NFL Draft in Green Bay (1 Viewer)

[The Longtime Lurker]

Looking for advice from anyone that's been to a recent NFL draft. I live about 2 hours from Green Bay and would love to attend the draft, but would hate to be in a sea of 500k plus people. I'm thinking about going to day 3 just to have a look and get the live feel. I remember watching Detroit last year and it seemed to really thin out by Sunday. Looking if anyone has tips or experience getting the most out of the draft experience, or what day 3 looks like in person and if that's the best option to avoid the insanity.

 

[ChiefD]

I went to the one in Kansas City. We went to day one only, and it was packed. But it was awesome to see the spectacle and be a part of it.

As far as day three, I think that would be good. You will get a sense of the scale of what the NFL puts on, but I'm guessing you won't get the juice of what day one feels like.

If you do decide to go on day one, I would recommend getting there early. We got there about 1:00. There were people there but no packed yet. So we had relatively short lines to get food, beers, and really walk around the grounds. We could walk right up to the front stage area. That draft theater is MASSIVE.

We then staked out a spot in front of the big monitors they put up to watch the draft. When you are farther out we had plenty of room to move around, but as it got closer to draft time it got busier to get beer and food.

The bathrooms, however, were a joy. They brought in full flushable portapotties. There were attendants everywhere keeping things clean and I never waited to have to use the restroom. They had tons of these. Not sure if that was just a KC thing but it was memorable how clean and quick that process went.

If you do go on day one I would bring a blanket or something to sit out as you wait for the draft to start. During the afternoon after we ate we just sat on that blanket and drank beer and people watched. It was great.

On a side note, where are you up here in Wisconsin? I moved up here last year and live near the Tomahawk area. If I hadn't gone to the KC draft I would have gone this year.

 

[ChiefD]

Oh, and there isn't 500k there. It's way less than that.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I went to the one in Kansas City. We went to day one only, and it was packed. But it was awesome to see the spectacle and be a part of it.

As far as day three, I think that would be good. You will get a sense of the scale of what the NFL puts on, but I'm guessing you won't get the juice of what day one feels like.

If you do decide to go on day one, I would recommend getting there early. We got there about 1:00. There were people there but no packed yet. So we had relatively short lines to get food, beers, and really walk around the grounds. We could walk right up to the front stage area. That draft theater is MASSIVE.

We then staked out a spot in front of the big monitors they put up to watch the draft. When you are farther out we had plenty of room to move around, but as it got closer to draft time it got busier to get beer and food.

The bathrooms, however, were a joy. They brought in full flushable portapotties. There were attendants everywhere keeping things clean and I never waited to have to use the restroom. They had tons of these. Not sure if that was just a KC thing but it was memorable how clean and quick that process went.

If you do go on day one I would bring a blanket or something to sit out as you wait for the draft to start. During the afternoon after we ate we just sat on that blanket and drank beer and people watched. It was great.

On a side note, where are you up here in Wisconsin? I moved up here last year and live near the Tomahawk area. If I hadn't gone to the KC draft I would have gone this year.

Awesome info thanks. Good to hear it's probably not 500k all at once, frankly I'm not sure how Green Bay could handle that.

My friends are all old fuddy duddies and don't want to deal with the crowds and if I'm honest i kind of agree (we were all set to head to Vegas for the draft, but times and ages have changed). Still entertaining the idea, but my old packer game day trick of parking on the side street and walking in doesn't sound like it'll work here day one and two and might need bussing in? Still time to decide. I think day 3 will be a guarantee though.

I'm in the Yoop and not very far from where you're at. How are you enjoying our lovely upper great lakes winters? You guys miss the lake effect snow, but get plenty of the cold.

 

[ChiefD]

The winter actually wasn't that bad. A normal winter from what I remember as a kid in Kansas City.

The extra month is hard to take but we've managed. We spend a lot of time outside despite the weather and that's helped.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

The winter actually wasn't that bad. A normal winter from what I remember as a kid in Kansas City.

The extra month is hard to take but we've managed. We spend a lot of time outside despite the weather and that's helped.

It was a mild one really. We still have ft of snow and cold, but we're getting there. KC gets cold and your area now doesn't get the crazy snow, so aside from an earlier start and later end it'll probably be tolerable in even the worst years.

 

[bcat01]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

I know it. I feel like I'll kick myself if i don't. I need to work on my friends a little harder. Day 3 alone and on a day trip i don't mind, but day 1 and 2 would require a little more effort and going with a group would be way more fun.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It would be great if they had a chilly day on Day 1, something more like winter say 28-32 degrees with some snow flakes

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

It would be great if they had a chilly day on Day 1, something more like winter say 28-32 degrees with some snow flakes

It's been warming up, so probably not that cold, but it's definitely not out of the question.

 

[Snoopy]

Wisconsin hourly weather forecast | Weather25.com

Accurate hourly weather forecast for in Wisconsin by Weather25.com. Check out Wisconsin hourly weather including temperatures, rain, wind and mote.

www.weather25.com

 

[nirad3]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

I totally agree with this. Day 3 wouldn't be anywhere close to as rewarding.

I'm an old fuddy-duddy myself and wouldn't consider anything but Day 1 if I was close to the venue.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

I totally agree with this. Day 3 wouldn't be anywhere close to as rewarding.

I'm an old fuddy-duddy myself and wouldn't consider anything but Day 1 if I was close to the venue.

Fomo is definitely kicking in

 

[ChiefD]

The winter actually wasn't that bad. A normal winter from what I remember as a kid in Kansas City.

The extra month is hard to take but we've managed. We spend a lot of time outside despite the weather and that's helped.

It was a mild one really. We still have ft of snow and cold, but we're getting there. KC gets cold and your area now doesn't get the crazy snow, so aside from an earlier start and later end it'll probably be tolerable in even the worst years.

Yeah, the way it played out was great for my first winter here. I planned as well as I could with a John Deere 25HP lawn tractor with the 44" snow blower attachment. Got a Generac 8000W portable generator and wired it into my panel. Kept 15 extra gallons gas handy for emergency power outages.

Ended up getting snow like this:

3"
5"
7"
7"
12"
8"
4"
3"
3"
Ice Storm
3"


So it came in perfect amounts so I could build up to how to use the snow blower. And then the ice storm hit and knocked oot power for 2.5 days so I got to test that too. So this winter was a perfect learning experience for the first time up here.

And it's gonna be upper 50's this weekend and I get to fish for walleye on Sunday. Love it up here.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

The winter actually wasn't that bad. A normal winter from what I remember as a kid in Kansas City.

The extra month is hard to take but we've managed. We spend a lot of time outside despite the weather and that's helped.

It was a mild one really. We still have ft of snow and cold, but we're getting there. KC gets cold and your area now doesn't get the crazy snow, so aside from an earlier start and later end it'll probably be tolerable in even the worst years.

Yeah, the way it played out was great for my first winter here. I planned as well as I could with a John Deere 25HP lawn tractor with the 44" snow blower attachment. Got a Generac 8000W portable generator and wired it into my panel. Kept 15 extra gallons gas handy for emergency power outages.

Ended up getting snow like this:

3"
5"
7"
7"
12"
8"
4"
3"
3"
Ice Storm
3"


So it came in perfect amounts so I could build up to how to use the snow blower. And then the ice storm hit and knocked oot power for 2.5 days so I got to test that too. So this winter was a perfect learning experience for the first time up here.

And it's gonna be upper 50's this weekend and I get to fish for walleye on Sunday. Love it up here.

That's awesome man. It's God's country up here no doubt about that. Love walleye too. Best fishery in the world for it here. You'll definitely see more snow than that, but nice to be able to dip the toes. I'm closer to lake superior and we average around 200 inches a year. Typically get multiple storms in the 4ft range every year.

 

[nirad3]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

I totally agree with this. Day 3 wouldn't be anywhere close to as rewarding.

I'm an old fuddy-duddy myself and wouldn't consider anything but Day 1 if I was close to the venue.

Fomo is definitely kicking in

I watch the draft pretty much from start to finish every single year. This year will be different since I am attending a college reunion, but I typically watch the entire thing. I'm in a ton of dynasty leagues and draft weekend is huge for guys like me.

It's significantly different watching Day 3. They don't even announce the picks on TV. You can tell that no one is really paying attention in the thinned-out crowds. Day 1? Everyone is cheering for picks, dressed up in their favorite team's gear, etc. Yeah it's going to be way more crowded, but find a good spot that won't raise your anxiety level but where you can still enjoy the festivities. Just my 2 cents.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

I totally agree with this. Day 3 wouldn't be anywhere close to as rewarding.

I'm an old fuddy-duddy myself and wouldn't consider anything but Day 1 if I was close to the venue.

Fomo is definitely kicking in

I watch the draft pretty much from start to finish every single year. This year will be different since I am attending a college reunion, but I typically watch the entire thing. I'm in a ton of dynasty leagues and draft weekend is huge for guys like me.

It's significantly different watching Day 3. They don't even announce the picks on TV. You can tell that no one is really paying attention in the thinned-out crowds. Day 1? Everyone is cheering for picks, dressed up in their favorite team's gear, etc. Yeah it's going to be way more crowded, but find a good spot that won't raise your anxiety level but where you can still enjoy the festivities. Just my 2 cents.

Same for me. I haven't missed the draft from start to finish in close to 20 years. One of my favorite days of the year. We used to have 10-15 guys pregaming at 9am and then having a kegger the rest of the day back when the first three rounds started early Saturday. Good times. I agree with your 2 cents and need to put the full court press on a few of these guys.

 

[dino259]

Looking for advice from anyone that's been to a recent NFL draft. I live about 2 hours from Green Bay and would love to attend the draft, but would hate to be in a sea of 500k plus people. I'm thinking about going to day 3 just to have a look and get the live feel. I remember watching Detroit last year and it seemed to really thin out by Sunday. Looking if anyone has tips or experience getting the most out of the draft experience, or what day 3 looks like in person and if that's the best option to avoid the insanity.

Based on radio, there is an app you need to sign up to get entrance to the draft. There is no cost but it just seems like this is a way to track who is there. Sounds like that app has a lot of info including parking information. Parking is broken down based on which direction you are coming into Green Bay (ashwaubenon). The app is the NFL OnePass.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Looking for advice from anyone that's been to a recent NFL draft. I live about 2 hours from Green Bay and would love to attend the draft, but would hate to be in a sea of 500k plus people. I'm thinking about going to day 3 just to have a look and get the live feel. I remember watching Detroit last year and it seemed to really thin out by Sunday. Looking if anyone has tips or experience getting the most out of the draft experience, or what day 3 looks like in person and if that's the best option to avoid the insanity.

Based on radio, there is an app you need to sign up to get entrance to the draft. There is no cost but it just seems like this is a way to track who is there. Sounds like that app has a lot of info including parking information. Parking is broken down based on which direction you are coming into Green Bay (ashwaubenon). The app is the NFL OnePass.

Thank you. I typically park south of the stadium and walk in from there, but I'm guessing this option is frowned upon for the draft. Coming in from the north and knowing where i need to be will help quite a bit.

 

[Ilov80s]

For the Detroit draft, we went Friday during the day. You can see all the set-up, eat and drink and people watch and be out of dodge before hundreds of thousand of people show up. But I guess I also don’t know how much there is to do around the draft area in Green Bay since it’s not exactly a major city.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

For the Detroit draft, we went Friday during the day. You can see all the set-up, eat and drink and people watch and be out of dodge before hundreds of thousand of people show up. But I guess I also don’t know how much there is to do around the draft area in Green Bay since it’s not exactly a major city.

There's a decent amount of things to do at the stadium and surrounding. I'd probably want to see the espn set, McAfee, people watch, razz the bears, lions, vikes fans . I imagine it'll be the usual party, just with an extra 100k-200k or however many.

 

[zamboni]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

Agreed. My son (age 26) lives in Madison and going with his buddies to day one only. That’s really when the excitement is.

 

[Snoopy]

I would like to go and am nearby, but I can't handle big crowds.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I've got 2 maybe's that were firm no's. Getting warmer.....

 

[SWC]

The winter actually wasn't that bad. A normal winter from what I remember as a kid in Kansas City.

The extra month is hard to take but we've managed. We spend a lot of time outside despite the weather and that's helped.

It was a mild one really. We still have ft of snow and cold, but we're getting there. KC gets cold and your area now doesn't get the crazy snow, so aside from an earlier start and later end it'll probably be tolerable in even the worst years.

Yeah, the way it played out was great for my first winter here. I planned as well as I could with a John Deere 25HP lawn tractor with the 44" snow blower attachment. Got a Generac 8000W portable generator and wired it into my panel. Kept 15 extra gallons gas handy for emergency power outages.

Ended up getting snow like this:

3"
5"
7"
7"
12"
8"
4"
3"
3"
Ice Storm
3"


So it came in perfect amounts so I could build up to how to use the snow blower. And then the ice storm hit and knocked oot power for 2.5 days so I got to test that too. So this winter was a perfect learning experience for the first time up here.

And it's gonna be upper 50's this weekend and I get to fish for walleye on Sunday. Love it up here.

That's awesome man. It's God's country up here no doubt about that. Love walleye too. Best fishery in the world for it here. You'll definitely see more snow than that, but nice to be able to dip the toes. I'm closer to lake superior and we average around 200 inches a year. Typically get multiple storms in the 4ft range every year.

boom take that to the snowbank bromigos

https://www.mlive.com/resizer/YPW5hB0fDM-P_KVUhGtmvKYNZw4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-advancelocal/public/XMXNPX7D55C67AB2R4YMQWF77I.jpeg

 

[SWC]

thats called the lake superior snow belt that it is real and it is fantastic take that to the bank bromigos

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

thats called the lake superior snow belt that it is real and it is fantastic take that to the bank bromigos

That's it. Just north of me with the dark red got just over 300 inches this year, so far... they just talked about that on the local news this morning, we like to think of it as the wall. Keeps the riff raff away. If you've ever been to Copper Harbor you know when that white terror finally melts there's no place on earth like it. It's not out of the question to get storms into mid May up here.

Michigan’s northernmost peninsula passes astonishing snowfall milestone with April storm

The Keweenaw Peninsula has nearly doubled its snowfall total from last year.

www.mlive.com

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Slept on it and day one is a go. Can't believe I'm at a stage where I'm begging friends to go to the frickin NFL draft, but here I am. I'll make new friends when I'm there if these duds can't be bothered to get off their couches. This is a bucket list event and realistically my only chance to go. Giddy up!!!!

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Looks like they're expecting 250k for day one. That's a lot of people, but less than I had anticipated. Seems like the bulk of them will also be using public transit with a good amount staying outside of Green Bay/Ashwaubenon (i saw they're possibly running busses as far as Marshfield) so i think typical Packer game parking will work. Got the app (i hate that everything has an app), registered, and am all set. Just have to get my Packer gear out of the closet and I'm ready to rock. Can't wait!!

 

[Ben & Jerry's]

I remember watching Detroit last year and it seemed to really thin out by Sunday.

Really thin, as it ends on Saturday

Day 1 is most crowded and most theatrical.

Day 2 is the most exciting day for fantasy players. Probably would be my choice. (Plus there's twice as many picks as Day 1)

Day 3 Least crowded, but you won't be familiar with most of the picks.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I remember watching Detroit last year and it seemed to really thin out by Sunday.

Really thin, as it ends on Saturday

Day 1 is most crowded and most theatrical.

Day 2 is the most exciting day for fantasy players. Probably would be my choice. (Plus there's twice as many picks as Day 1)

Day 3 Least crowded, but you won't be familiar with most of the picks.

Ha!, whoops. Yup it'll be pretty thin Sunday.

I'd love to do all three days, but since I'm not staying and have to travel a little bit day two would have to be out. I'd have to choose between the two and right now day one with the potential for day three is the winner. Day two does have it's own perks though and worth considering over option one. Earlier start, more picks, close to the same level of excitement is worth considering.

 

[3C's]

I would go day 1. You'll only do it once.

Considering going next year. It would definitely be an "only once" thing even though Wash/Balt are closer.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Finally got a buddy to commit along with his son. Was fully planning on going alone, but this will be a ton more fun. Got a few guys mulling it over too, so hopefully one or two more get on board. Now to scare the neighbors and start practicing my BOOOS....

And please Green Bay, don't trade out of the first

 

[strykerpks]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

Doing the same, but coming in from the north. What are your plans for parking?

 

[Snoopy]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

Doing the same, but coming in from the north. What are your plans for parking?

Be aware that many of the usual parking spots have already been pre-reserved for this event.

 

[strykerpks]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

Doing the same, but coming in from the north. What are your plans for parking?

A GB of mine works for Spectrum and they will obviously have a presence. There's apparently an employee area he can get us into. If that falls through we'll just get as close as we can and walk.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

Doing the same, but coming in from the north. What are your plans for parking?

A GB of mine works for Spectrum and they will obviously have a presence. There's apparently an employee area he can get us into. If that falls through we'll just get as close as we can and walk.

That's a pretty sweet deal if it works out. I'll be going with your option 2 and seeing how close i can get. Don't mind walking a little farther than normal if i have to. I'm also thinking a little farther away might be better for getting out.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I'm heading in from the Milwaukee area on Thursday morning. I'll head right back home Thursday night.

Doing the same, but coming in from the north. What are your plans for parking?

Be aware that many of the usual parking spots have already been pre-reserved for this event.

Good point. I'm expecting a cluster of varying degrees.

 

[Skipdog77]

Finally got a buddy to commit along with his son. Was fully planning on going alone, but this will be a ton more fun. Got a few guys mulling it over too, so hopefully one or two more get on board. Now to scare the neighbors and start practicing my BOOOS....

And please Green Bay, don't trade out of the first

Please make a giant Studs & Duds sign so that we know where you are when we watch on TV.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Maybe i will, if not I'll be the guy in the packers jersey

 

[Phil Elliott]

Don't forget all the stress on the girlfriends/wives of players being drafted tonight and what city they will be moving to!

https://x.com/pftcommenter/status/1915416881659334778?s=46&t=sB97txzPHo78S6e754HUZQ

 

[Yo Mama]

The Titans are on the Clock!

ESPN immediately spends more time talking about Sanders than Ward.

 

[fruity pebbles]

The Titans are on the Clock!

ESPN immediately spends more time talking about Sanders than Ward.

So weird

 

[BeTheMatch]

The Titans are on the Clock!

ESPN immediately spends more time talking about Sanders than Ward.

Never seen anything like it.

 

[Eephus]

I'm old and boring but standing in a parking lot with a bunch of dudes in jerseys watching a draft on a distant screen doesn't seem like a great night out, even in Green Bay.

 

[eoMMan]

I forgot how slow these picks go and how painful it is to watch live on TV.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

and we have a QB!

 

[Eephus]

The green room looks like a furniture store

 

[Yo Mama]

Man, Jacksonville gave up a ton to move up 3 spots.