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The NFL is expected to award the 2028 NFL Draft to Minneapolis during league meetings this week, according to multiple reports, with a formal announcement anticipated following a vote by team owners.
If finalized, Minneapolis would host the event for the first time as the league continues its strategy of moving the draft to different cities across the country.
Minneapolis Bid Centers Around U.S. Bank Stadium
Local organizers, led by Minnesota Sports & Events and the Minnesota Vikings, submitted a formal bid earlier this year built around U.S. Bank Stadium and surrounding downtown areas.
Officials identified the stadium as a central component of the proposal, along with The Commons, a 4.2-acre public park adjacent to the venue that could accommodate fan experiences and draft-related activities.
Minnesota Sports & Events officials projected the draft could generate between $100 million and $200 million in economic impact through tourism, hospitality and business activity.
NFL Draft Has Become Major Traveling Event
What began as a league meeting decades ago has evolved into one of the NFL’s largest annual showcases. Recent drafts have attracted massive attendance numbers, with this year’s event in Pittsburgh drawing more than 800,000 fans over three days.
The NFL already awarded the 2027 NFL Draft to Washington, D.C., while Minneapolis would continue the trend of rotating host cities that has included stops in Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Kansas City and Green Bay.
Weather could present an additional consideration for Minnesota, with the draft traditionally taking place in late April. Organizers previously noted the NFL encouraged proposals to make significant use of the indoor stadium environment.
Should the vote become official, Minneapolis would complete an NFC North run of recent draft hosts after Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay all welcomed the event in recent years.
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