Latest Buzz Suggests Cleveland Has Been Awarded the 2021 NFL Draft
By Jerry Trotta
On early Monday afternoon, it was reported that the three finalists for NFL Draft locations following the 2020 event in Las Vegas were Cleveland, Kansas City and Denver.
If the indications are true, it would appear that we already have our answer. Per Jordan Zirm of pop culture platform Uproxx, Cleveland has been awarded the opportunity to host the 2021 NFL Draft, and the event will be announced officially on Wednesday.
Source: Cleveland has been awarded the 2021 NFL Draft
— Jordan Zirm (@clevezirm) May 21, 2019
If true, it really wouldn't come as a surprise when you consider that Cleveland was a finalist to host the draft in both 2019 or 2020.
Report: 2021 NFL Draft awarded to Cleveland https://t.co/s7nKtLsQ80 pic.twitter.com/KgHjQ1u6qr
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) May 22, 2019
Even Browns' Senior VP of Communications Peter John-Baptiste was confident that the franchise would be presented with the opportunity. In a statement released earlier on Tuesday, he said, "We continue to be excited by the prospect of hosting an NFL Draft in Cleveland and are confident in Northeast Ohio’s ability to create a special experience for fans, players, alumni and the community."
Cleveland contingent, which includes #Browns, confident it has "great chance" to host #NFLDraft in 2021 or next few subsequent years. #NFL spokesman says vote could take place Wednesday and Cleveland group "has put forth a very strong vision" https://t.co/A0CExr1uEr
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) May 21, 2019
If the draft truly does come to Cleveland, as anticipated, it will be a part of a wild ride for crown jewel events across all sports in Northeast Ohio.
So if we hear what we're expecting from the NFL tomorrow, the next 5 years in Cleveland would include:
— Kevin Kleps (@KevinKleps) May 21, 2019
2019 MLB All-Star Game: estimated $65M impact
2020 NCAA men's tourney (six games): $8M
2021 NFL draft: $100M-125M
2022 NBA All-Star Game: $100M
2024 Women's Final Four: $20-25M
As one of the most iconic, devoted football cities in the entire country, it's plausible to assume that Cleveland could very well break the attendance records that Nashville set just last month.
What a deserved, largely-anticipated win for the city of Cleveland, whose football team has finally turned the page from laughing stock to relevance and genuine allure within the last 12 months.