New Orleans making push to annually host NFL draft Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 4:28PM; Updated: Saturday July 14, 2007 11:03PM http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/14/bc.fbn.nfldraft.neworle.ap/index.html NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- New Orleans is hoping it gets picked for the NFL draft. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the annual draft and turn it into a week-long celebration -- complete with events including a Mardi Gras-style parade and civic events involving retired NFL players. The draft either would be held at the convention center or the New Orleans Arena, said Jay Cicero, the foundation president leading the effort. The NFL has not responded to the plan, he said. New York has hosted the draft since 1965. It's set to be held at Radio Music City Hall next year, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is committed to that event. After that, he said, "we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations." The New Orleans Saints, and their seemingly improbable run to the NFC title game last season, were the feel-good story for a city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago. Cicero said there's "no question" the city could host the draft and even enhance the event, adding some "New Orleans touches to it." The draft typically is held in late April, and in past years, has coincided with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cicero doesn't see a problem with that. Cicero said he met with Saints executives Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha to discuss the pitch before sending it to Goodell. ____________________________________________________ I'm not real happy about the prospect of it being moved from NY. It's a tradition, let's keep it that way. :beer:
Who wants to go to NO?? New York is the perfect place theres so much to do here for that week.. After Mardi Gras what else do they have left!!!
thats the point. theyre looking to generate tourism. although i dont like the idea of breaking a tradition, business wise the NFL has to think if it could benefit them financially with more sponsors related to specific regions where it would be hosted etc etc. this is actually big news as far as league developement goes. but alas, i dont think theyll be willing to break such a longstanding tradition
bourbon street is back to 100% where it was before, there's still all the restaurants, bars, etc, it's a good time, but i agree the draft should be in the New York, it's THE stage.
