Wisconsin products, art front and center at GRB for NFL Draft arrivals

April 21, 2025

GREEN BAY – As each part of the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, its restaurants and gift shops – operated by Tailwind Hospitality – look to offer travelers a Wisconsin welcome when they touch down.

Tailwind Vice President of Business Development & Relationship Management Jerry Brienza said the company is getting ready to offer travelers a true taste of Wisconsin – down to preparing for unexpected weather – with offerings including:

• A specialized Wisconsin-centered food and snack menu, featuring:
  • Scray Cheese cheese curds
  • Poppin Z’s Gourmet Popcorn
  • Coffee, honey and soap products from Maple Buzz
  • Door County Confectionery caramels and saltwater taffy
  • Chocolates and toffees from Tailwind’s local provider
• New Glarus Brewing Company beers, including Spotted Cow, are available airport-wide, as well as 12-packs to grab and go
• Original Green Bay Packers Cheeseheads® and magnets directly from the Green Bay Packers Pro Shop
• Tailgate pop-ups hosted in both concourses featuring Wisconsin brats, cheddar cheeseburgers, pretzels and beer cheese dip, with multiple QR codes to win prizes and tickets to the NFL Draft festivities
• Extra hats and mittens will be available for purchase if the weather is cooler
• Increased staffing and expanded hours of operation

“We want travelers to experience Wisconsin to its fullest and enjoy some of the most loved aspects of Green Bay,” Airport Director Marty Piette said. “We are thankful to have a partner like Tailwind to create memorable experiences for visitors even before they leave the airport.”

Brienza said Tailwind is proud to partner with GRB and the greater Green Bay community on the initiative.

“We are dedicated to making the passenger experience a memorable one, and we are excited about the many new faces we will see during the NFL Draft,” he said. “Whether you want to relax and have a quiet meal or party like a tailgater, we have something for everyone.”

Travelers looking to plan their 2025 NFL Draft visit can visit the GRB website at flygrb.com/2025-nfl-draft.

Piette also said travelers will get a glimpse into the history and culture of the Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan regions, as the GRB Art Program strives to educate visitors about the cultural heritage and artistic development of the Green Bay area.

GRB is partnering with Oneida Nation Arts Program (ONAP), he said, to install 22 pieces of artwork across the airport from eight Indigenous artists from the Oneida community. 

Piette said the artwork includes media such as acrylic paintings, historical photographs, textiles, beadwork, sculptures and basketry – with each design offering insights into the artist’s story and the community’s history creatively and uniquely. 

“The experience that visitors receive is thanks to the many partnerships and contributions of local vendors who help make GRB the perfect first stop while they explore our community,” he said. “The GRB Art Program gives us the chance to promote local artists, and the Oneida Nation is one of the amazing partners eager to highlight their beautiful work.”

The artists selected for this exhibit, Piette said, were the 2024 Woodland Indian Art Show & Market winners, along with Oneida’s 2024 National Treasures.

The artwork was installed at the beginning of March and will be on display during the NFL Draft, he said, with one display case in the airport’s grand lobby, and display cases along with wall hanging space in each concourse.

“We’re excited to work together to highlight the amazing talent and vibrant culture of our local Indigenous communities,” Oneida Nation Arts Program Supervisor Gabrielle Metoxen said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to share some Haudenosaunee art and traditions with travelers exploring Green Bay, and we truly appreciate this opportunity. Yaw^ko (Thank you).”

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach said the goal is for travelers “to feel immersed and welcomed into our community.” 

“This partnership with Oneida Nation engages audiences and promotes local artists as the NFL Draft comes to town,” Streckenbach said.

Piette said GRB encourages travelers and local residents alike to enjoy the displays around the airport and learn more about area artists.