The countdown to the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington officially began on Thursday.
League officials confirmed that the event would begin on Thursday, April 29 and continue through Saturday, May 1 on the National Mall.
NFL officials had previously announced their intention to host the league’s rookie draft in the nation’s capital in 2027, but Thursday marked the first time they confirmed a date.
“The NFL Draft continues to grow as one of our biggest and most accessible events, and we are excited to welcome fans and prospects to Washington, D.C., in 2027,” Peter O’Reilly, the NFL executive vice president of club business, international and global events, said in a statement. “Our nation’s capital will provide an incredible, iconically American stage to host fans from around the world, as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”
The draft theater stage, where newly drafted rookies will don their teams’ gear and shake hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, will be constructed in front of the U.S. Capitol.
The event will also feature a variety of events at a fan-focused festival in the surrounding area. Activities include interactive games and challenges, photo opportunities with the Lombardi Trophy and autograph sessions with NFL players.
This year’s draft in Pittsburgh drew more than 800,000 fans over the course of three days. The annual event hit the road after 50 years in New York City in 2015. In the intervening years, it has been hosted by different cities including Las Vegas, Chicago, Nashville and Detroit.
“We are thrilled to welcome the 2027 NFL Draft to the Sports Capital,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement. “We saw the enthusiasm from fans at this year’s Draft, and so, we want people to start planning their trips to D.C. now. We have world-class hotels and restaurants, spring is a beautiful time to be in D.C., and we’re a city that loves to celebrate sports. So, mark your calendars for April 29, and we’ll see you in D.C.”
Washington last hosted the draft in 1941 at the Willard Hotel.
Tickets for the event have been distributed for free in the past. Organizers have not yet announced any procedures for ticket distribution ahead of next year’s draft.
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