Big Easy Wanting to host NFL draft....
 

NFL | New Orleans looking to host NFL Draft
Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:22:33 -0700

Jeff Duncan, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the NFL Draft. There are plans to make the event into a weeklong carnival with special events and even a Mardi Gras-style parade leading up to the NFL Draft. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is "committed to Radio City for next year's draft. Then we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations."

I wouldn't mind seeing it. Is there any precedence? I'm not a big draftnic so I'm not sure I've ever seen the draft happen anywhere other than New York.

Here's the article from the TP.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...700.xml&coll=1

This would be HUGE for us..... How many other viable cities (when I say viable I mean cities not perceived to be in shambles) are requesting to host the draft? I wonder what kind of $$$ this could bring to NO??

The draft started in Philadelphia where the business offices were, then moved to NYC when the business offices were moved there in 1965. I don't think there's a shot in hell the NFL moves the Draft. I think it'd be great for the city and for the NFL to move the Draft around like they move the Super Bowl, but I just don't see it.

I've often thought about why the NFL doesn't host the draft in cities other than NY. I think that over the history of the draft NY was one of the best choices because of its proximity to large fan bases.

Now, however, with the popularity of the draft as a whole, I think it is time to try it in different locations. For me, personally, I'd love to see it in New Orleans or even Dallas since I am within 5 hours of both. I might even consider going to Houston or Nashville.

I think moving it is a great idea and gives NFL fans from outside of the NY area a good chance to be there.

I agree.
Why not move it around and spread the wealth? NO is the perfect candidate. We could even trade one of our home games for it- oh, we already gave NY the home game in '05.

What a great showcase for ANY city that hosts the NFL draft.... Could you imagine the fan turnout in each city?? I would love to see this happen.... But you're right ScottyRo, and great topic guys!!!

Hey it's worth a shot - I'm tired of watching those Jets fans every flamin' year. NOLA can throw a party, every year in NY it feels like I'm watching the stock exchange.

New Orleans hope it gets picked for the NFL draft.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the annual draft and turn it into a week-long celebration -- complete with events including a Mardi Gras-style parade and civic events involving retired NFL players.

The draft either would be held at the convention center or the New Orleans Arena, said Jay Cicero, the foundation president leading the effort. The NFL has not responded to the plan, he said.

New York has hosted the draft since 1965. It's set to be held at Radio Music City Hall next year, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is committed to that event.

After that, he said, "we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations."

The New Orleans Saints, and their seemingly improbable run to the NFC title game last season, were the feel-good story for a city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago.

Cicero said there's "no question" the city could host the draft and even enhance the event, adding some "New Orleans touches to it."

The draft typically is held in late April, and in past years, has coincided with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cicero doesn't see a problem with that.

Cicero said he met with Saints executives Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha to discuss the pitch before sending it to Goodell.

"New Orleans would be a perfect site for another location, it would definitely add another dimention to the event."