MINNESOTA TO HOST 2028 NFL DRAFT

Minnesota will host the 2028 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, bringing one of the biggest spectacles in sports to the region and positioning the state at the center of the football world for three days. 

The National Football League announced today at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando that Minnesota will host the 2028 NFL Draft in partnership with Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) and the Minnesota Vikings. 

“Minnesota knows how to show up for big moments, and we've seen it firsthand,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This is a market that delivers at the highest level. Working with the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Sports and Events, we look forward to bringing the 2028 NFL Draft to this great community, driving positive economic impact throughout the region, and hosting an incredible experience for fans and the next generation of the NFL.” 

The 2028 NFL Draft will take place in downtown Minneapolis, with activations anchored around U.S. Bank Stadium. The multi-day celebration will include the NFL Draft Theater, NFL Draft Experience presented by Bud Light, the league’s ultimate free fan festival, community events, live entertainment and a wide range of activations throughout the region. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to attend the event, which has become one of the most anticipated and widely viewed spectacles on the sports calendar. 

“This is an extraordinary moment for Minnesota and a testament to what can happen when organizations, partners and community leaders come together behind a shared vision,” said Wendy Williams Blackshaw, president and CEO of MNSE. “The NFL Draft is one of the biggest and most impactful events in sports, and we are incredibly honored the NFL has entrusted Minnesota with this opportunity. Alongside the Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium and our many corporate, civic and hospitality partners, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for fans while generating meaningful economic impact and showcasing the very best of our region to a global audience.” 

“For three days, Minnesota will become the center of the football world,” said Mark Wilf, owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings and honorary co-chair of the 2028 NFL Draft Local Organizing Committee. “The 2028 NFL Draft will give us an opportunity to showcase not just U.S. Bank Stadium, but the energy, hospitality and pride that define Minneapolis-St. Paul and the entire state and region. We have no doubt the community will deliver a world-class event that is unique to Minnesota.” 

“The 2028 NFL Draft represents a great opportunity to host one of the biggest and fan-friendliest events in sports,” said Gunjan Kedia, chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank and honorary co-chair of the 2028 NFL Draft Local Organizing Committee. “The Draft will create meaningful economic impact for local businesses and communities across the Twin Cities and region. Minnesota’s business and community leaders came together behind a shared vision of becoming a host, and I want to thank the NFL and the Vikings for all their support. We’re excited about what this opportunity will mean for our state.” 

“Minnesota is home to a strong sense of community pride, and I’m excited that the 2028 NFL Draft will give even more people a chance to experience that for themselves,” said Geoff Martha, chairman and CEO of Medtronic and honorary co-chair of the 2028 NFL Draft Local Organizing Committee. “Minnesota shines in moments like this. Hosting the Draft is a chance to showcase the energy of this community and the quality of life across this region – world-class arts and culture, great restaurants, passionate sports fans, and a deep pride in this state. It’s an opportunity to put Minneapolis and Minnesota on display for the country.” 

“We know how to throw a party in Minneapolis, and the 2028 NFL Draft is going to be no exception,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “From our restaurants and music scene to our world-class parks, lakes, and diehard football fans, this is going to be an unforgettable weekend for our city. We’re honored to welcome the Draft to Minneapolis.” 

“The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and stadium partners are proud to welcome the NFL and fans to U.S. Bank Stadium for this dynamic, multi-day celebration of football,” said Michael Vekich, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. “The 2028 NFL Draft will add to a rich, 10-year history of the world’s biggest events activating at U.S. Bank Stadium, highlighting Minnesota in the global spotlight. We are delighted to have the privilege of hosting this one-of-a-kind experience together with the NFL and our community partners.”  

“We are incredibly excited to host the 2028 NFL Draft, said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “As a community, we’ve shown time and again that we excel at executing major sporting events and welcoming people to Minneapolis and Minnesota. We know that hosting big events helps increase the number of visitors and visitor spending in our city. Plus, the level of positive media coverage that can come from an event of this magnitude is tremendous. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Minnesota Sports and Events on the planning and execution of the NFL Draft, which will help showcase our city to the world, provide jobs for our tourism and hospitality workers, and positively impact the economic and social prosperity of Minneapolis.” 

The NFL Draft has evolved into one of the league’s premier major events since moving to a rotating host city model in 2015. The 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light in Pittsburgh attracted a record-setting 805,000 fans over three days, while millions watched nationally and internationally. The 2027 NFL Draft will take place in Washington, D.C. 

The selection of Minnesota for the 2028 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light further reinforces the region’s reputation as one of the country’s premier destinations for major sporting and entertainment events. Since 2018, major events hosted in Minnesota have generated more than $800 million in economic impact for the state, including Super Bowl LII, which produced more than $450 million in total economic activity. Most recently, the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship generated $71.5 million in economic impact while attracting more than 247,000 attendees from around the world to Minnesota. Together, these events continue to drive tourism, business activity and long-term community benefits across the region. 

Minnesota’s selection continues the region’s strong track record of successfully hosting major national and international sporting events, including NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, X Games, 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials – Gymnastics, the upcoming 2026 WWE SummerSlam and numerous other premier collegiate, professional and entertainment events. 

Additional details surrounding the 2028 NFL Draft, including dates, programming and volunteer opportunities, will be announced in the months ahead.