Latest news with #DraftExperience
Washington Post
05-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Commanders owner envisions 1 million fans at '27 NFL draft on the Mall
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris said he believes hosting the 2027 NFL draft in D.C. will not only boost the significance of football in the District, but will shatter attendance and viewership records for one of the league's biggest annual events. Harris, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for Monday afternoon's formal announcement of the awarding of the draft to Washington. 'I'm hoping we break 1 million in terms of the visitors,' Harris told The Washington Post in a video conference call Monday, before the announcement. ' … And so there'll be a million — plus or minus, a million visitors — and then all those people will create a lot of economic activity.' The formal permitting process with the National Park Service for the NFL to hold the draft on the Mall remains pending; an event there cannot be officially approved for permitting more than a year in advance. However, a person familiar with the planning for the draft said the NFL believes it has 'strong' federal support for the permit and is confident that it will receive it. Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's executive vice president of club business, league events and international, expressed similar sentiments. 'We feel confidence, obviously, with the support we have at the federal level, the great working relationship and planning we've done with the National Park Service,' O'Reilly said by phone Monday. "[It's] obviously important for them and for us, given the scale and scope of the draft, to have now a full two-year runway leading up to the draft.' O'Reilly said the plans for staging the draft 'could evolve a bit' over time. For now, those plans including having the main draft theater sit on the National Mall in front of the Capitol, on Fourth Street between Jefferson and Madison drives, near the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum. A person standing at the podium on the draft stage would look out toward the Washington Monument. The backstage area would be on Third Street between Jefferson and Madison. The NFL's Draft Experience, the league's expansive fan festival, would largely be on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Fourth and Seventh streets. 'But that core, free, accessible fan viewing area will be on the Mall,' O'Reilly said. He added that more than 20 NFL teams and cities have expressed interest in hosting a draft. Should the turnout meet Harris's expectations, it would top the estimated crowd of 775,000 fans that attended the 2024 draft in Detroit and continue to reflect the league's almost nonexistent saturation point: If there is football, or anything related to it, people will come and watch. 'I do think there's the potential for a really, really sizable, perhaps record-breaking crowds in D.C. because of the great footprint, because of how accessible it is and because of … what I think will be that real convergence of fans from across the East Coast to D.C., obviously great throngs of Commanders fans with others joining as well,' O'Reilly said. Th2 2024 draft generated $213.6 million in economic impact to the city of Detroit, according to Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission. The record economic impact is believed to be $236 million, set by Las Vegas with the 2022 draft. An estimated 600,000 fans attended last month's three-day draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a city with a population of just over 100,000. That included a crowd of 220,000 on the draft's third and final day. About 1,800 media members were on hand to cover the proceedings. Broadcast coverage of the opening night of the draft drew 13.6 million viewers. Monday's announcement was the culmination of nearly two years of behind-the-scenes organizing by the NFL; D.C. officials; the National Park Service, which manages the National Mall and Washington Monument; and the Commanders' ownership. The effort began in earnest when Harris and his group of 20 limited partners purchased the Commanders from former owner Daniel Snyder for $6.05 billion in 2023, setting the stage for a rebuild that unfolded in only 21 months. In the fall of 2023, a delegation from the NFL visited D.C. to assess the area's potential for hosting a future draft, multiple people with knowledge of the visit said. 'A long time in the making,' O'Reilly said. 'And now the moment is right to really bring the draft to D.C. for Commanders fans and all NFL fans.' The draft last was held in Washington on Dec. 10, 1940 at the Willard Hotel. The NFL held its season-opening kickoff event for fans on the National Mall in 2003 in conjunction with Washington's game in Landover, Maryland against the New York Jets. 'The Washington Commanders are obviously a really important, historic franchise in our league, positioned in the nation's capital which is so important for our game to have a strong, stable franchise there,' O'Reilly said. ' … We think it'll be another opportunity to raise the bar on this event. It points to the importance of this market and all of the great momentum in this market right now.' Monday's draft announcement came a week after Harris and Goodell joined Bowser at the National Press Club to announce a $3.7 billion deal between D.C. and the Commanders to build a stadium at the RFK Stadium site on the banks of the Anacostia River. Harris, a private equity investor, has moved quickly to return the franchise to prominence since purchasing it for a then-record price. After the team finished 4-13 in his first season as the principal owner, the Commanders ended last season 12-5, falling in the NFC championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Nearly every facet of the organization has been overhauled, and its facilities upgraded, with an eye on the future, including a new stadium in D.C. With a draft coming, too, Harris hopes the team he grew up watching will continue to regain its cachet. 'I grew up in Chevy Chase, and I would ride my bike down Brookville Road to High's [convenience store], which used to exist before Chevy Chase Circle,' Harris said. 'I remember distinctly being 12 or 13 years old riding my bike and seeing no one — it was Sunday, I think it was halftime and I wanted to go to High's — and there was no one on the street, literally, on Brookfield Road, and I just remember feeling like, wow, everyone's inside watching football. I would love that idea to come back again and I think we are on our way.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pat McAfee, Brandon Bostick, others react on social media to Green Bay hosting the 2025 NFL Draft
Some said it couldn't be done, others said it shouldn't. But it happened, the 2025 NFL Draft week in Green Bay is officially over after hosting 600,000 people during the three-day event. During "The Pat McAfee Show" on April 28, McAfee applauded Green Bay, referring to the city as a "spectacular host." McAfee and his crew broadcasted live from the Draft Experience from April 24-25. Advertisement "The hospitality was through the roof, and it felt like the fans showed up all weekend long. What a spectacle the draft has become," McAfee said. Former Green Bay Packers tight end Brandon Bostick got on X (formerly known as Twitter) to congratulate Green Bay for hosting the draft. He spent three seasons with the Packers from 2012-2014. Here's some social media reactions to the draft, and how people felt about Green Bay hosting it: Rashad Alexander can be contacted at ralexander@ and 920-431-8214. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Social media reactions to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Which food kiosks were worth the wait at the 2025 NFL Draft Experience? Here's what we found
One way to recognize a good food spot is to look at how long it's line is; the longer the line, the higher the demand is for the food. At least that was the case at the 2025 NFL Draft, where thousands of fans gathered in the Draft Experience on the Lambeau Field campus and the Titletown district. While there were a few of the usual concession offerings inside of the stadium, most of the attendees gathered in the food court, right next to the Beer Hall, where eight Wisconsin restaurants were featured. Fans were able to choose from Not By Bread Alone, Heaven's Table BBQ, Lil Jamaica, Legendary Gyros, Chandler House Bakery, Brewed. A Coffee Shop, Brokogi and The Marq Supper Club. Based off of wait times and customers comments, these were the most popular food spots in the Draft Experience. The Mediterranean-themed kiosk normally operates out of a food truck selling several gyro flavors across the state. Draft attendees were able to choose from gyros, gyro bowls and Specialty Legendary gyros made with gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, hummus, tomatoes, crispy onions, feta cheese and lettuce in a seven inch pita. Jeff Payton traveled from Madison to attend the draft and said Legendary Gyros lived up to his expectations. "There's an authentic gyro spot back home that I always visit and this is pretty close to that," Payton said. Despite the more than 15-minute wait in line and the cost for the meal, $17 for a standard gyro or gyro bowl and $19 for the Specialty Legendary Gyro, Eugene Winkel and his friend Jessaaron Baur still chose Legendary Gyros for their mid-day draft meal. We've heard it's pretty good and you get a lot for what you pay for,' said Winkle. Josh Zimmerman of Steven's Point waited more than 20 minutes in the line for Heaven's Table BBQ, a Milwaukee-based restaurant. His meal choice? The Heaven's Table pulled pork sandwich made with hickory and cherry wood smoked pork, seasoned with a house blend and served on a bun for $15. Zimmerman said the price-point was a little high, but the sandwich was worth it for the flavor and portion. Travis Benter agreed. "It's got great seasoning and it's a pretty decent portion too," Benter said. The kiosk also sells brisket sandwiches for $16, house-baked beans for $6 and coleslaw for $5. Green Bay's own Lil Jamaica was a fan favorite as many waited 15 minutes in line. The authentic Jamaican-cuisine restaurant is selling its signature bowls, rice and beans topped with a choice of protein. Customers could choose from the jerk chicken bowl, jerk pork bowl, curry chicken bowl and a bowl made with shredded jerk chicken instead of a whole chicken leg, for $15 each. Lance Myers, a Green Bay native, said he's visited the restaurant a few times outside of the draft and knew it would be a good choice. "I've been to Jamaica three times and this is pretty close to the real thing," Myers said. The Marq Supper Club, based in the town of Lawrence, just south of De Pere, highlights popular Wisconsin dishes at the draft with its menu. When Sheila Hurt and Gary Stinson saw the kiosk, they didn't have to debate too long on where they'd be getting their meal from. Hurt chose the fish fry, made with two pieces of perch fillets, french fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $20. "We're from Eau Claire but we just really wanted some Wisconsin food," Hurt said. Customers in the more than 20-minute line could also choose from a beer brat and fries for $15, a fried perch sandwich with coleslaw, cheddar cheese and French fries for $19 and cheese curds with homemade dressing for $9. Reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@ Follow her on X (Twitter) at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: These food kiosks are worth the wait, according to fans at the NFL draft
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL completes takeover of Lambeau Field, Titletown for 2025 NFL Draft
The "red carpet" is ready. The stage is ready. The Draft Haus and a lot more are or will be ready for the 2025 NFL Draft, which opens at noon. Or as ready as it will get. "We're never really done," said Kelsey Pietrangelo of NFL Events, who said tweaks, refinements and walk-throughs are pretty much continuous. Advertisement The NFL got a full taste of Wisconsin weather on the day before it launches the 2025 draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay: In the morning, it was April, with thunder, lightning and rain, which caused the draft campus to be locked down for an hour. Later, it was June, with sunshine and temps in the high 60s. On draft day? Stay tuned. The Green Room where the draft prospects will be is in the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon. The immense Draft Theater, which looks even bigger from under its roof, is ready for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the 15 NFL prospects attending the draft in person, and the 15 fans from each of the 32 teams who have premier seating adjacent to the stage. On April 26, some of the paid-for seats in the Draft Theater will be removed, allowing more fans to get under the draft roof and appreciate how really big it is. The Draft Theater includes the stage, a viewing area for ticketed guests and then a general admission area for fans. Fans also will have the opportunity to watch the red carpet event in which 15 future NFL players show their fashion sense and get the chance to realize they are about to achieve their dreams. Portions will be televised as part of NFL Network's 'NFL Draft Kickoff' with Kimmi Chex interviewing prospects. Advertisement It is the first red carpet on a field in the history of the draft, said Sebastian Martin of NFL Events. The red carpet, in fact, is not red and it's not a carpet. It is synthetic turf with hash marks to resemble the adjacent football field, which is mostly off limits. The Draft Theater is seen during the 2025 NFL Draft media day preview on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. The draft begins at 7 p.m. CT April 24 and runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin The red carpet event will be from 4-6 p.m. April 24 on the visitor sideline in the Lambeau Field bowl. Fans can sit in sections 217 to 227, about 2,000 of them, to watch the ceremony just below their seats. Fans who want to attend the ceremony can enter the Lambeau Field concourse through one of the available gates and make their way to the bowl. It's free, like most of the rest of the event. Advertisement Regular visitors to Lambeau Field will notice some changes. The Packers Pro Shop is now the NFL Shop. American Family Gate is the Green and Gold Gate, and so on, in deference to NFL sponsors. The draft is, from first to last, an NFL event, although it's taken great pains to highlight Green Bay, Packers and Wisconsin culture. Workers prepare a food stand in the Draft Experience area on April 23 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. More: Wisconsin wood artist Ike Wynter created every team logo for the NFL draft in Green Bay. It's a project close to his heart At a ribbon-cutting for the Packers Everywhere Draft Haus, Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said dive bars, which the Draft Haus honors, "are also very popular places to watch Packers games. It allows NFL fans from near and far to immerse themselves in Wisconsin traditions and culture, and enjoy the quintessential dive bar environment right here inside the draft campus." Advertisement Packers fan engagement manager Haylee Becker said pull tabs and shake of the day would be available inside, dive bar staples. "If you are not familiar with those games, welcome to Wisconsin. We'll show you how to play them." Packers alumni also will make appearances at the Draft Haus, as they will at other venues around the stadium. The Draft Haus bar is in the Draft Experience area. The Packers and the NFL project that attendance will be 250,000 over the three days. That is not 250,000 unique individuals, People are counted every time they enter the campus. "Our OnePass numbers are great. They are climbing every day," said Nicki Ewell, senior director of events for the NFL. She did not, however, say what those numbers are. That's reserved for Goodell from the stage. "I don't want everybody to get hung up on attendance. Detroit (which had a record 775,000 attendance) was a very urban setting in the heart of a really big city." Advertisement Ewell said much of the labor to construct and hold the draft are locally hired. The NFL will employ some 2,200 people for the draft. Contact Richard Ryman at rryman@ Follow him on Twitter at @RichRymanPG, on Instagram at @rrymanPG or on Facebook at This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: NFL completes takeover of Lambeau Field, Titletown for 2025 NFL Draft
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ever wanted to try a field goal on Lambeau Field? Or just walk on the field? It's among NFL draft fan experiences
Fans who attend the 2025 NFL Draft could enjoy an extremely rare opportunity: To step onto the Lambeau Field turf and follow in the footsteps of Mason Crosby or Brandon McManus. During the NFL draft April 24-26, a few, select visitors will get the opportunity to step onto hallowed grass (blended with synthetic fibers) and attempt to kick one through the Lambeau uprights. They also might get a chance to do a Lambeau Leap or walk the red carpet. The Green Bay Packers are very protective of the Lambeau Field pitch, usually prohibiting fans on stadium tours from touching a single blade of grass. The few times fans have been allowed on the field occurred when Lambeau hosted a summer concert like Billy Joel in 2017 and Paul McCartney in 2019. Even then, the field is often covered by tarps. The field goal kick is sure to be one of the highlights among the dozens of activities, experiences and games some fans will get to enjoy throughout the NFL Draft Experience grounds, which includes Lambeau Field, the stadium parking lots and the Titletown District. There will be photo opportunities, autographs, activities for kids and more. Before you stretch the legs to kick one through the uprights or warm up your throwing arm for a Hail Mary, you'll need to download the NFL OnePass app and register for free tickets to enter the draft. You must be 18 to download OnePass and register to attend. Adults can add up to five children to their OnePass registration. OnePass is not only your entrance to the draft grounds, but also serves as your passport to participate in a lot of these activities. And it'll be key to have if you want any chance at stepping onto the Lambeau Field turf. Here's a look at 23 things fans will be able to do or see around the draft grounds. More: Want to attend 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay? Here's how to register and get in NFL Play 60 Zone: An area where kids can try out smaller versions of the 40-yard dash, Haily Mary and more. Gear up and Go: Kids can try on NFL equipment to get a sense of what it's like to suit up for their favorite team. Play Football Field: Kids ages 6 to 14 can participate in the daily on-field clinics at the Titletown district football field on a first-come, first-served basis. Here's the current schedule for the clinics, which is subject to change: April 24: 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 25: 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 26: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kicking a field goal in Lambeau will certainly be a highlight for the select few chosen, but it's not the only football-related game fans can enjoy during the draft. Fans selected for one of the on-field experiences will be notified via the OnePass app that they've won and that they have 30 minutes to check in for the experience. Fans who win a Lambeau Leap or red carpet experience can bring their family with them. Field goal kickers will be able to bring one person with them to kick. Here's the full rundown of games: Kick a field goal in Lambeau Field. Throw a Hail Mary pass over defenders into a drop-in net. Run a 40-yard dash against opponents and digital versions of NFL players. Measure your vertical jump. Look like a Pro: Step into a body-cast mold bearing your favorite team's logo and colors. Jumbo photo frames sponsored by Invisalign. The Vince Lombardi Trophy. Oversized replicas of all 32 teams' helmets will be on site. A replica draft stage where you can do your best No. 1 draft pick pose. The exhibit includes an opportunity to take a digital photo with your favorite Super Bowl ring on your finger. The Pro Football Hall of Fame will bring the bronze busts of several Packers and NFL legends, plus several of the league's most iconic trophies. The Hall of Fame busts at the exhibit include: LeRoy Butler Brett Favre Vince Lombardi Charles Woodson Sterling Sharpe Peyton Manning Demarcus Ware The trophies scheduled to be at the exhibit include: George S. Halas NFC Championship Trophy Lamar Hunt AFC Championship Trophy Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award The NFL expects to announce on April 20 in the OnePass app what current and former players will appear at the autograph stage presented by Panini during the draft. The schedule and lineup are subject to change without notice. Various sponsors and NFL partners will have special activities and spaces within the NFL Draft Experience grounds for fans to enjoy. The Pepsi Challenge taste test turns 50 this year and the beverage maker will put Pepsi Zero Sugar to the test during the NFL draft Smirnoff Draft Experience will include craft cocktails, an interactive game, photo opportunities and giveaways. Crown Royal Hall of Heroes is a partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation to recognize and honor military veterans. It will include a ceremony to enshrine 32 veterans in a new 2025 Hall of Heroes at the NFL Draft. Gatorade will host a water booth and offer fans a chance to see how they fare at a reaction ring game. Toyota will sponsor the NFL Draft Grand Entrance and offer fans the chance to customize swag. The Bud Light Beer Hall and Backyard Bar will be open to anyone 21 and up. Verizon's Ultimate Tailgate will give fans the chance to relax on couches, charge devices and participate in an augmented reality experience. Captain Morgan fans can visit the Captain's Yard to enjoy rum cocktails and try their hand at a football toss to win prizes. Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@ Follow him on Twitter at @JeffBollier. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Want to kick a field goal at Lambeau Field? You can during NFL draft
