Thursday, February 6, 2025
GREEN BAY – Plans are starting to emanate from local organizations preparing for the NFL Draft to be held in Green Bay in April.
On Broadway, Inc., Downtown Green Bay, Inc. and the City of Green Bay joined together to plan activities throughout downtown business districts.
The series of events spans four days and is collectively being called “Touchdown Downtown” with an overarching brand and logo.
“Our teams have been working hard to make Touchdown Downtown something truly special,” said Jeff Mirkes, executive director for Downtown Green Bay, Inc. “It’s not just about having fun events—it’s about celebrating the people, businesses, and traditions that make Downtown Green Bay a historical location and so unique. From the Booyah Battle to the Draft Edition of the Saturday Farmers Market, these events are for everyone to enjoy. Let’s show the world what Green Bay is all about.”
This competition will be held on Washington Street in downtown Green Bay on Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
It will feature local nonprofits paired with a booyah chef to battle it out for booyah supremacy.
The best booyah will be determined by a panel of judges who will blind taste test a sample from each chef or chef(s).
There will also be a People’s Choice award determined by popular vote.
Attendees will enjoy live music from the polka band LIVEwire and can quench their thirst with local beer and other beverage options.
Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe will be bringing a Kringle Combine to the Booyah Battle on Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Participants will have the chance to try new, exciting Kringle flavors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase entry into the Kringle Combine area and sample an assortment of limited edition, never-before-made flavors of Kringle.
After enjoying samples of Kringle, participants will cast their votes.
Experience the Downtown Saturday Farmers Market on Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Washington Street will be filled with arts, crafts, artisan bakers, prepared food and processed food vendors.
This special Draft Edition Farmers Market welcomes local favorites plus vendors from throughout the state of Wisconsin.
These vendors will be offering products such as meats, cheeses, prepared and packaged goods, fresh produce, seasonal products, handmade creations, flowers and plants.
The official website for Touchdown Downtown Green Bay is available at TouchdownDowntown.com.
The additional activities include Living Packers Heritage Trail, on Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., where you can experience the historic Packers Heritage Trail as many of its stops are brought to life.
This special Draft 2025 event will offer live actors at several downtown sites with the help of the Brown County Historical Society and Evergreen Theater.
Visitors will hear stories of the rich history of the Green Bay Packers and gain a deeper knowledge of the community’s love for the team.
The Living Packers Heritage Trail can best be experienced by foot, bike or car.
A Draft Day 5K, will be held on Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.
Race participants will experience a football-themed race, with an out and back course on the Fox River Trail providing scenic views of the Fox River and Downtown Green Bay.
Runners and walkers are welcome.
Participants will receive a commemorative Draft Day 5K jersey shirt, Draft Day 5K finisher item, one complimentary Draft Day Brew from our friends at Stillmank Brewing and a post race tailgate party and food.
In December, the Brown County Tavern League and the City of Green Bay announced the launch of an expansive shuttle transportation system designed to support the transportation needs of the over 75,000 visitors expected during NFL Draft week.
The initiative will provide convenient and safe transit options across multiple routes in the greater Green Bay area, with key stops at local areas of commerce, bars/restaurants and nearly 40 area hotels in an effort to reduce impaired driving during the event.
The proposed shuttle system, funded primarily through the Tavern League’s SafeRide program with additional local support, will help reduce traffic congestion and enhance the experience for Draft attendees.
Don Mjelde, Eastern District vice president, Tavern League of Wisconsin, said that the league will provide about forty 12-15 passenger vans.
Mjelde said the program is estimated to cost about $200,000 — partially funded by a Department of Transportation grant and matching funds.
Mayor Eric Genrich said that the city will contribute tourism support funding totaling $15,000.
“I think this is a fantastic solution that really complements a lot of what at the NFL and the Packers are obviously pulling together with some of the formal options connected to the Draft itself,” Genrich said.
“But to have this kind of supplemental transportation option is huge from a safety perspective, which is obviously the primary purpose of the SafeRide program. But in addition to that, and from the city’s perspective, there’s the added benefit to our hotels, our taverns, our other businesses that are going to be able to direct their patrons to this service.
“So, it’s going to be a tremendous way for people to enjoy the community, get to different community resources, our businesses, our organizations that are really looking forward to taking advantage of the Draft and putting our best foot forward.”
Genrich said that organizers have been blown away by the members of the community that are “stepping up without being asked and that’s not surprising to us,” he said.
“We recognize we’re the smallest city in the NFL, but far and away have the biggest heart.”
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