You can expect to see more than just Packers and Bears jerseys roaming around Door and Kewaunee counties in April 2025.
The National Football League announced on Monday that Green Bay will be the host of the 2025 Draft. The Green Bay Packers expect an estimated crowd of 240,000 people to attend the event, generating an economic impact of approximately $94 million statewide and $20 million locally. According to Green Bay Packers Chief Operating Officer Ed Policy, that would make the draft the biggest event Green Bay has ever hosted.
Similar to what occurred when Whistling Straits in the Sheboygan area for the 2021 Ryder Cup, areas as far away as Milwaukee and Madison could see people staying in hotel rooms there before driving to Green Bay for the NFL Draft festivities. Destination Door County’s Jen Rogers says the area will likely see its own influx of visitors due to the draft, whether they are just here to sleep in between rounds or need to escape the draft for the day.
Rogers says they will start planning ahead for 2025, working with Discover Green Bay, area businesses, and visitors on how to make this a positive experience for everyone. The NFL also announced plans to flex Thursday night games to get the best matchups available for their partners. While the Packers were one of eight teams to vote against the proposal, Destination Door County’s Jon Jarosh said earlier this month that it could actually turn into an advantage for the area.
