The NFL draft begins in Las Vegas April 28, and industry leaders and analysts anticipate the event will bring with it a record numbers of tourists.
Nevada Resort Association CEO Virginia Valentine said: “Las Vegas’ tourism industry was built for signature special events like this, and we are ready. It’s going to be a historic weekend with tremendous economic implications for Las Vegas, given the level of visitation we’re expecting and prepared to welcome.
“We are confident Las Vegas’ tourism industry will set a new standard in hosting NFL events while breaking attendance records.”
Nashville, Tennessee hosted the 2019 draft, which was the last live NFL draft prior to pandemic shutdowns. Estimates reflect that close to 600,000 people showed up to watch the three-day event, which generated an estimated $223.9m in direct and indirect spending. Attendance estimates were based on NFL OnePass app check-ins.
Las Vegas hotels have nearly three times the number of rooms available compared to Nashville, another reason analysts are confident the city will see a significantly larger turnout.
Vegas-based B Global Founder and industry analyst Brendan Bussmann commented: “While more than two years in the making, the NFL draft is one of the iconic sports events each year that prior to the pandemic drew over 600,000 fans to Nashville.
“This is Las Vegas and we always like to exceed the expectation so I think it is reasonable to have this be on par with other large events like New Year’s Eve.”
He also spoke about the impact hosting the draft will have in the city.
“It further cements Las Vegas as the sports and entertainment capital of the world,” Bussmann said. “It’s one of the few places that can host an event of this magnitude along with exceptional hospitality. It also continues to show the growth of the destination as we continue to look at hosting these one-of-a-kind events.”
