Green Bay has made headlines as an NFL city, many times in a joking manner. Who would want to come to Green Bay? It is a little town compared to the mega cities in the league. However, the opportunity to host the draft has the chance to change the trajectory of how Green Bay is perceived.
When I think of Green Bay, I get chills. While it seems like an irrelevant place compared to New York or Los Angeles, there is something distinctively unique here.
While it isn’t likely that we will ever be a host city for the Super Bowl, the draft is the closest thing to a major event. With Mark Murphy set to retire this summer, a requirement for the organization at age 70, this will be his legacy.
Murphy has led the way for getting Green Bay prepared to host an event as large as the NFL draft. I first visited Lambeau Field in December of 2016, and since then, the area has grown tremendously.
With the NFL Draft looming just one week away, here is what we can expect when visiting Titletown.
Green Bay: The City with A Football Stadium in a Neighborhood
When you approach Lambeau Field, you look around you and you see houses. Many homes have people pay to use their driveway to park, tailgate, and hang out. It is a vibe you will not experience anywhere else.
Even fans who come from opposing teams embrace the culture and traditions of the Packers. It is hard not to feel welcomed in a town that is centered around football. When people come to visit, it is an honor.
It is a chance to show off a city that is rich in football history. A place that does not compare to any professional sports franchise in the world. A city with a mere population of 107,395. So, how is Green Bay prepared to host the NFL Draft?
Preparing to Have all Eyes on Lambeau
Since I first visited Lambeau in 2016, the Packers have continued to make additions to accommodate large crowds. The main addition being the Titletown district, an area with stores, dining and plenty of activities.
These projects have taken years, and landing the draft was still surprising to many. Typically, the draft involves the main host city planning. However, for Green Bay, this will truly be a statewide endeavor.
Many coming from out of town will be staying two to three hours away from Green Bay. The entire state of Wisconsin is preparing to accommodate a flood of NFL fans. What the Packers will offer is a massive communal, home-like type feel.
Green Bay will also host an NFL Draft Bike Parade. For years, the Packer players have embarked to training camp practices next to kids on bikes. The kid gets on their bike, a Packer player picks them, and then the kid and player walk to practice together.
Showing an event like this off to the NFL fans will be another thing that makes Green Bay stand out amongst the rest. By the time the Tennessee Titans are on the clock on Thursday night, all of Green Bay will be filled with excitement as we show off our favorite sports town to the world.
The post Spotlight on Green Bay: The NFL Draft is One Week Away first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.