1. Economic Impact: The draft is projected to bring an estimated $94 million to Wisconsin's economy, with $20 million directly benefiting Green Bay. This translates to approximately $190 per Green Bay resident and $16 per Wisconsinite, based on the expected 250,000 attendees.
2. Small Business Engagement: The NFL Draft Source Program has included 88 Wisconsin-based businesses, focusing on diverse and local vendors, to provide goods and services for the event. This initiative aims to ensure that the economic benefits of the draft are distributed within the local community.
3. Infrastructure Investments: To accommodate the influx of visitors, Verizon Business has installed five new macro cell towers and upgraded 32 existing ones in the Green Bay area, enhancing 4G and C-band capacity to ensure seamless connectivity during the event.
4. Local Business Preparations: Businesses near Lambeau Field, such as Lodge Kohler, have significantly increased their inventory and staffing. Lodge Kohler, for instance, has ordered 20,000 bratwursts and expanded its beer garden to cater to the expected crowds.
5. Cultural Showcases: The draft will feature Wisconsin-centric events, including a bike parade, Oneida Smoke Dancers performances, polka bands, and cheese-carving demonstrations, highlighting the state's rich cultural heritage.
6. Community Events: Downtown Green Bay will host several events, such as the Draft City Music Fest, Booyah Battle, Kringle Combine, and the End Zone Food Truck Alley & Market, providing entertainment and opportunities for local vendors.
7. Fashion and Endorsements: NFL draft prospects are leveraging their appearances for fashion endorsements. For example, last year former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye wore a Hugo Boss suit after receiving compensation from the brand, reflecting a growing trend of athletes monetizing their image during the draft.
8. Public Safety Coordination: Local public safety agencies, including Green Bay Police and Metro Fire, have collaborated with the NFL to ensure a safe event, developing contingency plans for various scenarios, including inclement weather.
9. Long-Term Planning: The effort to bring the NFL Draft to Green Bay began in 2017, involving extensive planning and coordination among local officials, the Packers organization, and the NFL, culminating in the city's selection as the 2025 host.
10. Venue Utilization: The draft campus spans 4.6 million square feet, encompassing Lambeau Field, the Resch Complex, and Titletown. This extensive use of space is unprecedented for Green Bay and showcases the city's capability to host large-scale events.
