CLEVELAND, OH -- In a great day for sports fans in Cleveland, the NFL announced it will be hosting the 86th draft there in 2021.
- News conference and tailgate party scheduled Thursday
- Cleveland also hosting MLB All-Star Game this summer
- NBA draft to be held in Cleveland in 2022
The Cleveland Browns, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, City of Cleveland and Destination Cleveland will host a 2021 NFL Draft news conference and tailgate celebration Thursday afternoon in Public Square.
“Cleveland has a passionate fan base and the city offers distinctive iconic locations and attractions that will bring the NFL Draft experience to fans in unique and exciting ways,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to collaborating with the Cleveland Browns, the City of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of players and create a memorable fan experience.”
"Ohio is the birthplace of professional football and the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I applaud the NFL's decision to hold the NFL Draft in Cleveland and give the Cleveland Browns and all of Ohio the opportunity to spotlight Ohio's professional football history and passionate fans.
"In hosting the MLB All-Star Game this July, the NFL Draft in 2021, and the NBA All-Star Game in 2022, three of the country's biggest professional sports leagues have each decided to showcase all that Cleveland has to offer, and I could not agree more."
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted also issued a statement:
"Cleveland is a great choice for the NFL Draft. It has some of the best NFL fans in the nation and is right up the road from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. You can see the history of the NFL and the future of the NFL all in one day."
The 2020 draft will be held in Las Vegas April 23-25.