13 Exotic NFL Draft Locations That Could Inspire Your Spring 2026 Travel

The NFL Draft usually lands in a single host city each year, and the NFL makes that announcement separately from the fan planning cycle. As of November 2025, an official 2026 host city may still be pending, so use this guide as practical inspiration rather than a fixed itinerary. This list pivots from the idea of multiple simultaneous draft locations to a travel-forward roundup of 13 cities that have hosted the draft recently or that offer the kind of energy and infrastructure a draft weekend demands. Each entry highlights why the city works for event travel, what to see beyond draft programming, where to stay, and tips to make the most of a spring trip.

1. Las Vegas — High-energy Draft Spectacle

Las Vegas showed how a draft can become a full-on entertainment weekend. The city’s convention and performance venues can host big-scale draft stages while the Strip and nearby neighborhoods provide 24/7 nightlife options for visiting fans. Stay near Las Vegas Boulevard for immediate access to hotels, shows, and fan zones, but consider off-Strip properties for quieter nights and better rates. For daytime downtime, plan a stroll through an art district or a short drive to scenic red-rock parks beyond the city core.

2. New York City — Classic Draft Vibes and Fan Culture

New York set the standard for draft weekends for many years, offering iconic venues, dense transit, and cultural attractions that make long trips feel efficient. Choose a base in Midtown for quick access to venues and hotels, or opt for a neighborhood with more local character—Chelsea or the West Village—if you prefer quieter evenings. Museums, Broadway shows, and diverse dining options give you plenty to fill non-event hours without backtracking across the city.

3. Kansas City — Midwestern Hospitality with Big-Event Heart

Kansas City blends compact geography with a robust fan culture and a celebrated barbecue scene, making it a strong pick for a draft weekend that’s easy to navigate. Downtown offers walkable neighborhoods and venues close enough to move between official draft programming, pregame fan activations, and local restaurants without long transit times. Booking a downtown hotel keeps you in the heart of action and reduces travel fatigue for group travelers.

4. Detroit — Riveting Riverfront Energy for Fan Events

Detroit’s riverfront venues and renovated downtown districts provide vivid backdrops for fan events and draft programming. The city combines large, modern spaces with an eclectic food and arts scene that rewards exploration between scheduled activities. Staying near the riverfront or in Midtown offers easy walks to museums, parks, and evening dining options, which helps when draft schedules run long.

5. Green Bay — Small-City Football Pilgrimage

Green Bay offers an intimate football pilgrimage that pairs well with draft‑weekend energy even if the scale is smaller than major markets. The town’s proximity to Lambeau Field gives fans a chance to visit a legendary stadium, explore team history at the Hall of Fame-style exhibits, and feel a deep local passion for the game. Expect a more community-driven atmosphere with tailgate-style gatherings and local eateries that welcome visiting fans.

6. Nashville — Music City Meets Draft Festivity

Nashville’s combination of live music and compact downtown makes it naturally suited to festival-style fan events tied to a draft weekend. Stay near Broadway for immediate access to music venues and nightlife, or choose the Gulch for a more upscale vibe with strong dining options. Nashville’s hospitality scene is built for groups, so planning late-night afterparties and brunch follow-ups is easy.

7. Dallas/Arlington — Stadium-Scale Fan Experience

The Dallas and Arlington corridor provides stadium-level event infrastructure that suits large fan gatherings and headline programming. Stay in Dallas for broader cultural options, or choose Arlington if you want immediate stadium access and family-friendly attractions. The region’s transit will require planning—rideshares and event shuttles are common during large gatherings—so allow extra travel time on event days.

8. Philadelphia — Historic Streets, Big-Fan Passion

Philadelphia’s passionate sports culture and walkable downtown neighborhoods make it an engaging place for a fan-focused trip. Base yourself near Center City to access museums, food markets, and event venues easily while relying on public transit for overflow movement. Philadelphia’s historic architecture and strong culinary scene provide compelling alternatives to draft programming when you want a break from fan zones.

9. Cleveland — Compact Host with Local Character

Cleveland’s compact downtown and accessible waterfront create a straightforward, low-stress base for a draft weekend. Fan events tend to feel close-knit, and local breweries and eateries make it easy to find comfortable spots for pre- and post-event gatherings. Choose lodging near the waterfront or the theater district to balance nightlife and daytime activities.

10. Chicago — Big-City Access and Broad Transit Options

Chicago offers extensive transit options and a hotel tier for every budget, which helps when planning around fluctuating event prices. Base yourself along the river or near Millennium Park for easy access to dining and architecture tours that fill free hours between scheduled draft activities. The city’s scale means more restaurants and nightlife, but it also requires careful timing for travel to and from venues.

11. Los Angeles — Wide Appeal, Large Venue Options

Los Angeles combines major-market event capability with beach escapes and cultural breadth, making it a flexible choice for travelers who want variety. Choose a neighborhood that fits your priorities—Hollywood for nightlife, Santa Monica for beach proximity, or downtown for venue access. Transit and traffic can be a factor, so allow extra travel time and consider rideshare pooling for groups.

12. Regional Day Trips — Short Escapes from Host Cities

Sometimes the best draft trip includes a short regional escape. From many host cities you can drive to state parks, coastal points, or small historic towns that offer quiet mornings and scenic walks away from fan crowds. Pick a one-day trip that fits the distance—roughly an hour to two hours each way—so you can relax and return for evening fan programming without losing a full travel day.

13. Fan-Forward Small Cities That Surprise

Don’t overlook smaller cities or college towns near a host city—these places often provide lower rates, local charm, and easy parking if you’re driving in. They tend to be quieter at night, which helps if you’re traveling with family or prefer a calmer base. Small-market hotels and B&Bs can feel more personal and add local flavor to the trip.

Final checklist for planning your draft trip

The NFL typically names a single host city each year, so confirm announcements before you book any nonrefundable travel. As of November 2025, official 2026 host-city details should be checked through NFL.com and local tourism sites. When the host city is confirmed, lock lodging early and consider a hotel that offers flexible cancellation. Reserve key restaurants and book any special fan events or tours as soon as tickets go live.