Fox Cities officials work to finalize shuttle plans, music-themed event as NFL Draft nears

A 2025 NFL Draft light pole banner in the parking lot of Lambeau Field. PC: Fox 11 Online

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With less than two months to go until the NFL Draft, the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau is locking down plans to shuttle guests to the big event.

Executive Director Pam Seidl spoke more about what residents can expect.

“Obviously, as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, we will be giving priority to hotel guests, but if the shuttles do not sell out with hotel guests, we will be opening up locals’ opportunities to ride the shuttles, probably about 10 days before the draft,” Seidl said.

She said shuttles will run from the Fox Cities to Green Bay. “We’ll have three departures on Thursday and Friday, and then of course returns. It will be a round trip ticket,” Seidl added.

Seidl said that tickets for the shuttle will cost $50 to $60 per round trip, per day. The shuttle will be picking up riders in the southwest corner of the Fox River Mall parking lot.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau isn’t the only group preparing for the influx of visitors.

Downtown Appleton, Inc. Executive Director Jennifer Stephany said they’re planning a killer event.

“We’re working on a Wednesday night event that’s going to be music focused,” she said.

During a presentation to businesses, Stephany called it a “mini Mile of Music” — and it’s clear why.

“It’s going to be an event that is going to take people in and out of various venues. It will be in partnership with Mile of Music, so we’re looking to feature some original live music,” she explained.

Stephany added they’re working on finalizing details and will have more information in the coming weeks.

Seidl said the draft is a chance to showcase all the Fox Cities has to offer.

“We have an opportunity to showcase the wonderful things here in the Fox Cities to people who may have never been here before,” she said. “And for things like Mile of Music, which happens every year, what a great opportunity to promote that unique event and have people maybe come back and join us in August.”