The numbers are in and the Philly fans came through in a big way.
The NFL Draft Event Impact Report released the statistics from the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia Thursday. By all accounts, it was a record-setting event. A record 250,000 fans attended the three-day event held along the Ben Franklin Parkway, with $56.1 million spent at the event, resulting in an estimated $94.9 million in economic impact for the city. Initial projections and estimations put the impact around $80 million. The event also created 30,000 jobs during and leading up to the event.
"The Draft was a family-friendly event for Philadelphians and visitors across the country," mayor Jim Kenney said. "I thank all of our public and private partners, especially the City employees and first responders, who made this event a success and allowed Philly to shine in the national spotlight once again."
But enough about the numbers. Let's hear some praise from the league.
"Philadelphia served as a phenomenal host for the 2017 NFL Draft and created a memorable experience for our fans, incoming players, and teams," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Senior Vice President of Events. "We are grateful to Mayor Kenney, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and all of our partners for helping make the event a resounding success."
A resounding success.
But will the draft return to Philly next year?
Philadelphia Eagles
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFL rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The league hasn't announced the location of the 2018 draft, but it doesn't look like the draft will be coming back for more.
"As great a job as Philly did, my understanding is it's going to be difficult for Philly to repeat," ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter told 97.5 The Fanatic's Anthony Gargano in May.
In fact, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys may be next in line. The rivalry continues.
