All eyes are on Cleveland after the League announced Monday that it will be the host of the 2021 NFL Draft. The three-day event will be scheduled from April 29 to May 1, welcoming a select number of prospects, fans, and media crews for in-person attendance adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
The 2020 NFL Draft looked starkly different as Las Vegas hotel rooms were canceled, and the entire 2020 rookie class was forced to hear their names called from their living room sofas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 86th annual draft will usher in at least a likeness of years prior, which with all things considered accounts for a lot.
The League revealed that the festivities will be held across downtown Cleveland locations, including FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Great Lakes Science Center.
The 2021 NFL Draft’s Main Stage will be lakefront as Lake Erie will serve as its backdrop. Per tradition, the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the pick announcements where he will be joined by top selections as their names are called. Additional prospects will be broadcasted from their homes remotely.
Seat-invited guests will take part from the Draft Theatre, the prime viewing zone of the main stage. Select fans will be elected into the “Inner Circle” to attend the festivities from the 32 NFL clubs as the team’s draft ambassadors. In furthering the NFL’s efforts to promote the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, fans are required to be fully vaccinated prior to attendance.
The NFL released photos on Twitter showcasing a unique NFL interactive theme park experience that will be open to the public all three days of the draft around FirstEnergy Stadium. In order to attend the free Draft Experience, fans will need to make reservations through the NFL OnePass app.
Celebrating the spirit of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, headline acts are set to perform each day on the Main Stage.
After successfully leading a roughly 25,000 fan Super Bowl experience just five months ago, the NFL has left a proven track record and high hopes for the events set in the CLE.
“We are thrilled to be heading to Cleveland for the NFL Draft, which has become one of the most highly anticipated events in sports,” NFL Executive Vice President of club business and league events, Peter O’Reilly said.
“Just months after executing a safe and successful Super Bowl LV, we look forward to bringing the excitement of our Draft traditions to fans in collaboration with the Browns, Destination Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the City of Cleveland, and all of our local Cleveland partners.”
The 2021 NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC, including two nights of primetime coverage beginning on April 29.
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