Las Vegas certainly knows how to throw a party, and the 85th NFL Draft in April is expected to be the biggest bash in Strip history. Name-calling rarely gets more thrilling than this, as teams select and reveal amateur players they believe have what it takes to become their future stars.
Fans, players and media will huddle on the Strip April 23 to 25. The NFL Draft Red Carpet, the NFL Draft Main Stage and the NFL Draft Experience will include free immersive activities and live entertainment and performances.
"Embracing Las Vegas' unique energy and iconic locations as the backdrop for the 2020 NFL Draft will further elevate this growing event," said Peter O'Reilly, executive vice president, club business and league events of the NFL, which this year celebrated 100 years since its founding.
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Raiders, Las Vegas officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) to create an unforgettable weeklong celebration for our fans, the incoming prospects and our partners, as we kick off the NFL's next 100 years," O'Reilly said.
Las Vegas, now home of the former Oakland Raiders, is expected to outdraw last year's draft in Nashville, which attracted an estimated 600,000 fans. More than 200,000 flocked to Dallas in 2018, and 250,000 flooded Philadelphia in 2017.
"We are excited to partner with the NFL and the Raiders for our first major event together in Las Vegas," said Steve Hill, LVCVA CEO and president. "Our destination prides itself on creating unforgettable and epic events and experiences, and we believe the 2020 Draft will be among the most thrilling events Las Vegas has ever hosted."
Festivities will begin on Thursday, April 23, with the official NFL Draft Red Carpet, constructed on the Fountains of Bellagio. Boats will ferry draft prospects and their families to and from the stage in what will be a new event in the NFL's annual celebration.
The NFL Draft Main stage will be next to the soon-to-open Caesars Forum conference center, where team officials will be gathering to conduct the actual draft. Fans are invited to watch first-round selections on Night 1 (Thursday), Rounds 2-3 on Night 2 (Friday), and Rounds 4-7 on Day 3 (Saturday). Admission is free and will include daily entertainment by headliners to be announced closer to the event.
Adjacent to the main stage, the free three-day NFL Draft Experience will include interactive games, a display of the Raiders' three Vince Lombardi Trophies from their Super Bowl wins, autograph sessions with past and present NFL players, giveaways and an NFL Shop. Las Vegas stars will be among those who will perform on the NFL Draft Experience Stage.
"It is an NFL event and we are the host city, so you will see a lot of the Raiders' presence," Raiders president Marc Badain told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We have a number of events planned around the city. You talk about that backdrop, it's pretty surreal to see Las Vegas, the Raiders and the NFL Draft all together. It will be a good moment for this organization and for this community."
The Strip will be closed to vehicle traffic during the three days of the draft, although the thoroughfare will be open to traffic during overnight hours.
Room rates during the draft are up an average of about 89% across 40
properties on or near the Strip compared with the week before, according
to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, citing figures on
Hotels.com. The biggest increase is at Caesars Palace, where the cost of
a room jumps from $217 per night April 16 to 19 to $712 per night April
23 to 26. Bellagio and Mandalay Bay room prices are up 162% and 128%,
respectively, compared with the week before, according to the report.
All three days of the NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ABC.
To learn more, visit NFLonlocation.com/nfldraft/.