for rideshare apps.
"We also would love to see Uber and Lyfts become a bigger part of the community as well," said Toll. "It's always fun when you get with a local. 'Hey, where are the best cheese curds?' and you start those conversations. We are known for being such nice people."
He adds that one of the most important places that week will be the finished Discover Green Bay building, and their goal is to spread people around all of Green Bay.
"People come in and 'What should I do, what other things?' That would be a great spot for people to ask questions," said Toll.
But what Murphy says will make this draft most special for outside visitors is our fans.
"We all know the passion that our fans have and how unique that is, and I think that's really going to show the whole nation exactly how passionate our fans are," he said. "I know that they'll bring that energy, and that will really make it a special event."
