Philly will expect roughly $80 million of the same<\/a>. Note, however, that Choose Chicago, the city’s non-profit tourism body, never said that the city \u201cmade\u201d $81.6 million from the draft. Rather, they said the draft could provide $81.6 million of residual benefit to the City.\u00a0But as with any mega event, there are pros and cons to hosting one. Hosting such a large event is taxing on any city, both in terms of cost and mental effort. The smaller the place, the more taxing. And Green Bay is the smallest market in the league.<\/p>\nCosts to Compete<\/h3>\n
Cities understand that hosting mega events will cost them. They also understand that much of the funding will have to come from the public purse. For example, hosting a Super Bowl may entail constructing a new stadium and improving transit to the venue. A new interchange may have to be constructed to handle automobile traffic. Security costs are significant, as is policing, transportation, communication, and accommodation, and not just to the host city. Surrounding areas also have to buck up to cover expenses in conjunction with mega events. The idea is that the event will stimulate the host city\u2019s economy and promote the city\u2019s brand. Theoretically, this should ensure that the monies spent are recuperated during and after the event. Sometimes that doesn\u2019t happen, though. Case in point: Chicago was still on the hook for $350,000 six months after the draft.<\/p>\n
Is Green Bay Ready?<\/h3>\n
Host cities have to factor in the new construction that generally goes hand in hand with NFL mega events. But little new construction should not be necessary in Green Bay with the new Titletown District. And, unlike a new stadium, it won\u2019t be funded by the city. New roads and other infrastructure to accommodate it will be, but not because of the Draft. That infrastructure was already necessary to facilitate the construction of the District itself. The Lambeau Field expansion is completed, and was funded by the team. While it is unlikely that the draft would create many permanent new jobs for the community, the opportunity for exposure for the city is huge. Chicago reported $114.7 million in established TV and Digital Media ad value from their kick at the can. Altogether, 8.8 million people watched Chicago\u2019s first round draft on TV.<\/p>\n
Chicago by the Numbers<\/h3>\n
Of course, the bigger the event, the more likely it is to stimulate the host city\u2019s economy. As a result, more than half of the NFL\u2019s cities have said they\u2019d like to host an NFL mega event. When Chicago hosted the draft, it was held in the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University. The actual draft went hand in hand with a free fan festival, \u201cDraft Town,” held in Grant Park. Following the event, Choose Chicago released their numbers. It should be noted here that interpreting economic impact is a rather tricky business. On the other hand, claims of visitor numbers etc. are fairly straight forward. 200,000 people visited Draft Town. Of these, over 1,000 were school students visiting from ten public schools. The draft generated 36,576 hotel nights in Chicago and $456,000 in city hotel tax revenue.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Balancing Act<\/h3>\n
According to Choose Chicago, nearly half of attendees were from outside of Chicago. As previously mentioned, new spending is always an important factor in that positive economic impact cities are striving for. In making its decision on awarding the Draft to a particular city, it\u2019s exactly what the NFL wants to see. This is also the number that is of interest to the host city. It\u2019s the one that must offset the cost of hosting. In the smallest market in the league, a larger percentage of attendees are out-of-towners (relative to bigger markets, like Chicago, Philadelphia and New York). So the draft\u2019s economic impact to the overall economy may be more noticeable in Green Bay than elsewhere. Moreover, Green Bay\u2019s tourism stems mainly from football. Ergo, it is unlikely that draft visitors would displace other tourists \u2013 always a problematic issue in other host cities.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Potential for Options<\/h3>\n
We all know that Packer Backers will brave snow and sleet to attend a home game. But will potential draft spectators \u2013 non-Cheeseheads – think that Lambeau Field in April is a great idea? It has been suggested that the Resch Center, across the street from Lambeau Field, could be used instead. The Center, which seats 10,000 people, is close to the Titletown District and Lambeau Field. This obviously makes for little need for updates to transportation, thus constituting a considerable savings to the organizers. Investors expect the new 35-acre Titletown District to be open for business soon. It will reportedly include a Lodge Kohler hotel, Hinterland Brewery, a Bellin Health Clinic and a public park and plaza. This effectively ensures that out of town visitors will have options for accommodation, a choice of places to eat, and a place to play.<\/p>\n
So, Can Green Bay Compete?<\/h3>\n
Green Bay seems to have positioned itself well to host a draft. The NFL may not see it that way, though. The team has said it will be a hard sell, and they should know. It is likely that there will be some back and forth on this from a negotiating standpoint. Either way, there’s little doubt that if it goes ahead, the community of Green Bay will put it’s best foot forward. Some would say this is a great opportunity for Green Bay fans to show what they’re made of, too. Whichever way the chips fall, it’ll be interesting to follow this story and see how it plays out.<\/p>\n