2023 NFL Draft: Hours, tickets, parking, streetcar, FAQ

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City is just weeks away.

Union Station will be the backdrop for the massive event, with the draft taking place on a massive stage in front of the Kansas City landmark.

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27-29.

April 27: 5 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. CT (or post-concert)
April 28: 4-11:15 p.m. CT (or post-concert)
April 29: 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. CT (or post-concert)

Here are the most important details you need to know about the 2023 NFL Draft:

Draft Theater

This is what most football fans think of when they mention the draft. The Draft Theater is where prospects will be selected to their new teams and then introduced to the fanbase.

General fan viewing is standing room only and will be on a first-come first-served basis on the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

TICKETS

Only invited ticket holders will be allowed inside the Draft Theater. Organizers said as seats become available, fans will be selected for standing room and other seating depending on availability.

Fans with tickets can access them, along with key “Know Before You Go” information, in the NFL OnePass app.

Once ticketholders exit the Draft Theater, there is no re-entry.

The NFL said the most up to date information will be available inside the NFL OnePass app.

Draft Experience

The main entrance for fans going to the NFL Draft is located at the intersection of Wyandotte Street and Memorial Drive. The location is on the south side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

The Draft Experience is free to all fans. For entry to the Draft Experience, fans are required to register via the NFL OnePass app. Fans will be required to present proof of registration with NFL OnePass.

Fans in the Draft Experience will be able to see the Draft Theater from the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum & Memorial. The draft will also be broadcast on multiple screens throughout the Draft Experience site.

Security will monitor the Draft Experience area. If it becomes too full, a notice will be posted in the NFL OnePass app.

HOURS

April 27: Noon to 10 p.m. CT
April 28: Noon to 10 p.m. CT
April 29: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT

CASHLESS

All purchases made at NFL Shop presented by Visa and at concessions are cash-free.

CONCERT SERIES

Along with all the NFL stars and draft prospects, three big acts are coming to Kansas City for the 2023 NFL Draft.

On Thursday night, Grammy-nominated band Fall Out Boy will take the stage after Round 1.

The band just released its eighth album “So Much (For) Stardust” last month, and in June, they’ll kickoff a worldwide tour.

On Friday night, rock band Mötley Crüe will headline the concert after Round 3. The iconic band is currently on tour, playing in stadiums around the world.

Then on Saturday night, bassist and vocalist Thundercat will wrap up NFL Draft weekend, performing after the last pick in Round 7. Draft organizers said Thundercat’s performance will pay tribute to Kansas City’s music history and jazz legacy.

All three performances will take place at the NFL Draft Theater in front of Kansas City’s Union Station.

General fan viewing will be standing room only and first-come first-served on the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

While the NLF Draft Experience may close before concerts are over, fans can also watch the concert from various screens on the south side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

If you’re not able to attend or don’t want to join the crowds, all three concerts will also be streamed online and on the NFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

FOOTBALL CLINICS

Football clinics conducted on the NFL Play Football Field at the Draft Experience are only open to kids ages 6–14.

The other passing, running, kicking and receiving games and attractions inside the Draft Experience are for fans of all ages once the adult has registered for NFL OnePass.

OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Outside food or beverages are not permitted anywhere inside the NFL Draft Experience or Draft Theater. The only expectation is water bottles that can be refilled for free at hydration stations.

Fans with medical needs, nursing mothers, or families with infants will be permitted to bring in outside food and equipment based on individual circumstances.

Food and beverage will be available for purchase within the concession areas.

PERMITTED AT THE NFL DRAFT

Clear bags smaller than 12x12x6 are permitted consistent with the NFL’s Clear Bag Policy
Small purses/clutch bags will be carried through screening
Size exceptions will be made for medically necessary items
Large bags can be secured at provided lockers
Strollers and baby carriages are permitted, but all bags and blankets must be removed and screened by X-ray and will be physically/visually inspected.
Small cameras and binoculars will be permitted. Professional grade camera and recording equipment will only be permitted for properly Draft Credentialed media

WEATHER

FOX4 will update this section with the forecast for draft weekend as the dates approach.

The NFL Draft will be held rain or shine. The only reason it would be canceled is in the event of extreme weather that could threaten public safety.

If that would happen, fans can find information at NFL.com/Draft-event-info. It will also be announced over the PA system at the event.

Parking and Transportation

Draft organizers have released details about how they plan to help control traffic and move hundreds of thousands of people around Kansas City’s downtown and Union Station areas.

The main entrance for fans going to the NFL Draft is located at the intersection of Wyandotte Street and Memorial Drive. The location is on the south side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

PARK AND WALK

There are a number of parking lot locations available throughout downtown and the River Market area. Fans have the option of parking in these lots and taking the free KC Streetcar.

There is also parking available in the Crossroads Arts District, Central Business District, Crown Center, Westport and the Country Club Plaza.

An interactive map map of parking lots in the area can be found online at visitkc.com/2023-nfl-draft.

During the NFL Draft, traffic and pedestrians will not be able to access Main Street south of 20th Street. Pedestrians should use Grand Boulevard for Draft access.

PARK AND RIDE

Fans who wish to utilize this free parking and take a shuttle to Union Station must preregister to ride the shuttle. Ticket registration can be made online at visitkc.com.

This is the only park-and-ride option.

The shuttle will operate from the garage to Summit Street, where fans will be dropped off and picked up from the Draft at Entry 2.

Fans can also park for free in Kansas City’s West Bottoms Garage near Hy-Vee Arena from Thursday, April 27, to Saturday, April 29.

STREET PARKING

Street parking is also available.

Keep in mind that vehicles must park within the painted white lines if it is along the KC Streetcar Route. Every portion of the vehicle, including side mirrors, must be inside the white lines.

Vehicles that are not parked inside the lines could be damaged or towed.

STREETCAR

To ease congestion, fans heading to the NFL Draft are asked to utilize the free KC Streetcar.

The streetcar will operate with the following extended hours during the event:

April 27: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
April 28: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
April 29: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The streetcar stop at Union Station will be closed to all passengers beginning Wednesday, April 26.

The closest stop to Union Station is at 19th and Main in the Crossroads. Fans are asked to take the streetcar to that stop and then walk to Wyandotte Street and Memorial Drive to access the NFL Draft Experience.

Organizers said it’s about a 15-minute walk to Union Station from the Crossroads District streetcar stop.

The KC Streetcar Authority plans to have 5 of its 6 streetcars operating for the NFL Draft. Riders can anticipate streetcars stopping every 5-7 minutes between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

RIDE KC BUS

Kansas City’s bus service is also free to ride at all times.

The MAX line is the city’s rapid transit line that runs through Downtown to the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.

The MAX line will operate along Penn Valley Drive.

Fans should get off the bus at the 29th Street stop. From there it’s a 5-minute walk to Main Entry 1 to access the 2023 Draft.

RIDESHARE

Options like Uber and Lyft will also be running during the NFL Draft.

Simply enter “National WWI Museum and Memorial” as your destination. Your driver will drop you off at the designated rideshare drop-off zone.

From there, follow the signs to Main Entry 1. Organizers say it’s about a 10-minute walk.

ACCESSIBILITY

If you are in need of assistance entering the 2023 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light site, enter through Entry 3 on East Pershing Rd. outside of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.

For questions, reach out to a representative at the NFL Draft Mobility Assistance Program.

The Mobility Hotline is available by phone (888-745-1455) or by email at nfldraftmobility@gmail.com.