2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas Could Occur Over Famed Bellagio Fountains

Posted on: July 14, 2019, 02:00h. 

Last updated on: July 14, 2019, 02:46h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The NFL Draft next year will take place in Las Vegas, and new disclosures from the committee planning the event suggest the Bellagio fountains could serve as the main stage.

NFL Draft Las Vegas odds
Next year’s top pick in the NFL Draft could meet Commissioner Goodell atop the Bellagio fountains. (Image: Jerde)

The Las Vegas Review-Journal said it obtained 1,500 pages of planning documents, and one scheme seeks to build a stage hovering above the Strip’s iconic fountains. Las Vegas was officially chosen by the NFL in December to host the 2020 drawing of college players to the professional game.

The NFL Draft is one of the most-anticipated events of the year and we are excited to take it to Las Vegas,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We look forward to working with the Raiders, Las Vegas officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to create an unforgettable week-long celebration.”

The Bellagio proposal would additionally close the Strip between Spring Mountain Road to Harmon Avenue for three days, with that area being transformed into “Draft Town.” That area of the Strip spans from Treasure Island and Palazzo south past the Bellagio to the Cosmopolitan and Planet Hollywood.

Big Business

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and its go-to marketing firm R&R Partners are behind the 2020 NFL Draft concept. In a statement to the RJ, LVCVA CEO Steve Hill said, “No decisions (on the location) have been announced yet.”

The Draft draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the host city each year. The 2019 event held in Nashville was a record setter, as an estimated 600,000 fans descended on the Tennessee capital city.

Las Vegas is already feeling the tourism rush for next year’s Draft.

As Casino.org relayed in May, room rates are soaring for the April 23-25 event (Thurs-Sat). A standard room at the Bellagio is $549 a night, $625/night at the Cosmopolitan, $532 at The Venetian, and a staggering $699 at both Wynn properties.

By comparison, the following Thursday to Saturday, the Bellagio is $379, Cosmopolitan $270, Venetian $243, and Wynn $360.

NFL Odds

Las Vegas casinos won’t only capitalize off higher room rates but also from an increase in betting handle on which players go first.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is currently the heavy favorite at 1/2. A $100 bet nets just $50 on those odds. Tagovailoa is followed by Oregon QB Justin Herbet (4/1) and Georgia QB Jake Fromm (7/1).

As for the actual 2020 NFL season, the defending champion New England Patriots are the frontrunners at 6/1. They share that line with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Los Angeles Rams, last year’s Super Bowl losers, are next at 8/1 with the New Orleans Saints.

The team that will have much of the league’s attention will be the Cleveland Browns. After the blockbuster trade for Odell Beckham Jr in March, the Dog Pound’s odds were slashed from 25/1 to 14/1. However, they’ve since slightly lengthened to 16/1.