NFL draft red carpet to be built in Bellagio fountains; stage accessible by boat

As Las Vegas gets set to receive an NFL team for the first time, the NFL is welcoming the new market to the league in part by hosting the 2020 NFL draft there. Apparently, the league has found one standout way to throw a Vegas-style draft — short of holding it inside a casino.

The league will build a stage for its “red carpet” in the middle of the Bellagio fountain, and prospects will be taken there via boat.

The main stage will be built outside next to the Caesars Forum conference center, where it appears from league-distributed illustrations that commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the picks.

Your first look at the 2020 #NFLDraft 👀 pic.twitter.com/e4erKkAdEk

— The Raiders (@Raiders) January 21, 2020

Just for clarification, since there’s been some confusion on here:
- the Bellagio Fountains will host the RED CARPET for the top prospects
- the main stage will be next to the Caesars Forum & the Linq High Roller
- the NFL Draft experience will be near the main stage https://t.co/ngQUXYHLLD

— Matt Kling (@MattKlingTV) January 21, 2020

Reaction so far has been mixed, with fans pointing out how much extra time the stunt could add to the proceedings, especially as the first round usually takes about four hours.

Round 1 will take 8 hours.

— The Dude (@Glasshomes12) January 21, 2020

Everyone halfway through the first round pic.twitter.com/A708V2t6CL

— Isaac Peugh 🎥 (@wipeugh) January 21, 2020

I’m now taking bets on what position player is the first to jump into the water day one.

OL/DL 5-2
WR 3-1
QB 6-1
TE 15-1
LB 18-1
S/DB 20-1

Little prop action @PardonMyTake https://t.co/KlnxisZVSS

— Lars Lewis (@larslewis12) January 21, 2020

This marks Las Vegas’ first time hosting the draft. The Raiders will begin playing in Las Vegas in 2020 after calling Oakland home from 1960-1981 and 1995-2019.

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the first overall pick and are expected to draft LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. The Washington Redskins are right behind at No. 2, and the conventional wisdom is they will select Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young.