Aaron Rodgers (File Photo)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Whether or not Aaron Rodgers is the Green Bay Packers Quarterback next season is going to have an economic impact in Green Bay.
It’s going to have an impact regardless of his decision.
“If he’s not back, that is the worst case scenario,” said Travis Loftus with Green Bay’s Ticket King. “The team goes from a potentially playoff championship team to the unknown.”
Loftus says ticket prices could drop significantly without Rodgers under center.
“If the team’s not playing well and the weather is cold, then people don’t want to spend money on tickets.”
When Rodgers broke his collarbone in the 2013 season, Loftus says tickets prices fell and attendance dropped. That year, backup QBs Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien, and Matt Flynn oversaw a mediocre end to a 8-7-1 season.
“Most are hoping things work out and our MVP will be back in Green and Gold,” said Brad Toll of the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Toll says with fewer ticket sales, that means fewer tourists and therefore, fewer tourism dollars. However–it might not be all bad. Toll says that when Brett Farve was traded to the New York Jets and Rodgers took over the Packers starting job back in 2008, people still flocked to the drama.
“It actually was quite a draw…people wanted to see how Aaron was doing,” said Toll. “And there was still some controversy among fans.”
Rodgers has avoided questions on whether or not he will return to the team. It broke during the NFL Draft that the longtime QB was unhappy with the management of the Packers. Training camp starts later this month.
Comments