You will see football fans of all shapes, sizes, and allegiances come to the region for April's NFL Draft, and the Austin Straubel Airport is doing its part to make it as easy as possible.

The Green Bay-based airport announced this week the addition of direct flights to Austin Straubel from cities across the country. United Airlines and American Airlines have added two additional flights to and from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, operating on April 23rd and 27th. American Airlines announced two non-stop flights from New York City's LaGuardia Airport on April 23rd and 27th. These are in addition to nonstop flights previously announced on Delta Air Lines to and from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Orlando, LaGuardia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Detroit. Airport Director Marty Piette says it is not just filling the need for the NFL Draft but also an opportunity for them to showcase what the airport can handle for future growth.

Austin Straubel is not the only airport in the region expecting increased traffic for the NFL Draft. Door County Cherryland Airport Director Craig Ross expects to see a boost in traffic similar to what they see for EAA AirVenture. He says they have already had multiple inquiries not just for air traffic but also for the availability of rental cars. 

Destination Door County has hosted two virtual meetings in conjunction with Discover Green Bay officials about how local businesses can get involved with the draft, including one as recent as December. More information is expected to be released in March after the NFL wraps up its efforts in organizing the Super Bowl and its related events. The NFL Draft is from April 24th to April 26th, with most of the activity taking place around Lambeau Field.