Photos Offer Glimpse of NFL “Draft Town” in Chicago

NFL Draft, festival being held April 30-May 2 at Roosevelt University and Grant Park in Chicago

Photos released Thursday by the Chicago Park District offer a glimpse into the Chicago-hosted NFL Draft and surrounding outdoor festival.

The draft, held between April 30 and May 2 at Roosevelt University, includes a free interactive area dubbed "Draft Town" in Grant Park.

The planned three-day football fest is expected to span the size of 15 football fields and feature music, food, flag football competitions, player appearances and autograph signings. Fans also can expect a wind tunnel skydive simulator, 40-yard LED screen, youth football clinics, a Super Bowl museum and a tavern.

Photos show a large covered area and tents in Grant Park as well as the stage and screens inside the Auditorium Theatre.

The first round of festivities for the draft begins at 5 p.m. on April 30 and will include prospects walking a red carpet on Michigan Avenue before heading into the theater for the start of the draft, slated for 7 p.m.

Rounds two and three begin at 6 p.m. May 1 with 32 NFL players on hand to announce to selections.

Rounds four through seven are set to begin at 11 a.m. May 2 and will take place outside at Selection Square and in locations across the country as teams announce their draft selections at their facilities and other locations in their city.

The NFL Draft was last held in Chicago in 1964.

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