BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Despite the pandemic, there is still plenty of excitement in the Green Bay area for the release of the NFL schedule on Thursday, but there’s also plenty of uncertainty.
The NFL says it’s proceeding with the schedule release like it’s business as usual. However, fans and those making plans for the games know plans may change.
Aloft Green Bay has temporarily laid off about 80 percent of its workforce during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s anyone’s guess whether some will be needed when the schedule is announced.
“Normally there would be excitement,” said Stacie Christel, Director of Sales for Aloft Green Bay. “We would prepare for calls or internet inquires to come inThis year you don’t know what to expect. You have to plan as normal, but you don’t know if there’s going to be a season.”
The Packers are following the NFL’s lead. Packers Director of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey writes “decisions will continue to be based on the latest advice of medical and public health officials, as well as in full compliance with current and future government regulations.”
“We’re excited about it and maybe in some ways even more excited than normal,” said Brad Toll, President & CEO of Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Toll it’s nice to be making plans, instead of canceling them. He says national studies are showing many people feel the same way, which is good considering about 87 percent of Lambeau crowds come from outside Brown County.
“They’re starting to see things turn to where maybe we’ve hit the bottom and interest is starting to go up on taking trips,” said Toll.
A season to travel for is still far from a given. Each home game weekend carries an economic impact of about $15 million for the Green Bay area, according to Toll. That equals about $150 million for a full season. Much of that would still be lost if the league decides to play without fans.
“We need that excitement,” said Christel. “We need that revenue for the whole market. We strive on that in Green Bay.”
If games are eventually called off, Aloft and many other hotels are providing refunds for pandemic-related cancelations.
The schedule will officially be released at 7 pm tonight.
