GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the NFL Draft inches closer, Green Bay is learning more about how it can prepare for the big event.
Representatives from the NFL stopped by Tuesday night’s Green Bay City Council meeting to share new information on draft plans and logistics.
Officials say the event’s centerpiece, the draft stage, will begin taking shape in just three and a half weeks, starting March 29.
“To know that that stage is going to start the build at the end of this month, that’s exciting. We’re certainly involved at Lambeau with a lot of renovations and builds and construction, but this is entirely different, so it’s a lot of excitement on our staff,” Green Bay Packers Director of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey said.
This week, the NFL is taking part in a site visit, using the time until the draft to make sure everything is on track for Titletown’s biggest event to date. Right now, the NFL and the Green Bay Packers feel prepared, with still some minor tweaks ahead.
“We’ve now got a month and a half to refine, refine and refine and make this really special. The challenge we gave the team tonight is, ‘How do you make this even more special than the last one?'” said Jon Barker, the NFL’s global head of major events.
While the draft is all about football, it’s also the NFL’s goal to show off the host city’s businesses and community. As a result, the league will be tying in pieces of Green Bay and Wisconsin throughout the event.
“The draft logo for Green Bay takes on a wooden motif, which speaks to the bonds that comprise the region, as well as a nod to Wisconsin’s lumber industry,” said Ashley Hamilton, NFL event location strategy and planning director.
Security was another topic of discussion Tuesday night. The NFL is working with the Green Bay Police Department, the FBI and a team of analysts to keep the site secure. The plan is to have concrete and vehicle barriers outside the draft footprint to prevent intrusion.
There will also be police canines on site, along with other security policies.
“We do a really good job when it comes to securing our event sites. I think you saw that tonight. You’ll see that in the plans, and fans will definitely feel that when they’re on site with us,” Barker said.
The draft is a free event and experiences will include interactive games and exhibits, access to Lambeau Field, autographs and more.
On April 25 and April 26, the draft experience will be open from noon to 10 p.m. On Saturday, events will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The hope is the NFL Draft in Green Bay is an experience guests won’t forget.
“We will always celebrate the success of draft by the experience people have when they come here,” Barker said.
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