The NFL will hold its draft in Las Vegas at the end of April as planned. However, the course of the event will be completely different than in the past.
The 85th draft in the National Football League is scheduled to take place at the end of April despite the Corona pandemic. This was announced by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday evening (local time). The draft will take place in Las Vegas/Nevada from 23 to 25 April, with the best young talents being distributed among the 32 teams in seven rounds.
The originally planned public events around the event in the players’ metropolis had already been cancelled. The health authorities have banned large gatherings and urged people to keep their distance in order to slow down the spread of the corona virus.
“Due to the unique circumstances in our country, the draft must be conducted in a different manner. We will not be inviting talents and their families to the local draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and broadcast on television in a manner that reflects current conditions,” Goodell said.
In addition, the NFL announced that it has donated $35 million (approximately €31.7 million) to people in need and affected by the pandemic in the wake of the corona crisis. The money went to ten organizations, including the American Red Cross. In addition, videos of each of the 32 teams were published. In these videos, the population is asked by the stars to stay at home.
NFL planned big draft show
The NFL had originally planned a big show. A floating stage was to be set up in the artificial lake in front of the luxurious Bellagio hotel and casino complex with its world-famous water fountains, and the players were to be taken there by boat. The draft main stage will not float on the water, but will be located in front of Caesars Forum.
The Oakland Raiders will move to Las Vegas for the coming season. The team will play at the estimated 1.8 billion dollar Allegiant Stadium.