NFL Draft 2020 Still A Go In Las Vegas – With This Catch

Commissioner Roger Goddell Responds To COVID-19 Pandemic

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Sports Blogger

The NFL Draft 2020, scheduled for April 23-25 will go on as planned in Las Vegas, although with one catch.

There will be no public fanfare for it – quite literally – because the league has canceled the public viewing party and fanfest. It will, tho, be televised.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained in a news release that the decision to cancel events in Las Vegas was made with guidance from medical experts such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and in coordination with public authorities in Nevada and Las Vegas.

The league also said it is currently exploring “innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available.”

Here is Goodell’s statement:

“This decision reflects our foremost priority — the health and safety of all fans and citizens. While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders,  the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Syper Bowl.

Raiders owner Mark Davis then released his own statement:

“After careful consideration, the  Las Vegas Raiders the NFL, the NFLPA and the LVCVA have decided to cancel the 2020 Las Vegas NFL Draft celebration. Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision. I would like to thank Governor [Steve] Sisolak and the LVCVA for all of the passion they put into creating an event that would have been second to none.

Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!”

The 85th NFL Draft has planned to have its Main Stage next to the Caesars Forum.  Fans were invited to a viewing zone to watch the first round selections on Night 1 (Thursday), Rounds 2-3 on Night 2 (Friday), and Rounds 4-7 on Day 3 (Saturday).

The Main Stage was also to host daily performances by headlining acts throughout the Draft.

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