The NFL Draft is coming to Kansas City in 2023

Buildings and monuments in Kansas City will be illuminated in red on Wednesday night because in the spring of 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the NFL Draft.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon during league meetings in Key Biscayne, Florida.

In a statement released by the Kansas City Sports Commission, Goodell congratulated the team and the city.

GOODELL: “We are excited to work with the Kansas City Chiefs, the City of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Sports Commission to showcase the area for a week-long celebration of football that will be watched by millions of fans. We know Chiefs fans will come out to celebrate along with thousands of fans from teams around the country for an incredible experience as we welcome the next generation of NFL players.”

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt also released a statement.

HUNT: “This is a historic day for Kansas City and Chiefs Kingdom, and we are thrilled to be named the host city for the 2023 NFL Draft. Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the tireless work of Kathy Nelson, the Kansas City Sports Commission and the Kansas City civic community. It was a tremendous team effort, and we look forward to continuing to work together to showcase Kansas City on the national stage in 2023. Chiefs Kingdom is home to the most passionate fans in the world, and I know they will make Kansas City proud as the host of one of the NFL’s premiere events.”

As did KC Sports Commission CEO Kathy Nelson.

NELSON: “Kansas City and Chiefs Kingdom are thrilled to have been selected by the NFL to host this prestigious event. Hometown pride runs deep in the Midwest. We are excited to show the world our unparalleled passion for sports - especially our passion for professional football. Fans from every corner of the country should look forward to experiencing Kansas City’s hospitality, our vibrant food scene, innovative neighborhoods, historic attractions and a whole lot of fun in 2023. Thank you to our city leaders, our community partners and the Kansas City Chiefs for the collaborative effort in attracting the NFL Draft to our region.

Organizers say the event will take place in the area around Union Station and the National World War I Museum just to the south — better-known locally as the Liberty Memorial.

The event will include the NFL Draft Experience, a free football festival where fans will be able to test their football skills and take part in interactive exhibits — and even take photos of themselves with the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy that is awarded to the Super Bowl winner each year.

The NFL Draft will cause a significant economic windfall for the Kansas City area. On Wednesday, Goodell said that Nashville had recorded an economic benefit of $224 million by hosting the just-concluded 2019 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft was held exclusively in New York City for 50 years. Beginning in 2016, the draft has moved from one NFL city to another: Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas and Nashville have all hosted it. Las Vegas will host the event in 2020, and on Wednesday, the NFL announced that Cleveland will host in 2021.

While Kansas City is the seventh city selected, it will be the eighth new city to host the event; no city has yet submitted an acceptable proposal to the NFL for 2022.