GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — During the NFL Draft, all 32 teams and their fans will be experiencing Wisconsin and Packers traditions like never before.
That includes the training camp bike rides, which have already been a prominent part of Green Bay’s hosting duties.
The several-year courtship of getting the draft to Green Bay included a two-wheel gift to the NFL.
“We actually shipped bikes to the NFL offices,” said Megan Roberson, Packers planning specialist – marketing and sales. “This was actually during COVID as well, so it was quite the arrangement to get them up to the NFL offices in New York.”
Now, every team in the league will be getting a bike. Elevate97 in Ashwaubenon skinned each one.
“It’s such a unique part of the history of the organization,” said Kristin Laursen, Elevate97 senior director of marketing and creative.
Draft organizers say the bikes will be featured on the draft stage. Just don’t expect any of the players being picked to be riding any of them.
“We’re going to use some of them in stage moments,” said Nicki Ewell, NFL senior director of events. “They’re also going to gift them to the teams post-event.”
Before they ride home with teams, the bikes will likely be part of a bike parade for children ages 3 to 14 on the draft’s Saturday morning.
“The route looks pretty fun. Getting to see a lot of different elements of the NFL Experience and the parking lots where the draft theatre will be located,” said Roberson.
As for who could be riding the specially made bikes?
“We’re hoping to incorporate some of our alumni,” said Roberson. “Not sure if they would hop on a different team’s bike, but I would guess there is some fans that could potentially use these. It’s all still being ironed out.”
Anyone wanting to participate in the bike parade has to sign up on the NFL OnePass app. The bike parade starts at 8 a.m. April 26, and people are asked to be in line before 8:30 a.m.
Participants will be required to take their bikes back to their vehicles or houses at the conclusion of the parade.
