(Photo / Minnesota Vikings)
MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO/WCCO) – The 2028 NFL Draft is officially coming to Minneapolis, the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday. The three-day event had more that 800,000 fans attend this year in Pittsburgh.
“A great community, one that I think is going to set a new bar for success of this draft and the impact that it has on the community,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “So, I want to congratulate Minnesota and we look forward to seeing you in 2028.”
Goodell says Minnesota is a great market for the event.
“Minnesota knows how to show up for big moments, and we’ve seen it firsthand,” said Goodell. “This is a market that delivers at the highest level. Working with the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Sports and Events, we look forward to bringing the 2028 NFL Draft to this great community, driving positive economic impact throughout the region, and hosting an incredible experience for fans and the next generation of the NFL.”
“There’s a can’t miss element about being there in person, but there’s also just a built-in group of people that want to be there, from families to sports agents and people that are in the industry,” Downtown Council President and CEO, Adam Duininck explains. “It becomes a real important gathering point for culture beyond even the sports impact.”
Duininck also says it’ll bring plenty of positive attention to Minneapolis.
“It is Super Bowl-like in terms of the buildup, the activation, the business downtown, the other ancillary events that happen,” he adds. “Again, it becomes such a gathering point for business and culture that it drives a lot of interest in people coming. And so, we expect a full week-plus of events leading up to it.”
Last month, the three days of the draft had a financial impact of $200 million for the city of Pittsburgh. The city set an all-time record for the NFL Draft as well.
“For three days, Minnesota will become the center of the football world,” said Mark Wilf, owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings and honorary co-chair of the 2028 NFL Draft Local Organizing Committee. “The 2028 NFL Draft will give us an opportunity to showcase not just U.S. Bank Stadium, but the energy, hospitality and pride that define Minneapolis-St. Paul and the entire state and region. We have no doubt the community will deliver a world-class event that is unique to Minnesota.”
“We know how to throw a party in Minneapolis, and the 2028 NFL Draft is going to be no exception,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “From our restaurants and music scene to our world-class parks, lakes, and diehard football fans, this is going to be an unforgettable weekend for our city. We’re honored to welcome the Draft to Minneapolis.”
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