Logo for Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. PC: Fox 11 Online
ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Green Bay’s airport is laying out its game plan for the NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft kicks off next week Thursday and Austin Straubel International Airport is expecting it to be its busiest week in more than 20 years.
United, American and Delta Airlines all adding flights from their hubs to accommodate football fans. Draft week exclusive direct flights were added from places like New York City, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
Airport officials estimate about 40,000 will fly in and out of Green Bay between Wednesday and Sunday of draft week.
“We deal with big events all the time, NFL Draft obviously it’s a bit of a different animal. It’s our Super Bowl in Green Bay, really excited for it. A lot of work going into it, but again we want to make sure we put forward our best foot – first impression and last impression for our flying passengers,” said airport director Marty Piette.
Terminal improvements will greet passengers upon their arrival. The restaurant and gift shops will serve and carry local Wisconsin items too.
When travelers leave Green Bay, security checkpoints will be fully staffed, additional TSA officers are being brought in from Milwaukee and Madison to help handle the extra traffic.
“Probably going to be sending anywhere from four to six officers up per day per airport. All four lanes will be fully staffed as well as our checked baggage operations and the ticket counter and then we’ll have what we call floater officers that will be helping with announcements, questions,” said Mark Lendvay, Federal Security Director.
While improvements and preparedness inside will greet travelers, upgrades outside are another sign that the airport is draft ready.
Piette said, “The upgrades begin in the parking lot. We’ve had a three year project, in front of the terminal building, redoing the parking lots, the canopies, the sidewalks, the drive lanes, increase lighting so it starts at the front door.”
Finishing touches will be put on landscaping this week before the first wave of visitors arrive next week.
And they’ve called on the community to volunteer by assisting travelers passing through the airport.
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