After years of utilizing the Big Apple as the platform from which to launch the NFL Draft, the NFL looks to be jumping ship again in 2017. Chicago is the city hosting the draft this year but isn’t locked into any long-term deal with the league. Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting Philadelphia is the “leading candidate” to host the massive event next year, with Los Angeles also a consideration.
It’s interesting to note that neither the Philadelphia Eagles nor the Los Angeles Rams will be selecting in the first round, as mentioned by Schefter. Both franchises traded away their 2017 first-round picks to acquire the No. 1 and No. 2 overall selections from the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Hosting the NFL Draft isn’t a minor deal. Along with the prestige of having the league showcase its annual spectacle, cities see an influx of money pouring in due to hotel and restaurant booms and other tourist activities.
It’s also a major logistical ordeal, much like having a massive concert that is held in a major metropolitan area, except this is a week-long affair.
Traffic concerns must be weighed, along with making sure the host city does, in fact, have the hotel and restaurant facilities to handle the wave of humanity and hype that comes with the draft.
It will be interesting to see if the NFL continues to hop around from city to city in the future. From a “getting fans involved” perspective that’s just good business, and Roger Goodell is all about good business (aka earning owners lots of money).