NFL Draft 2021: Sights And Sounds Of Downtown Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Despite drizzling rain and lake-chilled winds, football fans crowded the sidewalks and bars of downtown Cleveland on Thursday.

The national spotlight made a rare pivot to Northeast Ohio this week as Cleveland hosts the 2021 NFL Draft. The streets surrounding the Rock Hall, FirstEnergy Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Museum were choked with people sporting brightly colored jerseys, though some were bundled in coats or huddling beneath awnings and umbrellas.

“I’ve been to six NFL drafts,” said Ron Thompson, a Detroit Lions fan who lives in Delaware. “Me and my buddies go every year. Cleveland is nice. I can’t wait to come back for a Browns-Lions game.”

While nearly every NFL franchise was represented in the crowd, the most common color was orange. Browns fans clapped and cheered any mention of their team and shared broad smiles despite the persistent precipitation.

“I’m 65 and I may never see the draft in Cleveland again,” said Ray Miletti, of Akron. “This is exciting. I’m a die hard Browns fan and season ticket holder and I had to be here.”

To prepare for the onrush of football fanatics and TV cameras, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission erected NFL Draft signage at iconic downtown locations, including all six Cleveland script signs, the always-crowded E. 4th Street business corridor, the RTA’s E-line trolley and the casino’s pedestrian walkway over Prospect and Ontario.

“Our beautiful community and the surrounding areas are activated with signage to garner excitement for the 2021 NFL Draft and so that all of Cleveland looks and feels a part of this event as prospects take the Draft stage,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

RTA bus shelters and sidewalk kiosks have been wrapped in more signage, fully enveloping the city in NFL insignias. Even Terminal Tower has been bathed in colored light and a “NFL Draft 2021” icon.

There will be plenty of eyes on all the NFL art. The league expects approximately 50,000 people to attend the draft. Cleveland’s leaders, including Mayor Frank Jackson, have welcomed the influx of tourists, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of the weekend’s events will be held outdoors or in open air facilities to stymie the virus’ ability to spread. NFL Draft attendees had to confirm that they received both COVID-19 shots two weeks prior to the event.

The precautions didn’t slow the rush of tourists.

“The NFL Draft represents a great opportunity to spur the rebound of the local hospitality industry,” said Deb Janik, senior vice president of real estate and business development at Greater Cleveland Partnership.

“Activity in Cleveland and downtown is coming back, and employers are ramping up,” said Michael Deemer, Downtown Cleveland Alliance executive vice president of business development.

“There are more than 140 business open downtown and ready for patrons to enjoy the amenities of the city center that they have come to know and love.”