GREEN BAY, Wis.– As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft begins, Green Bay is rolling out the red carpet for thousands of visitors set to arrive in Titletown. For many, their draft weekend journey will begin the moment they land at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)- and airport officials have been working behind the scenes to ensure the welcome is as memorable as the main event.
With high travel volume expected leading up to the draft, GRB has undergone a series of upgrades designed to handle the influx of guests while highlighting the spirit of Green Bay. From stunning new amenities to local cultural touches, travelers can expect a completely refreshed airport experience the moment they arrive.
“Welcome to Green Bay” mural in progress
New Look, Local Feel
GRB’s Grand Lobby now offers a more spacious, modern welcome point, complemented by additions like the sleek Sky Lounge, outdoor canopies, and family-friendly spaces– including designated family rooms and a mother’s room. Travelers will also be greeted by vibrant artwork from Oneida Nation and themed installations like the Draft bikes display, celebrating the unique blend of local heritage and football culture.
Bud Light Display at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
Signage and updated route markers throughout the terminal have been enhanced to help visitors navigate the airport with ease, even during peak hours. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport Director, Marty Piette, views this opportunity as a great chance for Green Bay to showcase their local traditions to the world.
Art cow from Winona Foods at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
“For those that are flying in or flying out, this is the first and last thing they see of our community,” Marty Piette says.
”So a lot of people coming to Green Bay, this will be their first time here. We want them to come back, either extend their stay this time or want to come back and experience all that Northeast Wisconsin has to offer. So this is a great opportunity for the community to showcase themselves, which has been a great partnership again with TSA, the airlines, the rental cars, and all of our stakeholders.”
“It’s the largest event that this city will probably host in the near future at the airport. We’ve been working with all of our partners, airlines, TSA, to make sure that we have a successful event and make a great impression.”
NFL Draft logo sign
Travel Tips and Reminders
In preparation for draft week, TSA and GRB officials are encouraging travelers to arrive early, stay informed, and be prepared for updated security procedures. Travelers are advised to double-check what they can and cannot bring through security checkpoints and ensure they have REAL-ID-complaint license or another accepted form of identification– especially with the May 7 enforcement deadline rapidly approaching.
Enhanced security technology and additional staff are expected to help maintain efficiency, but airport officials say the best way to ensure a smooth journey is to come prepared and stay patient.
Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau sign at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
Public Affairs Officer for the TSA, Jessica Mayle, is excited for the travelers to experience the new technology to make the transition in and out smooth and efficient.
Jessica Mayle says, “Green Bay is really lucky that we have such upgraded state of the art technology at our checkpoint.”
”So one is our credential authentication technology. This uses facial recognition. It takes a real time picture of the passenger, compares it against the photo on their ID. You know, sometimes this technology can do things better than the human eye detects those fraudulent IDs. Just make sure that everybody who’s walking through is who we expect them to be. And I think passengers really appreciate that experience. It’s really fast and seamless. Then our other is our X ray scanning machine. What you put your bags through. It’s computed tomography. People are kind of used to that in a medical setting when you get a CT scan, but takes a 3D image of the bag, it lets our officers stretch, skew, rotate. And that really helps because it’s fewer bag checks for the passengers. So I think we’ve all been in that position where, ’oh, is this your bag?’ We go through, and then we determine it wasn’t a prohibited item at all. When they can see inside the bag better, it’s fewer bag checks on the end. Helps passengers get through faster.”
TSA officials also want to make it very clear on what to bring and what not to bring. Sharp items, unpermitted firearms and more that should not be in your bag whatsoever. The Wisconsin Federal Security Director for the Department of Homeland Security, Mark Lendvay, makes it very clear on what he does not want to see through the inevitable TSA security clearance.
“If it cannot fit in the X ray, don’t bring it,” Mark Lendvay says.
Prohibited items to bring through the TSA at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
”Clearly we encourage the signs. Really the best thing to do is think about using FedEx, UPS, to have something shipped in advance to the hotel you’re staying at and then maybe donate it to the local community afterwards. But if it’s able to fit inside a carry on bag or even your checked baggage, that’s fine. We know we’re going to have different representatives from the sports teams. They’re going to bring their garb, their bling, to demonstrate their support for their teams. Please don’t bring anything that looks like a sword or something like that. Right. Because that’s not going to be able to go through and, and hope fortunately that gets stopped at their destination. Come have fun, recognize our requirements, be prepared to travel because it will be busy. And I think, while you’re here in Green Bay mind the beauty of Lambeau Field and realize that this is the smallest market. You’re literally in the neighborhood of homes and people that will support people coming in.”
Traffic, Parking and Temporary Road Changes
The excitement isn’t limited to the terminal. As the site build enters its next phase, major changes have hit the streets around Lambeau Field and Titletown. The majority of public parking loots around Lambeau Field are now closed, with visitors directed instead to the parking lot on the south side of Brookwood Drive adjacent to Titletown, or the Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road. Pedestrian routes remain open from both lots, ensuring fans can easily reach Titletown’s attractions and the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay closed off for the NFL Draft
Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay closed off for the NFL Draft
Lombardi Ave Road closures in Green Bay ahead of the NFL Draft
Additional road closures are also underway. South Ridge Road is now closed between north side of Lodge Kohler and Lombardi Avenue, and eastbound lanes of Lombardi Avenue between Marlee Lane and Holmgren Way have been shut down. These expanded closures– set to continue with further changes on April 23– aim to ease traffic congestion while still keeping local businesses accessible. For drivers and visitors alike, detailed maps of the road closures and detours can be found at greenbay.com/draft25/transportation/#Road-Closures.
Local Business Adjust and Event Hours Set
While many parking areas are off-limits, local businesses around Titletown are adapting with adjusted operating hours. The Lambeau Field Atrium will welcome visitors under special schedules through May 5. In the interim, key attractions including the Packers Pro Shop, Packers Hall of Fame, and stadium tours have set hours aligned with the Draft schedule- with a few changes, like the temporary closure of 1919 Kitchen & Tap for a private event and special operating days for Stadium Tours.
NFL Draft Stage under construction in Green Bay
The NFL Draft Experience itself is poised to be a highlight. This immersive festival will feature interactive exhibits, meet-and-greet opportunities, youth and family activities, and local food and culture displays spread throughout Titletown. One of the major attractions will be the NFL Draft Theater, Where all 32 teams will make their selections live in a 250,000-square-foot viewing area with Lambeau Field as a dramatic backdrop. And that’s not all- a Friday evening drone show and Saturday Draft Concert Series, headlined by a yet-to-be-announced act, promise even more surprises for fans.
Stay Informed and Register Now
Fans can secure their free entry to all NFL Draft activities by registering on NFL.com/DraftAccess or by downloading NFL OnePass app, which will provide interactive content, up-to-date event information, and a chance to win exclusive prizes.
Thank you Mark Murphy Mural
From upgraded airport experiences and cutting-edge security tech at GRB to finely tuned road closures and parking adjustments around Titletown, Green Bay is pulling out all the stops. Whether it’s a smooth landing or navigating the detours around Lambeau Field, every detail is designed to make Draft Week a touchdown for fans.
Your First Stop in Titletown
GRB, known as the “Gateway to Lambeau,” is more than just a travel hub– it’s part of the Green Bay experience. As a partner airport of the Green Bay Packers and one of the only two commercial airports in Wisconsin with international landing rights, GRB is proud to be the front door to a historic moment in the city’s history.
Whether you’re a lifelong Packers fan or a first-time visitor, the energy of the draft will be felt from the moment you land. From upgraded amenities to local flavor, GRB is ready to welcome the football world with open arms.
NFL Draft 2025 logo for Green Bay at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport
For more information on travel tips, amenities, and airport updates, visit flyGRB.com.