The NFL Draft has taken on a life of its own — an extension of the NFL that, in its own unique way, has become “an event” nearly on par with the sport’s biggest game. It’s an opportunity for 32 teams to partially transform their rosters essentially overnight.
Since its inception, the draft has taken place in 11 cities, soon to be a dozen when the football universe descends on Kansas City, Missouri, this year. It also was hosted virtually in 2020. So where will it take place in 2024 and beyond?
NFL Draft Location in 2024
Detroit will be home to the 2024 NFL Draft, and its home team appears on the right path as an organization for the first time in a long time. This franchise has built a contender with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes at the helm.
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
There would be an incredible buzz around that city if the Lions make the playoffs the year they host the draft — and especially if they claim their first NFC North title.
Predictions and Rumors Around 2025 NFL Draft Location
Detroit beat out Green Bay and Washington, D.C., for rights to the 2024 NFL Draft. The Packers have also applied for 2025 and 2027. Packers president Mark Murphy said, “We’ll be given strong consideration. We’ve been close on other ones, too.”
Wisconsin last hosted the draft back in 1940, when future Hall of Famer George McAfee was taken No. 2 overall, right behind George Cafego. In fact, the first four players selected were all running backs.
As a finalist for the 2024 NFL Draft, Green Bay is a logical choice for 2025, especially compared to the relative turmoil surrounding the Washington Commanders and Dan Snyder.
Past NFL Draft Locations
Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. are the 11 cities that have hosted a draft since its inception in 1936 when it all began at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia. Below is a year-by-year breakdown.
- 1936: Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, PA
- 1937: Hotel Lincoln, New York, NY
- 1938: Hotel Sherman, Chicago, IL
- 1939: Hotel New Yorker, New York, NY
- 1940: Schroeder Hotel, Milwaukee, WI
- 1941: Willard Hotel, Washington, D.C.
- 1942-44: Palmer House, Chicago, IL
- 1945-47: Hotel Commodore, New York, NY
- 1948: Hotel Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh, PA
- 1949-50: Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
- 1951: Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, IL
- 1952: Hotel Statler, New York, NY
- 1953-54: Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
- 1955: Warwick Hotel, New York, NY
- 1956: Bellevue-Stratford Hotel (Rounds 1-3), Philadelphia, PA
Ambassador Hotel (Rounds 4-30), Los Angeles, CA - 1957: Warwick Hotel (Rounds 1-4), Philadelphia, PA
Bellevue-Stratford Hotel (Rounds 5-30), Philadelphia, PA - 1958-61: Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
- 1962-64: Sheraton Hotel, Chicago, IL
- 1965-66: Summit Hotel, New York, NY
- 1967: Hotel Gotham, New York, NY
- 1968-71: Belmont Plaza Hotel, New York, NY
- 1972: Essex House, New York, NY
- 1973-74: Americana Hotel, New York, NY
- 1975: Hilton Hotel, New York, NY
- 1976-78: Roosevelt Hotel, New York, NY
- 1979: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York, NY
- 1980-83: Sheraton Hotel, New York, NY
- 1984-85: Omni Park Central Hotel, New York, NY
- 1986-94: Marriott Marquis, New York, NY
- 1995-04: Theatre at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- 2005: Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
- 2006-14: Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
- 2015-16: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
- 2017: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
- 2018: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX
- 2019: Downtown Nashville, Nashville, TN
- 2020: Held virtually
- 2021: Downtown Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
- 2022: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV
How Is the NFL Draft Location Decided?
Beginning in 2015, cities were permitted to bid on hosting the NFL Draft. A few years ago, more than two-thirds of NFL teams expressed interest in being the host club for a draft.
More: History of the NFL Draft
They submit a bidding package in the hope of being selected, but also knowing that their submittal might smooth the path for a future hosting gig.
Who Decides the NFL Draft Location?
The owners of the 32 NFL teams vote — often two years in advance — on which city will host the next available draft.
Which City Has Hosted the Most NFL Drafts?
New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. So many names but only one locale. Specifically, Manhattan has hosted the most drafts. They’ve taken place in hotels, the downtown convention center, and even one of the most famous sports venues in the world, Madison Square Garden.