Announcing picks from a stage on top of the iconic fountains is a "dream scenario" for Las VegasGETTY IMAGES
Part of the "dream scenario" for organizers of the '20 NFL Draft in Las Vegas would be "announcing draft picks from a stage built over the Fountains of Bellagio to a mass of fans packed onto the Strip," according to Mick Akers of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. This dream also includes "shutting down" a large stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard for "parts of three days and hosting Draft Town, an interactive area featuring interactive exhibits, player autograph sessions, live music and more." The Review-Journal obtained almost 1,500 pages of documents revealing the "possible plans for what has become a highly anticipated annual event." City officials have "yet to say where in Las Vegas the draft will be staged, though the pitch outlines several possibilities." If the fountain scenario "falls through," the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has worked with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment to "compile six site possibilities to stage rounds 1, 2 and 3." The pitch included 33 sites and "celebrities associated with them that could be incorporated into draft selections." They include: The Colosseum with Celine Dion and Elton John; The Golden Knights practice facility featuring players; and Planet Hollywood with the Backstreet Boys, Pitbull or Jennifer Lopez. Other proposals had "unique ways to unveil some draft picks, such as skyjumping." A spreadsheet prepared by R&R Partners in March '18 said that 7,569 hotel rooms "would be needed in varying amounts over about a three-week period" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/13).
