By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
GREEN BAY – On Dec. 4 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, Ashwaubenon Village President Mary Kardoskee, the Green Bay Packers, Discover Green Bay and other organizers played host to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Lucas was able to share insight and guidance to the Green Bay community plan for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I looked at the Packers calendar a month ago, a lightbulb came on; Kansas City was on the calendar. Obviously, they were the host of the NFL Draft just this past April, and [I] thought it would be a good opportunity to bring Mayor Lucas in along with his team, just to have a discussion with some of our community leaders about how we could best prepare for the 2025 Draft,” Genrich said, adding that the two mayors have known each other for a couple of years.
“One thing that I think is very common knowledge among mayors is that there is no theft in ideas. We are always really good about sharing experiences — positive and negative — and there is not an event that is bigger and better than the NFL Draft.”
Lucas said that this was his first trip back to Wisconsin in about 25 years.
“I have family in the region, so when the mayor and team called, I said, ‘Not only would I be enchanted to make it, [I] also would love to have the chance to learn a little bit more — not just about Lambeau Field — but also the NFL Draft effort you all are working on.’”
Lucas said that he and Green Bay Draft organizers discussed ways in which they can ensure that the region sees the same economic impact as they experienced in Kansas City.
“Our economic impact was $164 million,” Lucas said.
“I know the estimates are even higher when it comes to Green Bay.
“Another thing that is exciting for us is how that we have made sure with the NFL Draft in Kansas City we looked to leverage other opportunities. As you may know, Kansas City is hosting World Cup Soccer in 2026; we are looking to get other big events. So, really the NFL Draft isn’t just a one-off,” Lucas said, adding that a number of great events could follow.
“While we had a meeting today, I expect us to keep talking a lot more along the way, having connections not just among mayors or teams, but also all of the folks who make these things happen — our tourism organizations, local businesses, law enforcement, fire departments and beyond,” he added.
“It really does kind of take that whole of government approach and that whole of community approach to make it work, but when it all works together you really get to see your community at its best.”
Genrich and Lucas also attended the Packers-Chiefs game the night before.
Genrich thanked the Packers for hosting the pair on Sunday night, stating that they “had a great experience; some greater than others based on the outcome,” he said of the Packers’ win.
“I’ve been to three Super Bowls now; I’ve been to a lot of things; my team plays in a great stadium. It is hard to say that there is a better fan experience than what I saw [Sunday] in Green Bay,” Lucas added.