Maybe it's the New Yorker in me, or just that nostalgic feeling, but I still believe that Radio City Music Hall, and New York City is where the NFL Draft should be held every year. But even I must admit that Roger Goodell's latest city provides the sort of backdrop that has me intrigued to see what the event will look like.
This week Donald Trump announced that the NFL will be holding its 2027 NFL Draft in Washington for the first time ever. Not only will the event be held in D.C., but it will be on the National Mall. Immediately following the news visions of what the stage setup would be with all of the iconic American buildings in the background came flooding to my mind and I had to smile. This will be an outstanding venue, even if it's not NYC.
Trump made the announcement from the Oval Office, with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris. Anyone could have announced this, but the fact it was done inside the Oval Office adds to the pomp and circumstance of it all.
The event brought over a half million people to Green Bay this year for the draft and the early numbers are expecting that nearly a million people will be in D.C. to see the live event in two years. That is not only good for the NFL, but that sort of tourism is a big win for the economy in and around Washington.
Trump said "there isn't a better site anywhere in the world than that site. (to hold the draft)" and added "The draft is a celebration of one of our country's most cherished cultural institutions, and the annual highlights for football fans everywhere. Everyone in the world is going to be watching."
The 2027 draft site is set; next year's NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh. I still wish this was a New York only event, but I am coming around to these iconic sites.