NFL Fans React To Minnesota Landing The 2028 Draft
The NFL officially awarded the 2028 draft to Minnesota on Tuesday.
NFL owners approved Minnesota as the draft host in two years. Next year's draft will take place in Washington, D.C., after Pittsburgh set a new record with 805,000 attendees over last month's three-day event.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reacted to the announcement in a statement shared by the league.
"Minnesota knows how to show up for big moments, and we've experienced it firsthand," Goodell said. "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 event for fans and the next generation of the NFL."
Fans respond to Minnesota draft announcement
Many onlookers were excited to learn about the draft heading to Minnesota in 2028. The NFL's announcement received a positive response on social media.
"The picks are in … and Minneapolis is officially on the clock," Meet Minneapolis wrote. "The 2028 #NFLDraft is coming to the City by Nature where we know a thing or two about hosting big events, big crowds and big moments."
"Minneapolis did a fantastic job with the Super Bowl," NFL.com's Judy Battista declared. "This will be great, too."
"It's official!! I will be there!!!" a fan exclaimed. "Literally can't wait."
"I'll be attending," a fan said.
"Should be fun!" another fan predicted.
Will 2028 draft draw huge turnout?
The NFL Draft has turned into a massive event. Football fans across the country convene to watch Goodell and other guests announce the picks for seven rounds.
Detroit set a new bar when 775,000 people gathered for the 2024 draft. Green Bay shattered projections by drawing over 600,000 attendees last year before Pittsburgh surpassed Detroit's short-held benchmark.
The Steelers also set attendance records on each of the first two days, with nearly 600,000 people in attendance. Before this year's draft, Goodell marveled over the event's recent evolution.
"None of us would be able to say that we projected this," Goodell said, via The Athletic's Devon Henderson. "I will say, though, we felt strongly that taking it to the fans, taking it to these communities, that something magical would happen."
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 10:31 AM.