Green Bay Shines as Host of the Historic 2025 NFL Draft.

On April 26, 2025, Green Bay, Wisconsin, etched its name into NFL history by hosting the 2025 NFL Draft at the iconic Lambeau Field. Known as the smallest market in the NFL with a population of just 107,000, Green Bay defied expectations by drawing an estimated crowd of over 250,000 fans across the three-day event. The event, a decade in the making under the leadership of Green Bay Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, transformed the city into a football mecca, blending its storied heritage with a modern festival atmosphere that left fans, analysts, and the NFL itself in awe.

The NFL’s official X post captured the moment perfectly, sharing images of a sea of fans—many donning the Packers’ signature green and yellow—gathered in front of a massive stage adorned with fireworks and vibrant screens. The caption read, “Green Bay, you’ve outdone yourself. Thank you for an incredible 2025 #NFLDraft.,” reflecting the league’s gratitude for the city’s hospitality. Lambeau Field, the oldest NFL stadium still in use since its construction in 1957, provided a historic backdrop, with the draft theater set up on the stadium’s east and northeast sides, offering a 250,000-square-foot free viewing area for fans.

Green Bay, you've outdone yourself.

Thank you for an incredible 2025 #NFLDraft. pic.twitter.com/3LM7VHxoyA

— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2025

The event wasn’t just a celebration of football talent—it was a showcase of Green Bay’s culture and community spirit. From Thursday to Saturday, attendees were immersed in Wisconsin traditions, with local food, music, and activities highlighting the state’s identity. Day 3, in particular, was a family-friendly affair, kicking off with a Bike Parade for children that honored the Packers’ Training Camp bike tradition, followed by a concert from country star Brad Paisley and a stunning drone show after the third round. Fans accessed the event through the NFL OnePass app, with opportunities to win upgraded experiences like the Red Carpet Experience and a Field Goal Kick prize, adding to the interactive excitement.

Economically, the draft was a boon for the region. The Greater Green Bay Chamber estimated that the event generated $94 million for Wisconsin and $20 million for Brown County, potentially marking the largest per capita economic impact for any city since the NFL began taking the draft on the road a decade ago. This figure aligns with insights from Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Federal Reserve, who noted the significant economic ripple effects of such events, citing the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, which brought in $161 million from out-of-town visitors alone. For Green Bay, a city where Lambeau Field serves as the economic, entertainment, and social backbone, the draft underscored the power of sports to drive regional growth.

On the field, the Packers made strategic moves, selecting eight players—the fewest under general manager Brian Gutekunst since 2014—split evenly between offense and defense. First-round pick Matthew Golden, a dynamic wide receiver from Texas, ended the Packers’ long drought of selecting a receiver in the first round, a streak dating back to 2002. Golden, who recently switched his jersey number from 81 to 22, was praised for his versatility, having recorded six rushing and six receiving touchdowns in his final college season. Other offensive additions, like lineman John Williams, complemented the team’s attack, while defensive picks like Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Warren Brinson brought strength and pass-rushing prowess. Sorrell, in particular, impressed with a 12.5% pressure rate in the SEC, while Brinson, a Georgia product, addressed the team’s need for run-stopping depth after losing T.J. Slaton to the Bengals.

However, the draft class wasn’t without controversy. Analysts gave the Packers mixed grades, ranging from D- to B, largely due to their failure to address the cornerback position amid ongoing speculation about trading or releasing star Jaire Alexander. Despite adding depth in later rounds, the lack of a new cornerback left some questioning the team’s strategy, especially after focusing heavily on defense in the final rounds. Still, the Packers’ management remained optimistic, emphasizing that on-field performance would ultimately define the class’s success. New draftees like Sorrell expressed their excitement, with Sorrell posting on X, “I don’t know if there’s a better feeling than waking up a Green Bay Packer today! Let’s work! #GoPackGo.”

The fan response on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for Green Bay to become a permanent draft host.

@Griddy_FF wrote, “Petition to hold the draft in Green Bay every year ,” while

@JaguarGator9NFL called it “one of the best I’ve ever been to,” noting its superior organization compared to the 2024 Detroit draft. Others, like

@Unstablesportz, dubbed Green Bay the “best football town in the world,” a sentiment echoed by the NFL and Packers’ official accounts. However, not everyone agreed, with

@DailyCardThread claiming “Detroit cleared Green Bay lol,” highlighting the competitive spirit among host cities.

Green Bay’s success as a host wasn’t just about logistics—it was a testament to the Packers’ unique place in the NFL. As the league’s only community-owned, non-profit franchise, the team’s deep ties to its fans were on full display. The Packers’ history, from their founding in 1919 to their 13 world championships, resonates deeply in Green Bay, where Lambeau Field is often called the “mecca of football.” Events like the Packers Heritage Trail performances, which brought legends like Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi to life, further connected fans with the team’s legacy.

As the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, Green Bay proved that even the smallest market could deliver a world-class event. With Pittsburgh set to host in 2026, the bar has been set high. For now, Green Bay can bask in the glow of a historic weekend that celebrated football, community, and the enduring spirit of the Packers. As

@Sillywtw aptly put it on X, “MECCA OF FOOTBALL.”