NFL gives details on how fans can get into 2023 Draft for free, what events are planned
Union Station soon will undergo a transformation.
Thursday marks six weeks until the NFL Draft begins in Kansas City. The city’s sports commission estimates 300,000 people will attend and says the economic impact for the area could top $150 million.
But fans won’t have to spend a penny if they want to attend the NFL Draft, which is April 27-29.
The NFL announced Wednesday that fans can register to attend the draft for free at NFL.com/DraftAccess or by downloading the NFL OnePass app.
Details about the NFL Draft and events surrounding it, also were revealed. Activities will take place at Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
NFL Draft Theater
Fans will be able to see and hear the draft picks at the NFL Draft Theater, which will be built in front of Union Station. The NFL said fans can enter on a “first come, first-served basis” on the north lawn of the museum, and it will be standing-room only.
NFL Draft Experience
The NFL Draft Experience will be held on the south side of the Museum and Memorial each day during the draft. The league said it will give “fans the opportunity to participate in immersive exhibits and sponsor activations, take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone.”
There also will be a food and beverage exhibition, which the NFL said “will highlight local vendors and tap into the Kansas City flavor of BBQ and pitmaster cuisine.”
Beginning at noon on April 29, a pitmaster showcase will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on the museum’s north lawn, the league said.
Fans at the Draft Experience won’t be able to attend the goings-on inside the Draft Theater but can watch via “multiple screens throughout the Draft Experience site,” per the NFL.
The hours for the Draft Experience will be:
• Thursday, April 27: noon to 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 28: noon to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 29: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free concerts
When all the picks have been made each day, there will be a free concert in the Draft Theater. Again, it’s first come, first-served and will be standing-room only. The NFL said the artists will be announced at a later date.
This story was originally published March 15, 2023 at 10:59 AM.
