The Broncos are "continuing to push" to eventually bring the NFL Draft to Denver, although a formal proposal has "not been submitted" to the league since '15, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the DENVER POST. Broncos VP/PR Patrick Smyth said, "We remain extremely interested in helping to bring a future NFL draft to Denver. With the dates of the upcoming drafts, there are still some logistical challenges we need to work through with Visit Denver and the city." Denver Sports Commission Exec Dir Matthew Payne said that his group would "continue to work with the Broncos in pushing for a future draft." Jhabvala noted when Denver's interest in hosting "became known, it was expected that Bellco Theater inside the convention center would be the primary grounds for the event, while other parts of the city would host various fan events." However, in using Philadelphia's "recent success as a guide, the Broncos and Denver are considering more creative ways to bypass the issues" (DENVERPOST.com, 5/9).
MULLING THEIR OPTIONS: In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle reported the city is "positioning itself to bid" on hosting the Draft, possibly as soon as '20. Officials for the Indiana Sports Corp., Visit Indy and the Colts -- which would be the primary players in Indianapolis' bid process -- "attended the last two drafts to scout the event and see what's required of the host city." Colts COO Pete Ward: "The city has definitely expressed an interest in bidding on hosting a future draft, and we would certainly be supportive." Ward and Visit Indy officials said that Indianapolis "will not bid" for '18 or '19 "due to scheduling conflicts with the Indiana Convention Center and other facilities needed to host the growing event." It is "still being determined where the draft and surrounding events would be held in Indianapolis, if the city wins the bid" (IBJ.com, 5/11).
HOW CHARMING: In Baltimore, Jonathan Munshaw wrote the city should "look closely at what Philadelphia did, and consider hosting a future draft of its own." Munshaw: "Who’s to say a stage couldn’t be erected right outside of M&T Bank Stadium, and the Ravens’ Walk used as the gathering place for fans and the extra attractions?" Teams could "set up their draft 'war rooms' inside the stadium, as well as the 'green room' where draftees wait to hear their name called." The blueprint put forth by Philadelphia "should be copied by cities all over the country" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/11).
