WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Those who promote Central Wisconsin as a tourist destination are still buzzing from the news this week that Green Bay will host the 20-25 NFL Draft.
Tim White of the Visit Wausau Convention and Visitors Bureau says some may balk at the idea of the league’s smallest market hosting its biggest off-season party, but he has faith that those doubts will be quickly erased, especially given the mystique of Lambeau Field and the investments in the neighborhood around it.
“Even just in the area [near Lambeau] the Packers have designed [space] for entertainment and fun for all ages. It’s really a must-see thing in Wisconsin,” said White. “Early on it was kind of dismissed because of the market size or maybe because of the weather. But because it’s such a storied franchise it just makes perfect sense to hold an NFL Draft experience there.”
White expects that the NFL will relocate an event planner to Green Bay later this summer. That person will be tasked with surveying the Titletown area for the league’s logistical template and making local connections.
White adds that he has been involved with the discussions through his peers in the Fox Valley and Green Bay but so far he hasn’t been asked to block off rooms for league officials, prospects, or other dignitaries just yet. Many hotels don’t take reservations more than one year in advance unless they are holding rooms specifically for a large event.
According to the Packers, the draft will bring upwards of $94 million to the state including $20 million in direct. White expects the financial impact for the Wausau area to be between $500,000 and $900,000.
