FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With an estimated 250,000 visitors expected to descend on Titletown for the 2025 NFL Draft, the greater Green Bay population is going to balloon for a short stretch next April.
Especially considering the fact that Green Bay’s draft footprint is expected to be double that of Detroit’s.
That’s where the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau steps in.
“We knew there would be a big impact. We provided some information when they started bidding on the draft, because we’re a unique destination, a unique area, to host this. Obviously, a smaller NFL market. We’re only 30 minutes from Lambeau Field here, in Appleton, our hotels,” says Pam Seidl, executive director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
There are an estimated 3,600 hotel rooms across the Fox Cities.
Amanda Hedtke, general manager of Fairfield Inn and Suites in Appleton, tells us they’re hard at work to get rooms booked.
“We’ve taken a look, obviously getting inquires for group blocks, and now we’re just looking at one by one as people are blocking,” she said. “If they’re staying on points, or just wanting for just one or two nights, or staying the whole week for the draft.”
But with welcoming so many visitors to the valley, how will fans get to and from Titletown?
Hedtke said it’s well in hand.
“We’re working with the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau on transportation,” she said. “So shuttling from the Appleton area up to Green Bay, knowing that the parking is not going to exist at Lambeau Field.”
While shuttles between the hotels and Lambeau are planned, the FCCVB also says that they are considering a “park and ride” system at locations like the Fox River Mall.
“What we’re hoping to really do is just make it an easier experience for everybody here,” said Seidl. “We know there will be a lot of people in the area and in the community, and the best thing we can do is make it safe and efficient for everyone to have a good time.”
Seidl says the “park and ride” system is in the early phase. More information will come as the Draft gets closer.
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