Attending the NFL Draft: A User’s Guide

Each year thousands of die-hard NFL fans make the journey to New York City to watch their team gamble on the future. Radio City Music Hall houses one of the most important events for any football (fantasy or otherwise) fan. I am fortunate enough to have gone to the Draft almost every other year since 2006.

New York City is not for everyone. It is a huge city that seems unaffected by the size of the Draft. The amount of people and the living breathing city are overwhelming at first blush, especially to someone who has fewer people in his state (Maine) than live in a fourth of the island.

I first attempted getting into the Draft in 2006. A friend of mine lived in Long Island and thought that we could show up a five hours before the Draft on the first day to get in. When we got close to Radio City, there were over 10,000 fans waiting in line to get in the door. This surprised us and we had no idea how big this event truly is. Unfortunately for us, our attempt was unsuccessful as we ended up watching most of the first round from the nearby ESPN restaurant, but walked down towards the end of the second round to see the remaining picks of Day One from inside Radio City Hall.

Not to be broken, I came back the very next year (2007) with another friend and we dedicated ourselves to see the entire draft. This time we ate dinner in the city and got in line around 8:30 pm the night before the Draft. At the time, there were no Radio City Music Hall security around as we just lined up behind the first dozen people that were waiting in line. At about midnight, security came out and put barricades up to keep the two thousand of us that were waiting in line separated from the passers-by. It was hard trying to get some sleep with the excitement of the Draft, especially on cold concrete. Things got crazy around 6:00 am as security figured out that the line for tickets began in front of the wrong door. Radio City staff attempted to move the line unsuccessfully as there was a mad dash to get into the front of the line. Our top fifteen spot became a top 300 spot, but we got our tickets by 7:00 am and crashed back at the hotel for a few hours.

Thankfully now, I have a good friend who has some connections with Radio City Music Hall so my wife and I (yes I said my wife Tara!) can go every other year without the hassle of waiting in line the first day. We were lucky enough to be sitting right behind Dion Jordan’s extended family during Day One this year. They were so excited when the Dolphins traded up the get him with the third pick overall. Jordan came walking by a few times checking in on them.

Ok, finally the background is over as I promised a user’s guide.

Radio City is not a huge place and six thousand people inside there can be quite overwhelming. All of the real action occurs on the Draft floor which is where all 32 NFL teams have a few of their staff ready and able to draft. When you look out on the floor you can see each team’s area. Two years ago during the seventh round, I was able to site next to the San Francisco 49ers camp on the draft floor. Access to this is usually very limited unless you happen to be a family member of one of the potential draftees, a member of Wall Street elite (I don’t know why), an employee of the NFL or Radio City, or a credentialed member of the media.

The NFL Network sets up their TV studio on the left hand side and the ESPN crew sets up their studio on the right hand side. You can watch either network to help you break down the action. There are several areas where fans get directed to pick up a goodie bag. Inside this bag is a small radio you can use to listen to the draft on either network. Also included in the bag is a list of most of the draft eligible players, a pen, assorted sundries, football cards, and a snack or two.

On the first day of the draft, you will be given a ticket with your assigned seat. It is best to stay near your seats and keep track of your belongings as you are in New York City. Depending on the draft days after, they may or may not be assigned seats. I enjoy sitting as close to the action as I can on the NFL Network side as I prefer to listen to Mike Mayock’s draft analysis.

If you can, eat before you get into Draft as hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, etc are expensive and you are not allowed to bring in outside food. Keep in mind, once you leave the draft, you may not re-enter. This was very important as Radio City staff started giving away wristbands outside the facility to gain entry into the next day while the draft was still going on. It’s a force of habit, but I double check everything with multiple staff as there usually is a lot of confusion about where to go and where things are as they change every year.

If you are polite and patient, there are many opportunities to chat with members of the ESPN and NFL Network analysts. Over the years, I have spoken with Jason LaCanfora, Michael Lombardi, Herm Edwards and Jon Gruden. This usually happens before or after the draft, not during as they are always quite busy. Now with twitter you can meet up with any beat writers or fantasy football writers, including myself, to share this experience.

Honestly, going to the draft is a huge blessing. While I wish it was for only the diehards, I am glad everyone can experience it for free. Many times I am extremely tired after I went, but I was always glad I went. Next year, make the trip while it is still a little intimate experience before the NFL moves it to a large convention center like they are proposing!