Thursday is finally the big day, as the 2016 NFL Draft kicks off in Chicago, and there are plenty of events that will be taking place for football fans in the Windy City.
Even if fans weren’t lucky enough to snag tickets to the draft itself, which will take place once again at the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University, there are still events that are available free of charge to football fans at Draft Town, located in Grant Park.
Here is the full rundown of events that will be taking place on the draft’s opening day.
12 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Draft Town
The gates to Draft Town will open at noon, and fans will have the opportunity to explore all of the unique features the NFL has put into place this year. Whether it’s taking a stroll through a model NFL locker room, taking a photo with the Lombardi Trophy, or testing your skills in the 40-yard dash or the vertical jump, fans will get to experience life as an NFL player.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: NFL Play 60 Clinics
Kids will have the opportunity to participate in football clinics on football fields set up by the league, and spots are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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The clinics will be hosted by coaches and NFL players, with Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White and Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis both participating in Thursday’s events as the league showcases its Play 60 and Heads Up Football initiatives.
4:45 p.m.: Red Carpet Arrival
For fans fortunate enough to have tickets to the draft, top prospects like Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will be walking the red carpet before entering the Auditorium Theatre for the first round of the draft. It will likely fill up fast, so fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the action should arrive early.
7:00 p.m.: NFL Draft First Round
The first round of the draft will get underway on Thursday night, and even if fans don’t have tickets to the event itself, they can still check out Selection Square for all of the action as NFL teams begin the selection process.
The Bears will pick with the 11th overall selection in the draft.
