Green Bay will host the NFL draft for the first time, attracting about 250,000 fans, media, and football personnel near Lambeau Field on April 24-26. Manitowoc-area hotels are nearly 60% full, with restaurants gearing up for the influx of visitors. A shuttle service from Manitowoc to Lambeau Field is available for $40 per person, with goodie bags for guests staying in Two Rivers hotels.
Local businesses in Manitowoc and Two Rivers are joining the excitement with special events and promotions for the draft weekend. Beerntsen’s Confectionary offers a Game Day Classic lunch special, while Digger Dave's hosts a Football Trivia Night. PetSkull Brewing Company and Cool City Brewing Company are planning food and drink specials, with bars like Tapped on the Lakeshore and Waverly Inn Pub & Pizzeria hosting watching parties. The cities anticipate a boost in tourism and hope visitors will return to experience the lakeshore charm again.