Chicago to Host 2015 NFL Draft

The 2015 NFL draft will be held at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

“We are excited to have fans from throughout the Midwest experience the NFL draft,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to returning the event to the city of Chicago and working with the city, Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission to create a week-long celebration of football for our fans. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the city of Chicago presented us with numerous ways to enhance the draft experience for our fans and incoming players.”

The NFL draft was held in Chicago in 1938, 1942-44, 1951 and 1962-64. Since 1965, it has been held in New York every year, the past nine at Radio City Music Hall. Los Angeles was the other finalist in the running to host the event.

The 80th NFL draft will be held April 30–May 2, 2015. There will be an outdoor fan festival for all three days where fans can follow the draft and enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions with current and former players. In addition to the event inside Auditorium Theatre, the draft will expand outside to Grant Park and Congress Plaza.