The city of Cleveland hosted the 2021 NFL draft on the shores of Lake Erie. Despite rain, wind and cold, along with numerous COVID-19 restrictions, the event was seen a strong success for the city and the area.
Even with the weather and COVID limitations, NFL fans showed up to take part in the festivities and explore Northeast Ohio. Fans of the Cleveland Browns were loud and raucous celebrating their team coming off a playoff victory in 2020. The ovation was especially loud when Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah slipped into the second round and was selected by the Browns.
According to a report from the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the event had a significant financial benefit to the area as well:
@CLESports said NFL draft brought $42 million economic impact to Northeast Ohio.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) August 17, 2021
Despite all of the limitations around the event, a $42 million impact is a huge number. We will continue to be on the lookout for a more detailed look at where that money went. The NFL draft presented Cleveland in a very good light, gave their team some very good players and was an economic boon for the area. A lot to celebrate from the three day event.
