The NFL is moving forward with its plans to hold the 2020 NFL Draft from Aril 23-25 in Las Vegas, but it is canceling all public draft events out of caution for the coronavirus.
In a statement, the NFL announced it is proceeding with its initial plan to hold and televise the 2020 NFL Draft from April 23-25 in Las Vegas. However, out of precaution and to ensure the safety of fans and participants from COVID-19, it will not hold any public events for fans.
“This decision reflects our foremost priority – the health and safety of all fans and citizens,” commission Roger Goodell said, via press release. “While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl.”
The league’s decision comes a day after it agreed with the NFL Players’ Association to move forward with free agency as scheduled. The NFL will explore innovative options for how to conduct the 2020 NFL Draft with pick selections and announcements and it will provide that information when it becomes available.
While NFL fans won’t be able to attend this year’s NFL Draft, they will still be able to watch it. While it’s not the ideal situation for anyone involved, the NFL is making the best out of an unprecedented situation in an effort to keep everyone safe and avoid altering the league’s schedule.