NFL Draft in Kansas City kicks off on Thursday

The long-awaited NFL Draft in Kansas City will begin on Thursday evening and continue through Saturday

Over the last decade, the draft has evolved from a low-key affair to what is called the biggest nonsporting sports event in the nation. NFL owners in 2019 chose Kansas City as this year’s host, and organizers such as the Kansas City Sports Commission, Visit KC and City Hall have worked steadily on the logistics ever since.

About 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the NFL Draft each day of the event, according to Elliott Scott, director of marketing and communications for the Kansas City Sports Commission. In total, organizers anticipate anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 visitors from across the country traveling to Kansas City. The draft is expected to be the largest sports event in Kansas City’s history.

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The heart of draft activity will be located in front of Union Station and on the north and south lawns of the Liberty Memorial. Actual NFL Draft activities, when teams announce their player selections, will take place at the NFL Draft Theater, which will be located in front of Union Station. Draft activities will also be shown on screens all around the grounds.

Other highlights will include the NFL Draft Experience, described as the NFL’s interactive football theme park, and a free concert series. Kansas City Chiefs fans can enjoy the special Chiefs Kingdom Experience, which includes the opportunity to rush out of a tunnel to the roar of a crowd. Fall Out Boy, Motley Crue and Thundercat will headline the 2023 NFL Draft Concert Series.

Visitors will need to download the free NFL OnePass app and abide by all NFL safety and security protocols, including a strict clear-bag policy. “You will have access to the Fan Experience on the south side and the north lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial,” Scott said.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice