KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The NFL announced Wednesday that Kansas City will host the 2023 NFL Draft at the Spring League Meeting in Key Biscayne , Florida.
The event will be hosted around Union Station and the World War I Museum and Memorial.
“This is a historic day for Kansas City and Chiefs Kingdom, and we are thrilled to be named the host city for the 2023 NFL Draft,” Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement.
Speaking live on NFL Network after Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement, Hunt thanks Goodell, the NFL's Super Bowl and Major Events Advisory Committee and his fellow owners as well as local civic leaders.
“Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the tireless work of Kathy Nelson, the Kansas City Sports Commission and the Kansas City civic community," Hunt continued. "It was a tremendous team effort, and we look forward to continuing to work together to showcase Kansas City on the national stage in 2023. Chiefs Kingdom is home to the most passionate fans in the world, and I know they will make Kansas City proud as the host of one of the NFL’s premiere events.”
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The draft includes more than just the announcement of which teams selected which players. It also includes the NFL Draft Experience.
The free football festival includes skills tests, interactive exhibits, autograph sessions, and the chance to take a picture with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which is awarded annually to the Super Bowl winner.
Attracting the NFL Draft was a major goal for the Hunt family and a major coup for the Kansas City Sports Commission.
"Kansas City and Chiefs Kingdom are thrilled to have been selected by the NFL to host this prestigious event,"Kansas City Sports Commission President and CEO Kathy Nelson said. "Hometown pride runs deep in the Midwest. We are excited to show the world our unparalleled passion for sports — especially our passion for professional football.
"Fans from every corner of the country should look forward to experiencing Kansas City's hospitality, our vibrant food scene, innovative neighborhoods, historic attractions and a whole lot of fun in 2023."
Mayor Sly James also championed the announcement.
"Kansas City is thrilled to have been selected to host the NFL Draft in 2023," James said in a statement. "This is what happens when we work together to make big things happen, and it's a testament to our residents who love this city and can't wait to welcome the legions of fans who I promise you will have an incredible time here in KC. Go Chiefs!"
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Cleveland will host the 2021 draft.
A location for the 2022 draft has not yet been announced.
Kansas City’s draft committee submitted a proposal to host the draft in several different years.
The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, Tennessee, generated $133 on consumer spending and a $224 million economic impact, according to recent figures.
JUST IN: The NFL Draft in Nashville generated a record $133 million in direct spending, a 79% increase over the $74 million in Dallas (2018), The economic impact was also a record-breaker at $224 million, also a 79% increase over the $125 million in 2018. Via @NFL @visitmusiccity
— Jesse Knutson (@JesseKnutsonNC5) May 22, 2019
A record 600,000 fans turned out for last month's draft in Nashville.
"We know Chiefs fans will come out to celebrate along with thousands of fans from teams around the country for an incredible experience as we welcome the next generation of NFL players," Goodell said in a statement from the NFL.
The #NFLDraft will bring 100,000s of football fans to the Museum and Memorial in 2023! George Halas (co-founder of @NFL) served during #WW1 & #WWII, so we think this is a fitting spot to bring football fans from around the world together to celebrate! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7d6yuttUfi
— National WWI Museum (@TheWWImuseum) May 22, 2019
Las Vegas will host the 2020 draft.
