In a move that doesn’t surprise anyone with the current status of the COVID-19 outbreak, the NFL made it official as NFL Draft Las Vegas events have all been canceled.
We live in unprecedented times and many events and celebrations are being canceled including now Las Vegas’ big entry as an NFL market: the 2020 NFL Draft.
The NFL made it official on Monday morning saying the draft will go on – just not in but NFL Draft Las Vegas events have all been scrapped.
‘This decision reflects our foremost priority – the health and safety of all fans and citizens,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”
Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready! – Raiders Owner Mark Davis
While events for the public will not take place, the NFL machine will roll on. The draft of players itself will go on as scheduled April 23-25. Where and how the draft will be conducted is still unknown.
“The NFL is exploring innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available,” the NFL statement said. “The selection process will be televised.”
Raiders owner Mark Davis also issued a statement.
“After careful consideration, the Las Vegas Raiders, the NFL, the NFLPA and the LVCVA have decided to cancel the 2020 Las Vegas NFL Draft celebration,” Davis said in a statement issued by the team. “Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision.
“I would like to thank Governor Sisolak and the LVCVA for all of the passion they put into creating an event that would have been second to none. Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!”
So quasi-quarantined Americans, who have no sports to watch during the crisis, can at least look forward to watching the subdued draft in some altered format.
Las Vegas had massive draft plans worthy of its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Those plans included a floating stage on the water of the famous Bellagio fountains.