Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Submits Bid to Host the 2028 NFL Draft
3/25/2026, 10:42:11 PM
Minneapolis Enters the Competition
Minneapolis has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft at U.S. Bank Stadium, as confirmed by Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of the Minnesota Sports and Events Commission. This announcement comes as the NFL prepares for the upcoming draft in Pittsburgh in April 2026 and the 2027 event in Washington, D.C. The NFL typically selects host cities approximately two years in advance, suggesting that Minneapolis could receive a decision soon.
Vision for a Regional Event
The bid, made in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, aims to create a "truly regional event," according to Matt Meunier, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Tourism for Minnesota Sports and Events. While U.S. Bank Stadium will serve as the central venue, the proposal includes potential activities at the TCO Performance Center and various locations throughout the Twin Cities. Meunier emphasized the importance of engaging the broader community, stating, "We want this to be a Minnesota celebration and not just one, singular city."
Economic Impact and Historical Context
The economic benefits of hosting the NFL Draft are significant. Recent drafts have attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees, with Detroit's 2024 event drawing over 750,000 fans and generating an estimated economic impact of $213.5 million. Similarly, Green Bay's 2025 draft saw attendance exceed 600,000, resulting in over $100 million in economic benefits. Blackshaw noted Minnesota's successful hosting of Super Bowl LII in 2018 as evidence of the region's capability to manage large-scale events.
Official Statements and Support
Lester Bagley, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Vikings, expressed strong support for the bid, stating, "The Vikings are vested and invested, and we will provide financial support, staff support, and organizational energy." This commitment underscores the team's dedication to making the event a success, further enhancing the relationship between the franchise, the community, and the NFL.
Criticism and Competition
Despite the optimism surrounding the bid, competition is expected to be fierce. Other cities, including Buffalo and Denver, are also preparing bids to host the 2028 draft. Blackshaw acknowledged the competitive nature of the process, stating, "It's very competitive. The NFL Draft is one of the most competitive bids events out there."
What's Next
The NFL's decision regarding the 2028 draft host city is anticipated to be made during ownership meetings scheduled for March 29 in Phoenix and May 19 in Orlando. If awarded the draft, Minneapolis would complete the cycle of NFC North cities hosting the event, following Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want to unite everybody with this event,” — Matt Meunier, EVP of Business Development & Tourism, Minnesota Sports and Events
- “We are a great host market, and they know that,” — Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO, Minnesota Sports and Events
- “Bank stadium] is the best stadium in the NFL, it is the anchor of our draft campus and we're excited about it.” — Lester Bagley, EVP of Public Affairs, Minnesota Vikings
The bid for the 2028 NFL Draft represents a significant opportunity for Minneapolis to showcase its capabilities as a host city for major sporting events, building on its recent successes and community engagement initiatives.
