ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) – As the NFL Draft approaches, businesses near Lambeau Field are preparing for a surge of football fans—and they’re ready to put on a show that highlights local flavor and hospitality.
At Stadium View Bar & Grill, manager Kaitlin Boettcher says preparations have taken over nearly every inch of the property.
“It’s been hard finding the space—we’ve been organizing a lot,” Boettcher said. “We have stuff everywhere in the whole entire building, even outside. We have all the trailers, we have the whole shed in the back. It’s pretty insane.”
The popular Ashwaubenon venue is planning a multi-day lineup of entertainment and food offerings.
“We have 16 bands, we have our entire parking lots blocked off, we are going to have pavilions, our kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., we have five food trucks and have a DJ sports bar open to close,” Boettcher said. “The staff here loves game days. It’s probably everyone’s favorite time of the year, so having those days early—everyone is so excited.”
Just a short distance away, Green Bay Distillery is also expecting big crowds and busy days. Owner Michael McNerney says the venue will host a pre-draft party with Packers alumni, a beer and vodka garden, and a big screen so guests can watch the draft live.
“Yeah, it’s going to help our business a lot,” McNerney said. “We are just outside the footprint of the NFL Draft, and we knew that going in. We are expecting to be very busy.”
Green Bay Distillery’s menu will stay true to its Wisconsin roots, featuring favorites like bratwurst melts, buffalo cheese curds, and a giant soft pretzel.
Titletown’s Homefield Pub + Social officially opens after rebrand, originally known as The Turn
“Our menus have always been focused on Wisconsin food and flavor, and we are going to continue to do that through the draft,” McNerney said. “Hopefully, we can showcase that to the rest of the world.”
As the crowds arrive and the countdown continues, local businesses say they’re ready to represent Green Bayon a national stage.
