Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns today announced the 86th NFL Draft will be held April 29 – May 1, 2021 in Downtown Cleveland. The event will bring NFL fans together at iconic locations around FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to celebrate the game of football and show the world what makes Cleveland a destination city.
“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,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland.
“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.”
“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,” said Dave Jenkins, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Throughout the process, our local partnership and the NFL have focused on providing an exceptional experience for everyone in Cleveland, and prioritizing everyone’s safety and well-being is always a core component to achieving that goal, no matter the event or circumstance.”
The NFL officially awarded Cleveland the 2021 NFL Draft in May 2019 during the annual Spring League Meeting in Key Biscayne, Fla., following a review of the proposal by the Fan Engagement & Major Events Advisory Committee and full NFL ownership.
As part of this event, the NFL Draft Experience, a free football festival, will encourage NFL 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 all three days of the event.