Green Bay prepares for NFL Draft, expects 250,000 attendees

Green Bay is hosting the NFL Draft this week, transforming the city into the center of the football world and expecting an influx of around 250,000 fans, far surpassing typical Packers game day crowds. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants are preparing for record business, with the event projected to generate an estimated $94 million in economic impact for the region. To accommodate the large crowds and ensure safety, city and state officials have coordinated increased public safety measures, including support from surrounding agencies and a proposed $1.25 million reimbursement for local police and fire departments. The event is set against the iconic backdrop of Lambeau Field, which NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised as a memorable and fitting location for the draft. Goodell highlighted the significance of the occasion for both the community and the players entering the league, emphasizing the hard work behind the scenes to make the event special. While attendance may not match the record turnouts of previous drafts in Detroit or Nashville, the event is expected to leave a lasting impression on Green Bay and its residents.