The NFL Draft opened Thursday in Green Bay, transforming the area around Lambeau Field into a sprawling fan festival. Tens of thousands of football fans descended on the city for the three-day event, eager to experience the Draft in one of the league’s most historic settings.
Event organizers estimated large crowds gathered outside the stadium. While Green Bay is the NFL’s smallest market, the turnout on the first night exceeded expectations. The event venue temporarily paused general admission entry due to the capacity reached shortly after the Draft began.
The free NFL Draft Experience offered attendees various activities. Fans could see Super Bowl rings, get close to the coveted Lombardi Trophy, and participate in Wisconsin bar games at the Packers-themed Draft Haus. The atmosphere drew visitors from across the country, many coming specifically to see the Draft at Lambeau Field.
Travelers like Andy Neumann, a Green Bay Packers shareholder now living in Georgia, made the journey despite cooler temperatures. He drove hours from Minnesota, where he visited relatives, emphasizing nothing would prevent him from attending the Draft at the home of the league's only publicly owned team. Others, like Justin Ramos and Kyle Polinski from Chicago, came to visit Lambeau Field for the first time, noting the unique experience compared to past Drafts in larger cities.
The Draft incorporated many local traditions and figures. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrived on stage riding a bicycle, mimicking the training camp practice of players borrowing children's bikes. Former Packers players and rapper Lil Wayne also appeared, with former linebacker Clay Matthews drawing cheers by referencing the team's longtime rival.
The hometown team made news late in the first round, with the Packers selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden with 23rd overall pick. This marked the first time in over two decades the team used a first-round selection on the position.
While Green Bay's crowd numbers did not challenge the record attendance seen in Detroit last year, the intimate setting centered around the iconic stadium offered a different feel. Projected first-round picks walked a red-carpet leading into Lambeau Field, providing a unique backdrop for the start of their professional careers.
The Draft Experience remains open throughout the weekend, offering fans more opportunities to participate in the festivities surrounding the player selections. Information on event times and your complete guide to Green Bay NFL Draft details parking and other activities available.
For many, seeing the Draft in Green Bay carried special significance. As Packers fan Robert Hofschulte said, "Oh, it's absolutely incredible. I mean, this is like the Mecca for football."
