Lambeau Field from the north parking lot. (WTAQ/Casey Nelson)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Sunday’s upcoming game brings some relief to Green Bay’s tourism industry, while it won’t make up for a season of no fans at Lambeau, there is some hope.
A Packers postseason isn’t just great for the team. But, also for tourism.
“It’s been a god send for the tourism industry,” said Brad Toll, President and CEO of Green Bay’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Center
After a season of few fans checking into hotels and dining at local restaurants, an NFC championship game has brought some fans back to Titletown.
“Just having more foot traffic in the area, it has increased our occupancy overall,” said Stacie Christel, Director of Sales and Marketing for Aloft Hotels in Green Bay.
Toll says occupancy for hotels was around 60% for last weekend’s game. On average this year it’s been around 37% During a normal season, that number is 98%.
“The numbers because of Covid have been anything but normal,” said Christel.
“It’s below what we’re accustomed to for home games but there’s no question we saw an uptick in the occupancy,” said Toll.
Toll says the slight uptick in the tourism industry they’re seeing isn’t just from fans in the stadium, but fans who want to be here for the game day environment.
Toll said, “I just talked to someone Monday of this week from Ohio that was on their way to Green Bay that had no tickets.”
“It’s just to be in Green Bay and say you’re in Green Bay when we’re in the NFC championship it’s just excitement to be in Titletown,” said Christel.
And while a few extra playoff games always helps the industry.
Toll said, “Well we used to count on the 10 games, 8 season, 2 pre-season and anything we got in January was a bonus.”
It’s also a good sign going into the summer months.
“It’s going to lead to additional spending and additional business for our hospitality and tourism industry so it’s all good,” said Toll, “Go Pack Go!”
Toll also said without fans all season, the tourism industry lost about $15 million per game. He said a playoff game at home would bring in that same amount or a bit more.
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