ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — Most weeks it’s all about motorcycles and gear at Team 2 in Ashwaubenon.
In just a few days, owner Tom Kalies’ parking lot will become a bigger part of the business.
“We can park 44 cars and we allow tailgating,” he said. “I think we’re in a prime location to fill up very soon.”
Team 2 is located about a block from Lambeau Field. It’s right where people going to the draft will be looking for parking.
“Lambeau Field is right in the heart of Green Bay and Ashwaubenon. You can park in somebody’s front yard, tailgate, fire up the grill and then walk right to the field,” Kalies said. “It gives you a more inviting, welcome, atmosphere than I think in any other city.”
Parking cars on residential lawns, at churches and business parking lots is part of the game day experience at Lambeau Field.
Nick Meisner of Discover Green Bay said it will also feature prominently in the draft fan experience.
“It is practical, and it is novel,” he said. “We are encouraging residents and businesses around the footprint to open up their parking. It’ll be like three home games in a row, so I think they’ll do pretty well.”
Parking options are included in the NFL OnePass app.
“We’re excited for people to experience our tradition. I know it seems strange with parking being a tradition, but it’s so much more than that,“ Meisner said. “It’s the experience. It’s the hospitality. It’s people rolling into a yard and being offered to use the restroom or a brat and a burger, or a beer, or whatever.”
Kalies said parking revenue will help make up for some of the regular business he’s likely to lose during the draft.
“I’m honored the draft is in Green Bay, unfortunately it hits on our business month, April,” he said. “We’re a motorcycle accessory shop, so we’re extremely busy at that time of the year. Customers getting to us is going to be a nightmare. Having the draft parking is going to compensate us for the revenue we’re going to lose moving forward.”
