NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It is still too early to determine how much revenue the NFL Draft is expected to bring in to Music City, but with an estimated attendance of 200,000 in the first day, the number could be record breaking.
Sports fans from across the world are in Nashville for the three-day event, packing bars, restaurants and hotels. The visual spectacle that is Broadway is the perfect setting to spend money, make new friends and memories.
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Nashville resident Shawntay Wolfe is helping host a group of her girlfriends who flew in from different parts of the country to represent their teams. Even for someone who regular attends large events like the CMA Fest, Wolfe said the NFL Draft takes entertainment to a whole new level.
"It is so much more crazy than CMA Fest, but the difference is a sea of men versus a sea of women for CMA Fest, not that I'm complaining," Wolfe told NewsChannel 5.
The NFL Draft in Dallas last year had a $125 million economic impact, with people spending $74 million. Officials with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp believe the city will surpass the number last year.
The city is getting a much needed economic boost from people like Wolfe's friends, who do not mind spending extra for the experience.
"The same hotel I was here two months ago was $300 a night, now we're paying $750 a night for our hotel. I probably spent $400 or $500 just in food and booze the last couple of day" Bree Northrop, a Minnesota Vikings fan from Maryland, said.
The ladies said Nashville is a great host-city, as southern hospitality seems to rub off on many people including visitors.
"Great hospitality and great city, we're having a great time out here," Cathy Figurilli, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan from New Mexico, added.
