Excitement is in the air as Chicago commences preparations for its first NFL Draft in 51 years. Typically held in New York, the NFL opted for a change of scenery this year and Chicago is not disappointing. From Grant Park to Congress Plaza, the city has been gearing up for major events all week. With the Draft taking place tonight, all the hard work will pay off when Round One begins.
As part of its preparations, Chicago is going all out with its fan friendly approach to Draft festivities all over the city. In Pioneer Court, NFL Helmets representing all 32 teams are installed along North Michigan Avenue. Some onlookers viewed the exhibit in curiosity while others made a beeline for selfies with the helmet showcasing their favorite team.
Whether you’re a football fan or not, it’s apparent that the city has been taken over by something big. Several Chicago residents were overheard on a media tour and their comments are rather telling. Chicago resident Nicole Joseph has definitely noticed the difference. In response to all the activity this week, she was heard asking “what’s going on?” When she learns that Chicago is hosting the Draft and what it means to the city, her tone quickly changes to “that’s exciting!”
On the other hand, Juan Hernandez, Jr. is well-aware of how great it is to have the NFL Draft in Chicago this year. He doesn’t usually follow college players but with the draft closer to home, he will be paying more attention to the selections tonight. “As a Patriots fan, I don’t think we have any huge needs to focus on. I would like to see the Raiders pick up more talent. They haven’t had a good season in awhile.”
In order to make Draft Day more accessible to fans like Juan, each team will make their selections from an assigned tent outside of Roosevelt Theatre in “Selection Square.” For those who don’t make it into Selection Square, Chicago has that covered too. Across the street in Draft Town, a 900,000 square feet three-day festival encompassing Grant Park, fans will be privy to flag football competitions, player appearances, and autograph signings.
Draft Town also features the NFL Play 60 Field presented by Danimals, where youth football clinics will take place throughout the course of the festival. Local coaches and NFL Legends will come together to teach youth about the importance of getting active and playing for 60 minutes a day. Play60 is the NFL’s youth health and fitness campaign designed to help tackle childhood obesity.
On Wednesday, several draft prospects had a chance to take a sneak peek of Draft Town with a private Play 60 clinic for 100 local youth. NFL Draft prospects in attendance included Danny Shelton, Dante Fowler, Jr., Vic Beasley, Cedric Ogbuehi, Randy Gregory, Lawrence Williams, Jaelen Strong, and more. The kids’ faces lit up as prospects led them in football skills and drills clinics at various stations spanning the field. Not only did today have a major influence on kids attending, it also positively affected the prospects.
“Today was fun,” said Florida OLB Dante Fowler, Jr. “It feels good to impact their lives and influence them to do great things. Events like this build their confidence. Once they get the skills down, they’re the happiest kids in the world.”
Another feature of Draft Town is the Sweetness Simulator named in honor of Walter Payton. The Sweetness Simulator is a wind tunnel skydive simulator that floats fans into the air where they can strike an iconic football pose. NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell and Walter Payton’s son Jarrett Payton had a little fun testing out the simulator on Wednesday afternoon. They proved that for some it will be easy and for others it may be a struggle. Either way, it will be a good time for all ages.
The jury is still out on whether or not the Draft will return to Chicago next year. For right now, they’re making it an unforgettable experience while it lasts.
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