The spotlight will be on downtown Cleveland in 2021 when the home city of the Browns hosts the 86th NFL Draft.
It was announced this week by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns that the 2021 NFL Draft will be held from 29 April to 1 May at locations around FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
David Gilbert, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, revealed that the Ohio city is busy preparing for next year’s huge American football festival.
Gilbert said: “We’re excited for Cleveland to ‘Rock The Clock’ as the host of next year’s NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience – assuming large gatherings can take place without compromising the well-being of participants.
“We, along with our partners at the NFL, the Cleveland Browns and the City of Cleveland, are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all spectators and participants. We’re working tirelessly to make this the best Draft event yet – for the NFL and its fans as well as for the Cleveland community.”
Dave Jenkins, Cleveland Browns executive vice president and chief operating officer, added: “The NFL Draft is an international celebration for our entire league and all sports fans, and we look forward to hosting the event, highlighting our city and continuing to share Northeast Ohio’s passion for football in 2021.
“Throughout the process, our local partnership and the NFL have focused on providing an exceptional experience for everyone in Cleveland, and prioritising everyone’s safety and well-being is always a core component to achieving that goal, no matter the event or circumstance.”
As part of the event, the NFL Draft Experience will encourage fans to test their football skills and enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, as well as take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This experience will be open for all three days of the 2021 Draft.
The Cleveland Browns, who played their inaugural season in 1946, will also be celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2021.
Images: Cleveland Browns/Greater Cleveland Sports Commission