This year, the NFL draft returns to Philadelphia for the first time since 1960. It’s the third city to host the big event in the past four years.
Why is the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia?
It’s been a while since the City of Brotherly Love has hosted the draft.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL shook things up in 2014, moving the draft to Chicago after 50 years in New York City. And after two years in the Windy City, it’s returning to Philadelphia, where the league’s first-ever draft took place in 1936. The NFL announced last September that the City of Brotherly Love won the bid to host the event.
“On behalf of the City and our legion of Philadelphia Eagles fans, we’re proud to be chosen as host city for the 2017 NFL draft,” Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney said when the league announced the decision. “We are excited to showcase Philadelphia and our passion for football, and fully expect an awesome experience for all those attending in 2017 and for those watching at home. I’m thankful for the incredible team at the NFL and the Philadelphia CVB for making this happen.”
The draft is such a huge deal that the Marlins have to stay in Delaware during their series against the Phillies because all the hotels in Philadelphia are rented out.
For the first time in the history of the draft, this year’s event will take place in a venue that is entirely outdoors. The league has constructed an open-air theatre on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art — more famously, “The Rocky Steps” — where the draft will be held.
The draft experience for fans looks promising, with several exciting attractions, games and exhibits including a 100-yard zip line, the NFL Museum, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, an autograph stage, and a mock NFL Combine. Among those signing fan autographs will be Le’Veon Bell, Greg Olsen and Ryan Shazier.
Eagles fans in attendance will be able to cheer — or boo — their team’s draft choice in the middle of the first round. Philadelphia holds the No. 14 selection, thanks to its 2016 trade that sent Sam Bradford to the Vikings in exchange for a first-round pick.
The first round of the draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET Thursday night.
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