MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – Although the 2025 NFL Draft will be held 125 miles north in Green Bay, Milwaukee businesses and organizations are gearing up for an influx of visitors that could bring $5 million to $10 million in economic impact to the state’s largest city, according to Visit Milwaukee. “We should see anywhere from $5-10 million in economic impact here in the city of Milwaukee,” said Visit Milwaukee President and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith. “World-class culinary scene, our nightlife, we want to make sure that we’re rolling out the red carpet when they’re in the state of Wisconsin.” Green Bay City Council approves Ridge Road development projects across from Lambeau Field Estimates suggest Wisconsin could see up to $94 million in total economic impact from the draft. “We’re so excited that the Packers and Discover Green Bay brought the draft to Green Bay,” Williams-Smith said. “It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for a lot of the state to capture that business that happens before, during, and after the draft.” Milwaukee is planning events to entice fans, including chances to meet professional athletes. “We are working to create some excitement here around the times the draft isn’t on to hopefully capture some of those guests who want to experience Milwaukee,” Williams-Smith added. “We’re working with sports stars and Lammi Sports Management to create events. We’ll announce plans in the next week or two.” With limited hotel space in Green Bay, Milwaukee is expecting to host overflow guests. Businesses are advised to prepare early to capitalize on the opportunity. “We need to make sure that we’re marketing to the people coming in with specials, watching the draft on TV, and creating excitement around what’s happening just two hours north of us,” said Williams-Smith. One hotel preparing for the influx is the Brewhouse Inn & Suites, a 90-unit hotel in a historic Pabst Brewery building. “This is the original Pabst Brewery,” said General Manager Keanan Kopplin. “We’re fielding a lot of calls and questions about shuttles to the draft or if we’re doing anything special. We are seeing an uptick in interest and bookings.” The Brewhouse plans to offer shuttles to and from Green Bay for the draft’s three days, including meals and accommodations. “We’re going to be shuttling guests to and from Lambeau, have breakfast included, lunches, and create a whole experience around it,” Kopplin said. “I’d anticipate our occupancy filling up and us being at 100%—towards the end of February, we should be all booked up.” Port of Green Bay seeks partners for development at former Pulliam Plant Site Milwaukee-bound visitors may save money compared to staying in Green Bay, where hotel rates are skyrocketing due to proximity. “We’re going to make sure we stay competitive and match the market. We’re not going to take advantage of the situation,” Kopplin said. “They [Green Bay hotels] just don’t have the space to house all the people coming through, so people will have to choose another location to stay, and I know Milwaukee is a really great choice.”