GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Packers are preparing to host an NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field next week Sunday.
The Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau says the community is gearing up to host that influx of fans. President Brad Toll is excited for a playoff game – and the implications it has for the local economy.
“Playoff games are heaven-sent for the economy in Green Bay,” Toll tells WTAQ News, “A home game weekend is the biggest thing the City of Green Bay could possibly book. To have an extra one to start 2020 off with a game like this plays a very significant roll.”
Toll says an estimated $15 million flows through the local economy during a regular-season home game – and he predicts the playoff game will bring even more revenue.
“It’s fantastic for the economy. January is not a time period that’s very high in tourism, unless of course we have playoff games that we’re hosting,” Toll says.
But as people begin the pilgrimmage to football’s holy land, the Convention and Visitors Bureau urges fans to check out more of the Green Bay area than just Lambeau Field.
“People tend to come from all corners of the country and really, places around the world to see the Packers play – and certainly to see them in a playoff game at Lambeau Field,” Toll says, “We certainly encourage people to come in and enjoy Green Bay during the day on Saturday prior to the game – and certainly enjoy all of the festivities that take place prior to the game on Sunday.”
It has yet to be determined whether the team will play the Saints, Seahawks, or Eagles – but some fans are already planning ahead. Those who don’t have their plans set should probably start taking a look at finding a hotel room. Toll says businesses around the area tend to see bigger crowds during game weekends, and especially playoff games. The biggest benefactors of those crowds tend to be local hotels and restaurants.
“Some of the hotels around the stadium district are filling up, so that will continue to press out into other parts of the community,” Toll says, “All of those people are employing a ton of people. And if you don’t have thousands and thousands of people in town, you don’t need as many people on staff.”
And he says that boost is a good sign for everyone in the community, even those who avoid the stadium district as much as possible on game weekends.
“The visitors that are coming in are paying all of our local taxes while they’re here. So even the general residents watching at home on TV is benefiting,” Toll explains.
The Packers will host the New Orleans Saints if they defeat Minnesota this weekend. If the Vikings win, the winner of the Seattle Seahawks-Philadelphia Eagles game would come to Lambeau Field.
