On the eve of the NFL draft, Radio City Music Hall was quite the sight to see tonight and Pro Player Insiders was there to get a first hand look. Fans sporting jerseys from all 32 teams lined the street in hopes to get their hands on a wristband that would guarantee a ticket to see the draft live.
Carolina Panthers fan Justin Stone said there was no way he would miss out on the experience.
“We got here at 7 o’clock this evening and we will have to wait until at least midnight before we get a band,” explained Stone.
The 22-year-old from Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania shared that tonight they would receive a wristband and tomorrow they would have to go back to turn it in for a ticket. The tickets to get inside are extremely limited for the public which is why they have to take such measures to obtain a wristband. Stone also stated that if the wristband is torn or altered in any way, then it automatically becomes void and access to a ticket will be denied. When the ticket booth opens, fans will be allowed forward by section where they will receive a band.
Stone was accompanied by three friends who were also very passionate about attending the draft. All four men were dressed in NFL gear from different teams. The Panthers, Steelers, Jets and Giants are the top teams they will be keeping an eye on when each team makes their pick.
“It has become a tradition for us to camp out the night before so we can get in. This is year number three that we have done this and we are going to keep on doing it,” said 22-year-old New York native Justin Rivera.
Rivera was sporting a unique New York Jets #10 Jersey that had duct tape displaying HOLMES on the back. When asked about it, he laughed and said “hey, times are tough”.
Although the men were supporting different teams, there was one thing almost all of them could agree on. When asked who would be the fist pick tomorrow, no one hesitated in saying Cam Newton. Stone however had a much different opinion.
“I am really praying that Carolina picks up Patrick Peterson in the first round because he knows how to win championships and that’s what they need,” stated Stone.
Regardless to the outcome of Round One, one thing is for sure; die hard fans will be there in the middle of the action cheering on their team’s selections and loudly voicing their opinion if they disagree.
For more coverage on the 2011 NFL draft, stay updated with Pro Player Insiders bringing you exclusive news and interviews all week long.
Email: Heather@proplayerinsiders.com/ Twitter: @HCartonia
