The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the Browns announced the days for the 2021 NFL draft on Tuesday.
The draft will be held in downtown Cleveland April 29 through May 1, 2021.
“We’re excited for Cleveland to ‘Rock the Clock’ as the host of next year’s NFL draft and NFL Draft Experience — assuming large gatherings can take place without compromising the well-being of participants,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland.
The NFL will make use of locations such as FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, according to a news release.
“The NFL draft is an international celebration for our entire league and all sports fans, and we look forward to hosting the event, highlighting our city and continuing to share Northeast Ohio’s passion for football in 2021,” said Dave Jenkins, Browns executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Provided the coronavirus pandemic is suitably under control by then, the draft, which enjoyed a record TV audience this past weekend (capturing 55 million viewers despite its appropriately measured tone to fit current circumstances) will return to the fun, showcase event that it had evolved into since the league decided to take it on the road.
“We successfully brought to life the first virtual NFL draft last week, and we are now very excited to work with Cleveland to incorporate some of the innovations and special access from 2020 into our planning for 2021,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business and league events.
The NFL awarded Cleveland the draft during their annual spring meeting in 2019. But the event encompasses more than teams just choosing football players for their roster. The league has worked to ensure that it’s become a fan-friendly event. The NFL Draft Experience, a football themed festival, will be available for those who attend.
The festivities will dovetail with the Browns’ 75 years in the NFL, which will be observed throughout 2021.
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