GREEN BAY, Wis. — As a child, Corey Behnke attended a Green Bay Packers preseason game with his grandfather and aspired to one day live across the street from Lambeau Field. Today, Behnke has achieved his dream and is in prime position to witness the unfolding of the NFL draft’s debut in Green Bay, a city celebrated for being the NFL’s sole publicly owned franchise.
The NFL draft, known for its allure and grandeur, is set to grace Green Bay next week, marking a significant event for the city. Behnke, now serving as the president of the neighborhood association near Lambeau Field, expressed that this draft will have a unique iconic status compared to others hosted in different cities.
Ever since the NFL began moving its draft events around various cities about a decade ago, Packers officials have been eager to bring the spectacle to Green Bay, acknowledging the improbability of hosting a Super Bowl due to the city’s small size and harsh winter weather. Thus, securing the draft became the next major ambition.
This longtime vision, once merely an idea, is now a reality as Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy prepares for his impending retirement. As draft-related activities buzz around Lambeau, neighborhood signs celebrate the event with messages like “Draft Dreams on Murphy’s Turf,” reflecting the community’s excitement.
The Packers recognize the draft’s potential impact, not only on Green Bay but also on the entire state. With a focus on community enrichment, Murphy sees hosting this event as a way of giving back, positioning it as the largest event the city has ever hosted.
Despite its promising benefits, staging the draft in Green Bay presents challenges due to the smaller population of roughly 320,000 in the metro area. With Green Bay itself having less than 110,000 residents and limited hotel accommodations, many attendees may need to stay in larger towns like Milwaukee or Madison. Nonetheless, Packers games often see fans willing to drive considerable distances, indicating a readiness for similar logistics during the draft.
It’s anticipated that around 250,000 people will attend the draft, a significant number but understandably smaller than the previous record set in Detroit. According to Jon Barker, the NFL’s senior vice president for global event operations, the draft’s adaptability allows for unique opportunities within different environments.
Local traditions will take center stage, including Green Bay’s renowned training-camp practice where players ride children’s bicycles to practice sessions. The draft bid emphasized this tradition by sending NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a Packers-themed bicycle. Without divulging specifics, NFL officials promise to tie in draft events with local customs, including a children’s bike parade.
As first-round picks are announced, prospects will pass through an artistic installation by Milwaukee-based artist Ike Wynter, who crafts pieces from reclaimed Wisconsin wood. Additionally, former Wisconsin Badgers players will play prominent roles in announcing picks during subsequent draft days.
Lambeau Field is poised to play a central role, not just as a backdrop, but as a venue to experience the excitement. The NFL Draft Experience, a fan festival filled with interactive activities, will keep attendees engaged even if they’re far from the stage. Probable first-round picks will make their red-carpet entrances onto Lambeau’s famous Frozen Tundra field, while fans can follow the draft on the stadium’s large screens.
The event will serve as an extensive showcase of Wisconsin’s charms, during which millions of viewers will witness the state’s unique offerings. The development around Lambeau Field, including new facilities like the Resch Expo and the Titletown district, boosts Green Bay’s capacity to host an event of this magnitude.
Greater Green Bay Chamber Vice President Beth Jones Schnese projects an economic boost of $20 million for Brown County and $90 million for Wisconsin, likening it to the economic effect of multiple consecutive Packers home games. Although local residents may experience temporary inconveniences, they are seasoned in adapting to large crowds during football weekends.
Corey Behnke, whose family has held Packers season tickets since Lambeau Field’s inception, underscores the community’s hospitality spirit. Being native to Green Bay and living near the stadium, he is deeply aware of the Packers’ cultural significance to the city, positioning the team, and now the draft, as pivotal to Green Bay’s identity and allure.
This draft is more than a sporting event; it is a cultural affirmation of Green Bay’s standing within the NFL, embodying the city’s longstanding football tradition and community pride.