NFL Draft Like Never Before: Why Green Bay’s Small-Town Spirit Will Stun the World

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Green Bay may be the smallest and coldest city to host an NFL team, but come 2025, it will be a city like no other, as it steps into the global spotlight to host the NFL Draft.

Known for its Wisconsin charm, deep football roots, and tight-knit community, Green Bay promises a unique draft experience that no other city can match. This isn’t the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, nor the rush of metropolitan Detroit. Instead, the NFL Draft in Green Bay will feel like coming home.

Here, tailgates aren’t just for fans—they’re family gatherings. Packers players aren’t distant superstars; they’re neighbors, often seen at the local grocery store or grabbing a coffee. The houses are painted green and gold, fences adorned with the faces of football legends, and standing in the heart of a residential neighborhood is the iconic Lambeau Field—the NFL stadium that has become part of the city’s very fabric.

But it’s not just about the spirit of the city—it’s why the NFL chose Green Bay for this monumental event.

“The rich history of the Packers, the winning legends, the former players who have come out of Green Bay—that’s what we’re going to focus on,” says Nicki Ewell, NFL Senior Director of Events. “This is more than just a football team. It’s part of the identity of this town.”

Green Bay’s unique appeal lies in its community-centered culture. Unlike other NFL teams owned by billionaires, Green Bay’s team is owned by the community, a distinction that gives the city a special vibe. Ewell describes this as the heartbeat of the draft: “What makes it such a unique market is that there’s no principal owner; it’s a community-owned team. That’s the vibe of what the draft is.”

And Green Bay’s hospitality is second to none. Brad Toll, CEO of Discover Green Bay, notes the stark difference between hosting the draft in a major city versus a close-knit community. “It’s very different than being plopped in the middle of a metropolitan area with 4 million people. Here, you’re literally in a neighborhood where people invite you in to use the bathroom and offer you a hot dog,” Toll says.

This welcoming atmosphere, combined with Green Bay’s football culture, makes the city a standout host for the NFL Draft. As Toll points out, “It’s our culture, our winning history, surrounded by titles and legends. That’s what makes Green Bay great and what makes this such a cool experience.”

Green Bay isn’t just a small town—it’s a community that lives and breathes football. It’s a place where the passion for the game runs deep, and the draft will be a celebration of the grit and dedication that have defined the Packers and their fans for generations.

The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay will not only be an event to remember but a testament to the power of small-town spirit on the biggest stage. This is Green Bay—grit, passion, and pride in green and gold.