The countdown is on to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, and Wisconsin airports are preparing for a record number of travelers. 250,000 football fans will descend upon Titletown in April, making it one of the biggest events in recent history for Northeast Wisconsin.
For Austin Straubel International Airport, the closest hub to Lambeau Field, this means a passenger surge like nothing seen in decades. The airport typically sees around 20,000 passengers a week. During draft week April 20-26 they expect to double that to 40,000.
“This is our Super Bowl,” said Marty Piette, Director of Austin Straubel International Airport. “We’re expecting this to be the busiest week we’ve seen in 20 years. Every airline has added additional flights.”
New Flights Bring Fans from Coast to Coast
To handle the huge crowds, airlines are adding new nonstop routes and more frequencies into Green Bay. Football fans can now fly direct from major cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Detroit – all to witness history at Lambeau Field.
Carriers aren’t done yet. Travelers heading south to Appleton International Airport will see a big increase in flight activity too. According to Abe Weber, Director of Appleton International Airport, “We’re expecting 15-20% more flights and seats during draft week.”
More flights to Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Dallas and Charlotte mean even more options for out-of-state visitors to join the party.
Milwaukee Stays Steady Amidst the Chaos
While Green Bay and Appleton are preparing for record crowds, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is business as usual. Despite being Wisconsin’s largest airport, MKE officials say they have no plans to add extra flights for the draft.
“It should be a normal day here,” said Harold Mester, Director of Public Affairs and Marketing at MKE. “The airlines feel they can absorb the extra traffic within their existing schedules.”
But that doesn’t mean Milwaukee won’t feel the impact. VISIT Milwaukee reports a huge surge in hotel bookings for the draft weekend, up from 10% occupancy in January to over 60% and climbing. Many visitors booking Milwaukee hotels will be driving the two hours north to Green Bay.
Hotels Filling Up Across the State
As Green Bay hotels sell out fast, nearby cities like Milwaukee are stepping in. Josh Albrecht, Chief Marketing Officer of VISIT Milwaukee, says proximity is key for attendees.
“What we’ve learned from talking to cities like Detroit and Kansas City is that the draft is a driving market,” Albrecht said. “Most fans come from within a six-hour radius, which benefits both Green Bay and Milwaukee since many surrounding areas have NFL teams.”
Whether driving or booking rooms farther south, fans are finding ways to get in on the action.
Escape Plan: Special Flights for Locals
For locals looking to get out of the chaos, Austin Straubel International Airport is offering an escape. A special flight to Orlando will depart the day before the draft starts and return the day after the draft ends— a perfect option for those who prefer sunshine over stadium lights.
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