With the 82nd annual NFL Draft coming to Philadelphia next week, the future of hundreds of athletes’ lives are about to change. This year, technology and innovation are changing the landscape of the fan experience. The NFL Draft Experience is both free and open to the public, with no tickets required, from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29.
Inside the NFL Draft Theater
This will be the first time in history that the NFL Draft Theater will be constructed outdoors. Taking place on the steps of the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s set to be the largest festival footprint ever created by the NFL. In total, it spans nearly the size of 25 football fields!
Looking for a chance to get up close and personal with some players? For fans still searching to get into the theater, a chance to win standby tickets will become available to those who use the Fan Mobile Pass app to check-in at the event. A few lucky ones can also win full three-day tickets to the draft through 97.5 The Fanatic. Enter now and listen for your chance to play football trivia. Answer correctly and you’ll be in the running for the grand prize tickets. The winner will be announced on Friday, April 21 during the Mike Missanelli Show.
Activities & Entertainment
For three full days, festivities will line the Ben Franklin Parkway, incorporating famous city landmarks such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Stop by the NFL Draft Experience for interactive experiences for all ages. Expect tailgates, ziplining, virtual reality technology, NFL combine and training camp physical challenges, a kids’ corner, and much more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy in person and collect autographs from current and former football players. To get the most out of it, download the app to enjoy activities open up until 11 p.m.
One of the best parts of being the host city of a national event is celebrating all the amazing local talent in Philly. We are especially excited to work with Indie Sports Management representing expected first-round pick, Haason Reddick. Follow this former Temple Owl on Instagram and Twitter to learn his story and follow his journey.
Speaking of talent, it’s no secret that we love hometown hip-hop artist, Chill Moody. Our West Philly-native friend will be performing live on the Parkway on Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Preview what’s to come by checking out his new “Draft Day” freestyle on SoundCloud.
Dining & Deals
The buzzing food community in Philadelphia has something for visitors and locals alike. Local restaurants, attractions, etc. are using #DraftDeals on social media to reveal specials and deals.
Some of our favorites are: the historic McGillin’s Old Ale House with discounts on Game Day Shandys and Hail Mary Bloody Marys; Field House, with over 50 HDTVs and 15% off food; a more upscale experience at JG Domestic with 2/$5 burger sliders and a $5 select beer; and Jet Wine Bar’s Friday Night Lights marathon with $5 football-themed cocktails. (Because ❤ Tim Riggins.)
If you are a food vendor, local restaurant, or event host during the draft, be sure to download the Food Connect app. This easy-to-navigate app assists in feeding those in need of food assistance. Easily help to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.
Travel & Transportation
With thousands of people expected to be in the city, getting there can be a concern. There are four phases of road closures in and around the NFL Draft Theater in Fairmount. Traffic information is listed on the city’s website.
The city has worked to set up free public parking at Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center. This unique parking opportunity will be open beginning April 27 at 3 p.m. From these locations, fans can take the SEPTA Broad Street subway from AT&T Station, located on Broad Street and Pattison Street, to the City Hall stop (approximately 11 minutes). From City Hall, the entrance to the draft is a quick 7-minute walk.
The PHLASH Downtown Loop will add service for Thursday, April 27 and will operate on the current weekend schedule for Friday through Sunday. If driving is the best and only way, visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s website for a list of parking options.
Tune In from Out of Town
For anyone that can’t make it to Center City Philadelphia, there are plenty of ways to not miss a beat. Tune in to NFL Network for exclusive insider access that takes you behind-the-scenes within the city.
You can find the full draft schedule here.
To get in on the action of the 2017 NFL Draft, be sure to follow @NFL and use the hashtag #NFLDraft.
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