Green Bay Set to Score Big with $100 Million NFL Draft Impact
Green Bay might be one of the NFL’s smallest cities, but it’s about to play host to one of the league’s biggest events — the 2025 NFL Draft. And while fans are excited about team picks and future stars, city officials and local business owners are eyeing something else: the massive economic boost that’s coming with it.
Estimates say the event could bring in over $100 million for the state of Wisconsin. That’s not just a win — that’s a game-changer.
A Big-Time Event in a Small Town
With a population of just around 107,000, Green Bay is the smallest market in the NFL. But don’t let the size fool you. The city is no stranger to massive crowds — just ask anyone who’s been to Lambeau Field on game day. The stadium fits over 80,000 people, and it’s packed every time the Packers play.
Now imagine tripling that number. That’s what’s expected during the multi-day draft event.
Hotels are already booking up. Restaurants are prepping for packed houses. Even local gas stations are gearing up for what could be their busiest weekend of the year.
This isn’t just football — it’s tourism, business, and celebration all rolled into one.
Why Everyone’s Talking About the Money
So where’s all the money coming from? It’s not just ticket sales or merchandise. It’s the out-of-town visitors — the ones flying in, driving cross-country, booking rooms, and dining out.
According to the Greater Green Bay Chamber, the draft could generate $94 million for Wisconsin and more than $20 million just in Brown County, where Green Bay sits. That’s real cash flowing into local businesses, many of which are still bouncing back from the last few tough years.
Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Federal Reserve, put it in simple terms: for a small town like Green Bay, this kind of event is a “real shot in the arm.”
He’s not wrong.
What Happened Last Year: Look at Detroit
If you want proof that the draft makes a huge impact, just look at last year’s numbers from Detroit. They hosted the 2024 NFL Draft and saw a record-breaking 775,000 people show up. The event brought in a whopping $213 million, with more than $161 million coming from visitors who traveled in from outside the area.
It was such a success that business owners in downtown Detroit still talk about it like it was a turning point — not just a fun weekend, but a serious economic win that helped bring life back into the city.
Now, Green Bay has a shot at creating its own version of that story.
More Than Football — It’s a Whole Experience
What makes the draft so powerful isn’t just the player announcements or TV coverage. It’s the entire experience. We’re talking live concerts, food trucks, pop-up markets, kids’ zones, autograph sessions — basically, a full festival with a football theme.
And in a place like Green Bay, where football is part of the culture, that festival atmosphere is going to feel right at home.
Locals know how to throw a tailgate. Now imagine that spirit turned into a city-wide event.
Hey, I’m Doing My Part for the Economy
Funny enough, Goolsbee joked about the draft being more than a pastime — he said it’s almost like a patriotic duty at this point.
“Compared to before COVID, sports have been growing three to four times faster than the overall economy,” he explained. “So if your boss is texting you during the draft asking where that report is, just say, ‘Hey, I’m doing my part to help the recovery.’”
Sure, it’s a joke — but also, not really. These kinds of events matter, especially in regions like the Midwest that don’t always get a piece of the major event pie.
Why Green Bay: Why Now
Hosting something like the NFL Draft is a big deal for Green Bay. It proves the city can handle major events, pull in crowds, and generate serious revenue — even if it’s not New York, L.A., or Chicago.
It’s also a way to put Green Bay on the national map in a new way. Most people know the city because of the Packers. But after this, people might come back not just for football, but for everything else the area has to offer.
The city’s hoping this won’t be a one-off event. If all goes well, it could open the door to hosting even more NFL-related activities in the future.
Local Businesses Are Gearing Up
Ask around Green Bay right now, and you’ll hear one thing over and over: this draft could be the biggest week of the year.
Bars are planning special menus. Stores are stocking up on draft-themed merchandise. Local artists are getting ready to perform. And just about every hotel in a 30-mile radius is trying to find extra staff.
For many local shop owners, this is the kind of opportunity they only dream about. One downtown bar owner said, “It’s like a playoff game that lasts for four days — and everyone wins.”
Source: NFL draft in Green Bay estimated to generate $100 million
The Packers, the Bears, and the Buzz
Of course, you can’t talk about Green Bay without mentioning the Packers — and they’re all in on making this event unforgettable. They’re planning fan zones, Lambeau Field experiences, and ways to get the community involved.
And you can bet their rival fans are showing up too.
Goolsbee, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, admitted his top priority is seeing who the Bears draft with the No. 10 pick. “But right after that,” he said, “I want to see how many people show up, how the TV ratings look, and how much excitement this generates.”
Turns out, even Bears fans are rooting for a Green Bay win — at least off the field.
What Happens After Everyone Leaves
Once the draft is over and the fans head home, Green Bay will still be feeling the effects.
If things go as expected, the city could see a bump in tourism that lasts for months — maybe even years. People who visit for the draft might come back for a Packers game. Or maybe they’ll tell friends to check it out. That kind of word-of-mouth is hard to buy.
And for local leaders, this could be a perfect case study in what happens when small towns bet big — and win.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t just a sports event. It’s a celebration of what happens when a passionate city gets its moment in the spotlight.
Green Bay is about to show the world that you don’t have to be a major metropolis to pull off something major. Sometimes, all it takes is heart, history, and a whole lot of football fans.
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