Fans in NFL cities today stream to their local team’s HQ for food, drink, a huge TV screen, and the right to jeer and cheer the players of choice. The teams themselves encourage this fraternizing, because none of them want to be known as the team that DOESN’T put on one of these soirees. There’s even tailgating that goes on, outside the stadiums, or wherever the HQ is.
Even players and their wives are in on the act, and that’s a good thing, because some worthy causes are being helped out in the process.
The draft is this Saturday and Sunday, and so we’d be remiss if we didn’t clue you in on what’s going on “outside the podium” this year.
Pats’ Wilfork and Wife Help Fund Diabetes Research
New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and his wife Bianca are hosting, for the fifth consecutive year, a draft party in Milford, MA. It’s a fundraiser for diabetes research, to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet Wilfork and several of his Patriots teammates as they wait to see which player the team will select in the draft. Fans will also be able to participate in a live silent auction for premium Patriots items, with all proceeds benefiting the DRI.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.pinzbowl.com. For more information e-mail fans@vincewilfork75.com.
For those who live in the New England area, Wilfork’s event will take place at Pinz Entertainment – a sports bar and grill in Milford, MA. The telephone number is (508) 473-6611.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Tailgates
For the more hardcore fan in your life (or maybe it’s you), you might want to check out the tailgate being put on by the folks at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
This party promises attendees the opportunity to get a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes goings on of a real draft “war room” – the sacred place where teams devise their strategies and talk about potential selections. This will be possible due to the participation in the tailgate of two grizzled NFL front office veterans: Pittsburgh Steelers Vice President Art Rooney, Jr., and longtime scout George Saimes.
Tickets include food, drink, and commemorative memorabilia.
For more info, visit www.profootballhof.com.
Eagles Cheerleaders Headline Philly Party
The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders will unveil their new squad at the Eagles’ draft party.
For a $75 VIP ticket, fans will get to hobnob with some current and former Eagles players, tour Lincoln Financial Field, and watch the first round of the draft on one of the huge TV screens that overlook the field, in addition to meeting the new cheerleading squad.
These paying customers will join more than 5,000 other loyalists who were given free tickets on April 1.
Visit www.philadelphiaeagles.com and look for the NFL logo and “VIP tickets.”
Rams To Get Festive in St. Louis
The St. Louis Rams, Budweiser, and Russell Athletic are hosting the 2008 NFL Draft Day Party at the Edward Jones Dome on April 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Along with watching the Rams select the 2nd overall player in the draft, there will be current Rams’ players signing autographs, cheerleader performances/appearances, on-field games, complimentary Pepsi products and popcorn, as well as other concessions available for purchase at a discount. Call (314) 425-8830 for more info.
Happy Hour Highlights Chiefs Bash
The Kansas City Chiefs will hold their annual Draft Day Party on Saturday, April 26, at the Chiefs practice facility located at the Truman Sports Complex. There’ll be a “meet and greet” with current and former Chiefs players, along with special appearances by the Chiefs Cheerleaders and KC Wolf.
Doors will open at noon with local Master of Ceremonies and “Voice of the Chiefs” Mitch Holthus providing commentary along with several other Chiefs players and personalities throughout the day. The draft broadcast begins at 2:00 p.m. live from New York, with the Chiefs scheduled to make the fifth selection. Guests will also be treated to an appearance by head coach Herm Edwards prior to the draft.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including a Happy Hour from noon to 1 p.m. During the Happy Hour discounted Budweiser products will be featured as well as $2 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks.
Jags Party Has Something For Everyone; Free Admission, Too
The Jacksonville Jaguars will host their 14th Annual Bud Light Draft Day Party at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at The Jacksonville Landing. Admission is free for a day of fun and football.
Jaguars fans attending the Draft Party will have the opportunity to watch the NFL Draft live on the Landing’s large video board in the main pavilion. In addition, many of the Landing tenants will also be showing the NFL Draft and offering food and drink specials.
Fans will be able to meet Jaguars players and get autographs throughout the day, as well as enjoy a performance by The 2008 ROAR of the Jaguars Cheerleaders, the introduction of the 2008 D-Line, an appearance by team mascot, Jaxson de Ville and will have the opportunity to win many prizes. For more information, visit www.jaguars.com.
Green Bay Puts Other Cities To Shame
One of the NFL’s oldest cities knows how to do it right, when it comes to NFL Draft parties.
Green Bay Packers fans have a totally full plate to choose from this Saturday.
It’ll happen at the Lambeau Field Atrium, with doors opening at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are just $25, and include the following: a Wi-Fi “hot spot”, allowing attendees to follow the draft thru their wireless-ready laptops; several appearances by Packers players, including autographs; commemorative 2008 NFL Draft item for all attendees; question-and-answer sessions; interactive games for kids and adults; viewing opportunity of Lambeau Field; free entry for a chance to win door prizes, including autographed Packers items; trivia contest; food and drink available for purchase.
Whew!
For more info, log on to www.packers.com/fan_zone/events/draft_party. |
