If everything goes according to plan over the next couple of months, Minnesota will have earned the right to host the 2028 NFL Draft a decade after hosting Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium.<\/p>\n
Though a location for the 2028 event hasn\u2019t yet been chosen, and no announcement is imminent, Minnesota Sports and Events has officially submitted a bid in conjunction with the Vikings to host the annual spectacle.<\/p>\n
Wendy Blackshaw, the President and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, confirmed the news this week during a virtual chat with reporters that spanned roughly 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a significant interest in an event of this scale coming to Minnesota,\u201d Blackshaw said. \u201cIt would be amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent notable wins for Minnesota Sports and Events include the NCAA Women\u2019s Final Four, the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials and the World Junior Championships. To be able to add the 2028 NFL Draft to that growing list would be another feather in the organization\u2019s cap.<\/p>\n
Matt Meunier, executive vice president of business development and tourism for Minnesota Sports and Events, stressed that there\u2019s still a lot that has to be done to secure the 2028 event. It\u2019s a competitive environment with a number of other places in contention.<\/p>\n
Still, Meunier believes that U.S. Bank Stadium serves as a good bargaining chip, giving Minnesota a picturesque location for all the festivities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are confident in what we can offer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
This has been in the works since Minnesota hosted Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018. The reception from the NFL was overwhelmingly positive despite the frigid temperatures at the time.<\/p>\n
Lester Bailey, Vikings executive vice president of public affairs, made it clear that the franchise will be as supportive as it can be to Minnesota Sports and Events throughout the process.<\/p>\n
The 2026 draft will be in Pittsburgh next month, and the 2027 draft will be held in Washington, D.C. The next location will likely be determined sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we\u2019re not awarded it, we intend to bid again,\u201d Blackshaw said. \u201cWe will continue to bid until we bring it here.\u201d<\/p>\n
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