Runway to the Draft

Written By: Susan Levitte, Marketing Communications Manager, Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

In 1940 the Green Bay Packers became the first NFL team to fly to a game. Today they fly out of Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport(GRB), often with a crowd of fans cheering as they make their way through the airport. Over the years GRB has been host to the titans of football, entertainment and industry. It’s a unique combination for an airport in a market this size.

Airport Director Marty Piette explains what it’s like to talk about GRB outside of the state. “Whenever we meet with current or potential airlines, I am surprised at the number of Packers fans we encounter outside of the state.” He continued with a smile, “they always hope we have an inside scoop on the season and either gush about their visit to Lambeau or express their wish to see the stadium.”

The GRB team meets with airlines several times over the year to talk about how they can do business in the region as well as updates and unique things in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. About three years ago they started talking about the potential for Green Bay to host the NFL Draft, always explaining that it was several years away. When it was announced that it was happening in 2025 it was an easy switch to strategizing with the airlines on additional nonstop routes. American, Delta and United Airlines have all responded. American has added more seats and nonstop from Chicago as well as new nonstop to New York. Delta added more seats and nonstop options from Minneapolis, Detroit and Atlanta as well as new nonstop routes from New York, Salt Lake City, Orlando and Los Angeles. United has added more seats and nonstop options from Chicago. All the flights are currently available and can also be flown in the reverse direction if you are looking to get away from Green Bay that week.

In addition to the main terminal preparing for the Draft, both Executive Air and Jet Air Group, GRB’s fixed base operators (FBO’s) have been busy planning for the influx of private aircraft anticipated that week. During a home game the airport can see more than 150 small jets, turbo props and twin-engine aircraft and they anticipate being even busier for the Draft.

In addition to the planning with the airlines, GRB has been planning improvements and construction projects for the day that Green Bay would be on this international stage. Upgraded parking lot, exterior lighting, painting, awning and runway construction are some of the key infrastructure projects that will be complete for the Draft. Interior improvements include a new area dedicated to our local veterans, a Packers heritage area with artifacts from the first team, new furniture, a more Wisconsin-like main gathering area, new plants, passenger flex spaces and new signage have been completed before this spring. There may even be a few more surprise updates!