The coronavirus pandemic that shuttered casinos across the U.S. and abroad also cost Las Vegas its chance to host the three days of festivities known as the NFL Draft.
The league still held its draft April 23 to 25, but without audiences, fans or a staging arena. To placate the resort, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced during the first round that Las Vegas will get to hold the draft in 2022, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Steve Hill, chief executive officer and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said the tourism agency is set to make it an event fitting of the entertainment capital of the world.
“We’re thrilled the NFL has given us the opportunity to host in 2022,” Hill said in a statement. “While disappointed we were unable to bring this event to life this year, we plan to make the 87th annual NFL draft an only-Vegas experience football fans will never forget.”
If the draft had proceeded as planned this year, prospects would be introduced on a stage constructed over the Fountains of Bellagio, then transported down Flamingo Road to the Caesars Forum, where draft choices were announced. Fans were expected to line up along Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard to greet the prospects during their commute between staging areas.
“As the first-official casino partner of the NFL, Caesars Entertainment is honored the NFL Draft will return to Las Vegas with the all-new Caesars Forum conference center at the heart of the action, said Caesars Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Chris Holdren.
MGM Resorts International, which operates the Bellagio, said it is ready to welcome the draft and show fans what they missed this year.
“We can’t wait to show NFL fans around the world how we throw a party. For now, we hope everyone stays safe and healthy,” an official said.
