NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — News 2 got a look behind the scenes of what is likely the biggest production the state of Tennessee has ever seen.
In just over a week, the NFL Draft will be in the middle of Music City, outside on Broadway.
Taking the NFL Draft outside of a theater or ballroom for fans is a task that the NFL has never done before now.
“The scale of everything we are doing here is something I would say that Nashville and Tennessee haven’t seen, to this size before,” NFL Senior Director of Event Operations Eric Finkelstein told News 2.
It’s also next level for the league.
“This is the first time since we have allowed fans to be part of the event in the 1970s, where we don’t have a hotel ballroom or a theater in which fans can watch the event,” said Finkelstein.
In Music City, Broadway will essentially be the theater for the NFL Draft.
“It takes the event to a whole ‘nother level. I mean we are really integrated into the city itself, it’s not just a building with walls. I mean it’s Broadway and all of the streets around it. It’s going to be an unbelievable environment.”
An electrifying environment with a stage that will light up the heart of the city.
“It’s going to be amazing just how much LED is going to be a part of this stage. It’s going to be very bright, a lot of moving parts and pieces that are going to be going on around it to celebrate everything that is going to be happening, but it’s going to be mind-blowing when it all comes together and you see it all finished,” stated Finkelstein.
A number of additional screens will line Broadway as well, so you don’t miss any of the action.
“This is more like a concert where there aren’t seats and that’s OK. You are still going to have the best view in the house wherever you are.”
Some bleachers are being built in the parking lot of Hard Rock for NFL operations and a few select fans. Finkelstein says if you want a shot at sitting there you need to register for the app, Fan Mobile Pass.
Finkelstein also showed us inside the massive player green room and media room that stretches 460 feet along 1st Avenue.
“The amazing, unique set up that we have here is that this is a one-stop shop so after the prospect gets drafted, called out on stage, hug the commissioner, holds out his jersey he will make his way back right into this structure to do all the different interviews that happen, press conference and so forth and its one after another, after another.”
One side of the tent is a glass wall, with views of the Stadium and the NFL Experience.
Finkelstein says thousands of media are credentialed to cover the event.
