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The league released its preliminary plans for the 2020 NFL Draft on Tuesday, and although no one should ever go full Vegas, the NFL WILL be going full Vegas when the draft kicks off in April.
After attracting more than 600,00 visitors to Nashville for the 2019 draft, the NFL has one-upped itself with a plan that includes one stage being set up over water, players being chauffeured around on boats and one block of the strip being totally shut down to vehicle traffic over the course of the three-day event, which runs from April 23 thru 25.
Let's start with the craziest part of the NFL's plan: The red carpet stage, which will be set up over water in front of the Bellagio fountains. Any player who attends the draft and chooses to walk the red carpet will be taken by boat to the main stage.
The stage for the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas will be on the water at the Fountains of Bellagio. The players will be transported to the stage by boat. pic.twitter.com/8sVl8p2ZBx
Originally Posted by :
At the time, it was basically a large parking lot, but the NFL will obviously be making a lot of changes between now and April.
According to Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's executive vice president of club business and league events, it was important to feature as many iconic Vegas landmarks as possible in the draft set up.
"Embracing the city's personality and iconic locations enables us to create an event that captures the spirit and energy of our hosts," O'Reilly said. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Raiders, Las Vegas officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to create an unforgettable week-long celebration of football for our fans, the incoming prospects and partners and kick off the NFL's next 100 years."
To make this all work, Vegas will be doing something it almost never does: Closing off a portion of the famed strip. The part of the strip located in front of the Bellagio will be closed to vehicle traffic during all three days of the draft. Flamingo Road will also be closed between the strip and Koval Lane, which will allow fans to freely walk from the red carpet stage to the main event space near the forum.
Breaking News: All draft picks will have to wear a life preserver while ferrying to and from the stage. Each boat will be equipped with throw rings in case of a man overboard event. Safety First. [Reply]
With the draft in Las Vegas, they should let teams go double or nothing on their picks. Before they make their pick, they have the option of spinning a roulette wheel. If it lands on red they can pick two players, and if it lands on black they lose their pick. If it lands on green they get to kick off from the 40 in their first four games. [Reply]
Just filed @bears_insider: I'm told that the NFL is postponing its draft until at least late May — and Vegas is off. Expect an announcement after the new CBA vote. https://t.co/v8g3c0bLwZ
Originally Posted by srvy:
This is a dumb idea the 1st round is slow as shit now as it is. If they aren't wearing personal flotation devices I am calling the water patrol. Those kids are nervous enough lets put them on water to get motion sickness. Hell some I bet have never even been on a boat.
You’re acting like they are gonna be out at sea or on a lake... [Reply]
