Officials say NFL draft major opportunity for businesses across the state
Dec 11, 2024
NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) - When the NFL Draft comes to Lambeau, everybody has a chance to be a winner.
That's the message local officials said they're trying to send as they crisscross the state for their 'Business of the NFL Draft Tour' this week.
"We want to make sure businesses, organizations, attractions are putting out their most welcome, welcome mats," said Green Bay Packers director of public affairs Aaron Popkey. "It's also the opportunity to generate some ideas and memories for our visitors who then want to come back."
Representatives from the Packers, Discover Green Bay, and Travel Wisconsin led the presentation. They want people to know how they can capitalize on all the economic activity that the NFL draft will generate when it comes to Green Bay next April.
Officials estimate that about 250,000 people will attend the NFL draft across its three days. They project a $94 million economic impact statewide, $20 million of that will benefit the Greater Green Bay area. Popkey said he's confident that the Lambeau Field area will be able to handle the projected 250,000 fans expected to attend across the NFL draft's three days.
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Officials point out that people attending the NFL draft will stay at hotels in surrounding communities, opening up opportunities for restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
"This is just another great opportunity to showcase the Fox Cities to our guests when they're here for the NFL draft," said Pam Seidl who is the executive director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Seidl was one of the people who attended the 'Business of the NFL Draft Tour' presentation in Neenah on Wednesday night. Officials invited leaders in the local tourism industry and chamber of commerce officials with the idea that they can pass on what they learned during the presentation to the businesses they serve.
"Just to prepare appropriately and making sure people have a great experience when they're here," said Seidl.
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Popkey said they're emphasizing the importance of social media during the NFL draft as a way businesses can promote themselves. He also said business owners should prepare now to make sure they have full staffing when the draft comes to town and that their businesses are looking as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
The NFL draft comes to Lambeau April 24 through April 26.
Packers Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler was also part of the 'Business of the NFL Draft Tour' presentation on Wednesday in Neenah. He said he's incredibly excited that Lambeau gets to host the draft and wants to do everything he can to make sure everyone can leave a winner.
"We have shareholders who are fans, they deserve to have a draft in their backyard and benefit too," Butler said. "I want people in the state to understand what is about to happen and we want them to benefit that's why we have the business tour."