GREEN BAY, Wis. — With thousands expected in the Green Bay area for the NFL Draft in April next year, local leaders are working hard to address the logistical challenges that come with hosting an event of that scale in a city that is significantly smaller than past host cities.

Cutting down on congestion and reducing drunk driving are among the major areas of focus. 

The Tavern League of Wisconsin announced a collaboration on Friday with the City of Green Bay and other entities to provide a free shuttle program that will run between April 23-27. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Tavern League of Wisconsin announced a collaboration on Friday with the City of Green Bay and other entities to provide a free shuttle program that will run between April 23-27

  • The goal is to cut down on congestion and reduce drunk driving during the event

  • The program is being paid for through Tavern League grants, making the shuttle free for riders

  • The Tavern League said shuttles will receive a vinyl wrap to make them clearly identifiable. It also plans to hire drivers for the vans

Tavern League Eastern District Vice President Don Mjelde said a total of 40 fifteen-passenger vans will run along six different routes throughout Brown County. Exact routes are still being worked out; however, he said they will run past restaurants, bars and hotels around Green Bay and several neighboring suburbs. 

The program is being paid for through Tavern League grants, making the shuttle free for riders. 

The ultimate goal is to cut down on drunk driving, but Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich said it will also help to eliminate congestion on city streets. He said it adds an additional way people can get around the city during a very busy time. 

“There are going to be a ton of people using Ubers, Lyft, Metro Transit, carpooling, all kinds of things. So from our perspective, knowing there is going to be that kind of logistical challenge, we just wanted to add whatever we could to that toolbox and feel like this is a really nice thing to be able to offer,” Genrich said. 

Tera Hansen owns State Street Pub in Green Bay. Hansen said she knows firsthand how challenging it can be for patrons to get an Uber, Lyft or Safe Ride on game days. As president of the Tavern League of Brown County, she helped draft plans for the shuttle service. 

Hansen said she has appreciated the collaborative approach being taken. 

“Everyone worked together,” said Hansen. “We were already working with the City of Green Bay. Having meetings with the Packers, all different places trying to see what everyone was going to do, and I think everyone was waiting to see what the Packers were going to do. We made the decision we have to do something.” 

The Tavern League said shuttles will receive a vinyl wrap to make them clearly identifiable. It also plans to hire drivers for the vans. Pay will be $20 per hour with the possibility of tips from riders. Information on hiring will be posted to the Tavern League website.

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