CLEVELAND, Ohio — The 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland doesn’t begin until April 29, but preparations are already underway.
The construction of the NFL Draft Main Stage, which will serve as the central hub for draft activities including live pick announcements by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, began this week at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland.
The location is just north of FirstEnergy Stadium, where the NFL Draft Experience, an interactive three-day football festival, will take place. The NFL Draft Experience will be free and open to the public but capacity will be limited. Fans must reserve tickets in advance using the NFL OnePass app.
Attractions at the NFL Draft Experience will include games and clinics on the field; virtual autograph sessions with NFL players; a 40-yard dash and vertical jump against NFL players on LED screens and more.
Approximately 3,000 fans will be able to watch the draft show from the NFL Draft Main Stage live. All fans in attendance at the Main Stage will be required to be vaccinated.
Events will also take place at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where a red carpet area will be located, and the Great Lakes Science Center, where newly drafted players will be interviewed by the media.
The draft is expected to bring tens of thousands of fans to Cleveland from all over the United States. Face coverings and social distancing will be mandatory. Fans will also need to sign a Health Promise prior to entry.