Generic Green Bay Packers game, Lambeau Field. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — For now, the parking lots around Lambeau Field sit relatively quiet. Sunday, football will return. The area will be busy with fans, coming to watch the Badgers play Notre Dame.
“Typically for a home Packers game, the economic impact can be anywhere between $15-$20 million. You know, we’re expecting this to be right in line with that,” said Discover Green Bay Vice President of Marketing, Nick Meisner.
Meisner says anytime Lambeau Field hosts an event in the bowl, it helps the city come alive. However, this time, it also comes on a holiday weekend.
“I think it’s just a bonus being on a holiday weekend. You know, people are less likely to have to, you know, go back right away after the game, can spend more time exploring our community,” said Meisner.
For Discover Green Bay, the work continues on the back end of the event.
“Making sure that it’s not just a onetime thing. That people are coming here experiencing it, what it’s like during a game day, but they’re continuing to see messages from Discover Green Bay letting them know about some things that they may have not heard of before.”
Both universities will hold a series of events this weekend. On Saturday, Badgers’ fans will be able to find activities across downtown. Notre Dame fans will find them at Titletown.
For those who find themselves in Green Bay this weekend, not only will there be special events and businesses to check out, but also an opportunity to get inside Lambeau Field to watch the game.
“Prices actually have come down quite a bit. There are some seats out there below face value as of right now. So, there are some good options if you’re still looking to get into the game,” said Ticket King Manager, Travis Loftus.
Loftus says face value for Sunday’s game was between $225-$350.
Wednesday night, the cheapest tickets on Ticket King’s website were just under $200 dollars.
“As long as the weather holds off, I think there’s gonna be a little bit of a surge. A lot of people been asking, kicking the tires to see how much they are. I think a lot of people think that they’re higher price than what they really are. If you would call, they’re definitely affordable now.” said Loftus.
There’s still some time until the Green and Gold take over Lambeau Field on gameday. But, for the area’s economy, this weekend may help ease the wait.
Next year, Lambeau Field will play host to Wisconsin men’s and women’s hockey. Packers Chief Marketing Officer, Gabrielle Dow says those events could also have a big impact on the local economy.
“It’s actually really great, I think, in terms of allowing or having that opportunity for businesses and hotels and restaurants to enjoy what happens on a weekend when we have an event here. With three different schools coming, three different alumni bases and two different states that will be visiting us, we hope it brings a lot of economic impact to the region,” said Dow.
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