Imagine the excitement of a Packers game day—brats sizzling, cheese curds in hand, and the roar of fans—now stretch that energy across an entire week. That’s what’s unfolding in Green Bay as the city gears up to host the 2025 NFL Draft. No longer just a Sunday ritual, this football event is transforming Titletown into a prime national destination.
With an expected 250,000 visitors, Green Bay is bracing for one of its busiest weeks in recent memory. Austin Straubel International Airport, which usually sees around 20,000 travelers weekly, is preparing for that number to double. Airport Director Marty Piette described the draft as Green Bay’s version of the Super Bowl and predicted it would be the busiest week the airport has experienced in two decades.
Airlines are adapting quickly, introducing new nonstop routes from cities like Atlanta, Orlando, and Detroit. Appleton International Airport is also seeing a 15–20% increase in flights, with popular routes to cities such as Denver and Phoenix filling up fast. The busiest travel days are expected to be Wednesday, April 23, and the weekend afterward as fans return home. While Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport hasn’t added new flights, it’s quietly benefiting from increased bookings, especially in hotels, where occupancy rates have climbed significantly from January levels.
However, not all local businesses are celebrating. Some, like longtime barber Keith Zimmerman on Military Avenue, are opting to close during the draft due to road closures and lack of foot traffic. In contrast, other businesses like Heights Pub are preparing for a major boost, expecting packed rooms and surging demand throughout the week.
Green Bay isn’t simply hosting an event—it’s mobilizing a citywide effort. More than 1,000 volunteers will be on the ground to greet guests, maintain cleanliness, and serve local dishes like booyah at special events such as the Booyah Battle festival. Josh Albrecht from VISIT Milwaukee emphasized how this kind of event draws people in from within a six-hour driving radius, citing examples from cities like Detroit and Kansas City that have hosted the draft in recent years.
The projected economic impact across Wisconsin stands at a whopping $94 million. But there are logistical hurdles, too. Parking rates downtown will temporarily double to $24 per day, prompting some friction between residents and visiting fans. City officials like Public Works Director Steve Grenier have defended the rate hike as necessary to offset the cost of expanded services.
Businesses are taking unique steps to join in the celebration. For instance, a local sandwich shop, Erbert & Gerbert’s, has even redesigned part of its interior with a Packers-themed hallway to fully embrace the spirit of the draft.
From airport terminals to local taverns, Green Bay is blending its small-town hospitality with the scale of a national event. Once the final draft pick is called and lights shine over Lambeau Field, one big question remains: Will this be the moment that redefines Green Bay as more than just a football town?
As one of America’s most storied football cities, Green Bay is preparing to host fans from across the country in what could be a turning point—not just for tourism, but for the city’s broader cultural and economic identity.