Welcome Center Proposed for Former Hall of Fame Building
GREEN BAY, Wis.
May 12, 2003

The Packer Country Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) has presented preliminary plans to Brown County to transform the former Packer Hall of Fame Building into a full-service Welcome Center promoting Green Bay and the region as an exciting tourism destination.

The Welcome Center, located at the corner of Lombardi Ave. and Oneida St., would showcase all of the tourism offerings throughout the region including: special events, parks and trails, historic and cultural attractions, amusement parks, beaches, casinos and nightlife and a myriad of other activities. It would also refer tourists to hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

“ We believe this is a perfect use for the building,” said Kari Sliva, President of the Packer Country RTO. “As the Packer Hall of Fame, the building served as a legendary tourist attraction for almost 30 years. Now, with the opening of the Resch Center and the renovations to Lambeau Field, we can keep the use of the building entertainment-oriented. A Welcome Center would be a good fit, given that it’s virtually surrounded by tourism-related attractions.”

The RTO predicts the Welcome Center would service more than 50,000 travelers its first full year of operation. Travelers to the region spend more than $600 million annually in the counties of Brown, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc. Tourists to Brown County spend $440 million.

The Greater Green Bay Lodging Association recently endorsed the project.

“ A Welcome Center would be a wonderful addition to the area,” said Lodging Association President Susan Garot. “As a lodging community, we want people to extend their stay in the area, and a Welcome Center would encourage people to stay longer and experience all of the exciting things the Green Bay area has to offer.”

The building is owned by Brown County. Brown County Education and Recreation Committee, and ultimately the Brown County Board of Supervisors, will decide the future of the building.

“ We are happy to work with members of the County Education and Recreation Committee, and appreciate any opportunity to present our idea for a Welcome Center. We’ll follow the process as outlined by the committee, and hopefully this will be seen as a worthy proposal.

Looking at the big picture, tourism generates more than $25 million in local taxes to Brown County, and employs 11,201 employees. Getting visitors to stay longer in our area would expand the county’s tax base,” Sliva said.