GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW) – The official hand-off of the draft has occurred and the countdown to NFL Draft 2025 has begun. Is Green Bay ready for the 250,000 or more people that will be coming to the area in April? Mayor Eric Genrich says yes and no.

Security

Genrich says as far as security is concerned, he’s confident that the City of Green Bay has what it takes.

“We’re in really good hands. We’ve got a fantastic fire chief, police chief, and Jim Arts, who is kind of the Director of NFL Security for these events. We’re going to be in really good hands on that front,” said Genrich.

Transportation and Traffic

Genrich said the biggest challenge facing the city during the NFL Draft 2025 will be transportation.

“Transportation is going to be really key. Making sure that we have reliable, frequent access for people to hop a bus. We have our game-day routes. Operating them, but increasing the frequency,” said Genrich. “Obviously, there’s going to be some charter buses and things like that from satellite parking lots to get people where they need to go. But, that’s going to be the biggest challenge – moving people around town and benefiting our downtown.” 

Genrich said traffic is going to be a challenge for residents and visitors alike.

“Traffic, just on our highways, that’s going to be an issue. I think people just need to sort of be prepared to deal with traffic. It’s not something that we’re acclimated to because it’s pretty easy to move around town,” said Genrich. “On our freeways, things are probably going to be moving a little bit more slowly when the Draft is here. But otherwise, I think we’re going to be in pretty good shape.”

NFL Draft 2025 economic benefit

Even with the transportation and traffic challenges, Genrich says the NFL Draft 2025 will be a boon to the businesses and individuals in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

“The thing that I am going to be most focused on is making sure that the Draft really benefits downtown Green Bay and other business corridors. ‘Cause, obviously the event is going to be focused on Lambeau Field. People are going to be really excited to visit “Mecca” for pro football here in the United States,” said Genrich. “We just want to make sure that we leverage this event to truly benefit our downtown businesses and other community organizations.”

The official hand-off of hosting duties from Detroit to Green Bay took place yesterday with a ceremonial football making its way from Michigan to Milwaukee and then up to Green Bay.