GREEN BAY, Wis. — The 2025 NFL Draft is making its way to Wisconsin in April.

Leaders with Green Bay and the NFL have been busy preparing the city for this year’s event.

But what happens at the NFL Draft? How do you attend? Where can you stay?

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s draft.

When is it?

The 2025 NFL Draft takes place on April 24-26, 2025.

Round 1 will take place on April 24 beginning at 7 p.m., Round 2 and 3 on April 25 starting at 6 p.m. and Round 4 through 7 on April 26 beginning at 11 a.m.

Where will it be held?

The main event will be in Green Bay in lots around Lambeau Field, Titletown and the Resch Complex. 

What does the 2025 NFL Draft include?

There are several days of activities throughout Green Bay, including the NFL Draft Experience.

The NFL Draft Theater is another component where picks will be announced by Commissioner Roger Goodell and other special guests for each of the 32 NFL teams. Concerts will also take place here after Round 3 on Friday and after Round 7 on Saturday.

The NFL Draft Concert Series is free, but it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis, with standing room only. Details on performances haven’t been announced for this year yet.

You can view the full schedule of activities on the NFL OnePass app.

How can I attend?

The main way fans can attend the event is through the free NFL Draft Experience, which fans can register for here.

The event will be held all three days of the draft. It will include free player autograph sessions, opportunities to take pictures with the Lombardi Trophy and more. 

The event will be held near Lambeau Field. It’s also situated near the Draft Theater so fans can watch every pick and concerts. Screens will also be placed throughout the Draft Experience to view it.

The Draft Experience hours are:

  • April 24: Noon — 10 p.m.
  • April 25: Noon — 10 p.m.
  • April 26: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Fans can also gain access to the draft through the Draft Theater, but you have to be an invited ticket-holder. You could also be selected for standing room and other seating depending on availability. The area known as the Inner Circle is where fans will be. More information on this is coming soon, according to NFL officials.

The Draft Theater hours are:

  • April 24: 5 p.m. — 11 p.m. (approximate)
  • April 25: 5 p.m. — 11 p.m. (approximate)
  • April 26: Noon — 7 p.m. (approximate)

Entry points to these areas are:

  • Entry #1: West of the site at the top of Titletown off Lombari Ave. by the U.S. Venture Center
  • Entry #2: South of the site at the intersection of South Ridge Road and Valley View Road; directly across street from Kroll's West and Packers Lot 10

Officials said fans 18 years and older will be required to register individually for an NFL OnePass to gain entry to both of these events. Adults can also register up to five children to get into the event. You can do that here or via the NFL OnePass mobile app, starting March 4.

Where can I stay for the 2025 NFL Draft?

There are plenty of options for where you can stay while you attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. For a full list of available lodging options, click here.

There also may be options located outside of the state or immediate area. One resort in Michigan is offering packages that include transportation to and from the draft.

However, rentals near Lambeau Field, the site of the draft, are expected to fill up quickly, so officials encourage people to book sooner rather than later.

Are there transportation options to and from the draft?

Locally, Green Bay Metro will offer a free bus service from Downtown Green Bay to the draft. The service said it expects delays due to street closures and congestion. Those looking to ride can catch a bus anywhere along the Downtown to Titletown Route. Buses are expected to run every 15 minutes.

Here are the hours that route will operate:

  • Thursday, April 24: Noon to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, April 25: Noon to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 26: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Brown County Tavern League of Wisconsin will collaborate with the City of Green Bay and other entities to provide a free shuttle program running between April 23-27. A total of 40 passenger shuttles will be operating. They'll be in the Lambeau area each evening to take fans back home safely. They'll also be stationed at over 200 participating Tavern League bars and restaurants.

Here are the hours those shuttles will run:

  • Wednesday, April 23: 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 24: Noon to 3 a.m.
  • Friday, April 25: Noon to 3 a.m.
  • Saturday, April 26: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Officials also shared that traditional taxi services and ride share programs, such as Uber and Lyft, will also be available. There will be dedicated pickup and drop-off locations, which haven’t been shared yet.

Information on transportation options can be accessed through the NFL One Pass app and will be shared here.

Spectrum News has gathered a list of all the places offering shuttles here.

Parking outside the draft will resemble game day at Lambeau Field. Local homeowners and businesses will offer parking near the event for a fee. You can find a full map of parking options on the Green Bay website. Officials recommended bringing cash, following posted signage and planning ahead.

How can I help with preparation efforts?

There are several ways people can get involved with the preparation for the big event.

You can join a committee or become an employee or volunteer by completing this form.

You could also rent your home to visitors during the draft. Officials have provided information on how to do that here.

What security measures will be in place?

The NFL Carry-In and Security Policies, which include the Clear Bag Policy, will be in effect for the entire draft footprint. That means bags must be clear and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12”.

Stollers are permitted, but all bags or blankets have to be removed. Cameras that are small and binoculars are also allowed. Fans can also carry in an empty, reusable water bottle for free filling inside. Tobacco products and e-cigarettes are prohibited.

Security screenings around the NFL Draft Experience will be “significantly heightened.” Officials said they encourage fans to leave their bags at home to expedite entry. Fans will not be required to be screened a second time to enter the Draft Theater once they go through the initial screening at the Draft Experience.

Most importantly, fans also need to be registered for NFL OnePass to receive entry.

Security screenings begin at the following times:

  • Thursday, April 24 - 12 p.m.
  • Friday, April 25 - 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 26 - 9 a.m.

Can I use cash at the NFL Draft?

No, the Draft Experience is a cash-free event. All major credit cards will be accepted at concessions and the NFL Shop.

Is there a plan for bad weather?

Officials said the event will continue as normal unless there is an extreme weather event that “threatens public safety.” In that case, the event could potentially be delayed. If that were to happen, information on that would be available here, pushed out via the NFL OnePass app or announced over a public address system.

What can I do outside of the draft?

There’s plenty to do in Green Bay, from dozens of restaurants, breweries, parks and more.

Downtown Green Bay is also hosting Touchdown Downtown, a special event series to celebrate the draft. It includes events that highlight the fun flavor and flare of the community. You can see the full event list here.

Other local restaurants, comedy clubs and businesses will host draft-themed events too, which you can find on the Visit Green Bay website.

How else can I watch the draft?

The 2025 NFL Draft will be televised nationally by several stations, including the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Here’s where you can catch coverage:

  • April 24 (Thursday): 7 p.m. — NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
  • April 25 (Friday): 6 p.m. — NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
  • April 26 (Saturday): 11 a.m. — NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)

Who will be the top picks in the NFL draft?

Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the top quarterback prospects, though they won't necessarily be the first two picks like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels in 2024 and Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud in 2023.

Edge rusher Abdul Carter and two-way star Travis Hunter are also highly rated prospects, meaning that a non-QB could be the No. 1 overall selection for the first time since defensive end Travon Walker was the top pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022.

For more information on the top picks, here is the mock draft by AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

What is the NFL draft order?

Here are the teams that currently possess the top 10 picks of the upcoming draft. These were the selections in the first round of the 2024 draft.

  1. Tennessee Titans
  2. Cleveland Browns
  3. New York Giants
  4. New England Patriots
  5. Jacksonville Jaguars
  6. Las Vegas Raiders
  7. New York Jets
  8. Carolina Panthers
  9. New Orleans Saints
  10. Chicago Bears

The Associated Press contributed to this story.