A line extended outside of The Bar off Holmgren Way as fans patiently waited to catch a glimpse of the Dan Patrick Show on the eve of the draft. April 23, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — We’re just over 24 hours out from the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft, but people are already in Green Bay, taking in the sights and sounds.
A line extended outside of The Bar on Holmgren Way as fans patiently waited to catch a glimpse of The Dan Patrick Show — just one of the many activities happening on draft day eve.
“This is quite an experience, and that’s another reason why I wanted to come down today, is just because this is small-town Green Bay. This just doesn’t happen,” fan Cameron Giese said.
Giese got in line at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, hoping to get inside The Bar and see the show. Some folks were in line as early as 3 a.m. to get a front row seat. However, many people are just glad to be a part of the draft atmosphere and see the big-time guests.
“We saw [Matt] LaFleur come by, and [Doug] Gottlieb came out and walked by us,” fan Mike Armitage said. “It’s kind of nice to see them in person and close up like that, because normally, you just see them on TV and that’s it.”
Armitage and his friends wanted to check things out Wednesday to try and avoid the hustle and bustle coming Thursday. It’s a rush that TJ’s Kettle Corn, parked in the Quality Inn lot, is bracing for.
“I’m afraid we’re going to get slammed, but you know, we’re going to make money — some good money probably, hopefully,” worker Jamie Garcia said.
Like many businesses, they’ve been preparing for the draft for over a year now. It’ll be all hands on deck as they get ready to sell their signature kettle corn and other treats.
On the other side of Lambeau Field, people came out to the Discover Green Bay to catch more than 50 Oneida Nation Dancers perform, giving a glimpse of their culture.
The traditional Oneida dancers performed twice Wednesday to bring fans from near and far together for this special occasion.
“I’m tickled. I’m watching the community grow and it’s kind of building up and we’ve got a big delegation of dancers that came out here,” Oneida Nation Council Member Kirby Metoxen said.
A fast-paced dance will also be performed Thursday at the draft opening reception, offering a chance to show the world what the Oneida Nation is all about.
“The 575 different tribes all dance different, dress different, sing different, so it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase our traditions,” Metoxen said.
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