Green Bay, Wisconsin, known as the smallest market in the NFL, made headlines recently as it successfully hosted a remarkable turnout for the first round of the NFL Draft. The event took place on Thursday night, and the atmosphere around Lambeau Field was electric, with fans from all over flocking to the iconic stadium, illustrating the deep-rooted passion for football in this small Midwestern town.

As the excitement built ahead of the draft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell opened the broadcast by estimating that an astonishing 125,000 fans had already gathered, with many more arriving as the evening progressed. "We have over 125,000 people here and still counting," Goodell announced with enthusiasm, igniting cheers from the crowd.

By the end of the night, the official attendance figure soared to an impressive 205,000, a number that significantly outstrips Green Bay's estimated population of 105,744 according to a 2023 census estimate. Interestingly, NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy referenced a street sign in Green Bay that boasts a population of 107,395. Regardless of the exact figures, one thing was clear: more fans attended the draft than actually live in the city.

This remarkable turnout is even more noteworthy when one considers the visual impact of 205,000 people congregating outside a football stadiuma sight that speaks volumes about the community's dedication to the NFL. Despite the excitement in Green Bay, however, Detroit Lions fans may not feel quite as impressed. Just a year prior, Detroit hosted the NFL Draft for the first time in 2024, setting a record with a whopping 275,000 attendees in the downtown area during the first round. Over the course of the entire three-day event, more than 775,000 fans flocked to the festivities, marking a significant milestone in NFL Draft history.

In contrast to Green Bay's small-town charm, Detroit boasts a population of approximately 633,218 within its city limits, a number that is six times greater than that of Green Bay. Moreover, the metropolitan area surrounding Detroit is home to over 4.3 million people, further underscoring the stark difference in size and capacity between the two locations. While Green Bay may not have been able to match Detroit's record-breaking attendance, the turnout was still a commendable achievement, highlighting the unwavering enthusiasm for football in this quaint yet passionate community.

As the draft unfolds over the weekend, Green Bay's impressive crowd may not threaten Detroit's record, but it serves as a reminder of the unique culture and football fervor that thrives in small-market cities across America.