NFL Draft In Vegas: Getting Around Will Be A Gamble

Preparations are already underway for the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, which is fast approaching.

The Vegas Strip has initiated the first lane reduction near the Bellagio Resort & Casino. Additional lane closures and reductions will continue until the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The grand outdoor event will occur at various sites along the Vegas Strip. NFL authorities anticipate a total attendance of 600,000 or more people for the three-day events running from April 28 to 30.

Consequently, Las Vegas sportsbooks are likely to be brimming with football fans who might prefer to avoid the commotion associated with the Draft locations.

Although TV viewers may be most excited about the Red Carpet stage at the Bellagio Fountains, the real draft is happening in a different place. The NFL Draft’s Main Stage is situated near the Caesars Forum convention center, behind The Linq. Moreover, the NFL Draft Experience activities will be conducted near the theater.

The NFL Draft’s substantial footprint will result in numerous road closures. This will facilitate easier pedestrian navigation around the Vegas Strip. However, it will simultaneously complicate driving access to this part of the Strip.

2022 NFL Draft locations in Las Vegas

The 2022 NFL Draft proceedings take place in two distinct venues. Although the stages are within walking distance of each other, the journey might be somewhat longer than anticipated.

The majority of the 2022 NFL Draft events in Las Vegas are set to occur in the vicinity of The Linq. The NFL Draft Experience and Draft Theater will be situated behind The Linq and the High Roller Observation Wheel.

The Main Stage for the NFL Draft will be located nearer to the Caesars Forum convention center, a fairly recent addition on the east side of the Vegas Strip. However, this is not to be confused with the Forum Shops mall at Caesars Palace.

An NFL Red Carpet event will be held at a new location, specifically by the Fountains at Bellagio. This portion of the NFL Draft will provide fans with their initial glimpse at the NFL’s upcoming stars.

Lane reductions and road closures

Lane reductions will be in effect 24/7 from Wednesday, April 13 to Wednesday, April 27, and then again from Sunday, May 1 to Friday, May 6. These reductions will be particularly noticeable around the intersection of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, near the Bellagio corner.

• The lane reductions will be located just west of the North Valet entrance of Bellagio, off the eastbound Flamingo Road, and will continue up to Bellagio Drive off the southbound Las Vegas Boulevard, just beyond the fountains.
• The right-turn lane on Flamingo Road heading east to turn south onto Las Vegas Boulevard will be shut. An additional right-turn lane will also be closed daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The two lanes leading to the Bellagio from Flamingo Road to Bellagio Dive on Las Vegas Boulevard south will be shut down. Additionally, a third lane heading south will be closed daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Road closures will be implemented starting Wednesday, April 27 at 10 p.m. and will last until approximately 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

• Las Vegas Boulevard, from Flamingo Road to Bellagio Drive (southbound) and Paris Drive (northbound), will be closed in both directions.
• Both directions of Flamingo Road, from Las Vegas Boulevard to Koval Lane, will be closed.
• The lane on the far west of Koval Lane between Krueger Drive and Flamingo Road will be shut down.

Tips on getting to the NFL Draft events

Anyone driving near the NFL Draft locations at The Linq and Bellagio should expect delays. Those not staying at a nearby hotel may find it more convenient to park at a distance from the events and use public transportation.

For anyone driving to the NFL Draft, the simplest and most affordable option might be to take the monorail from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Las Vegas Convention Center is providing complimentary parking in Silver Lots 1 and 2 as well as the Bronze Lot. This facilitates easy and cost-free access to the Monorail from the Las Vegas Convention Station for fans. Discounted monorail tickets can be purchased here.

The NFL Draft Experience and Draft Theater can be easily accessed by fans exiting at The Linq station on the monorail. The Bally’s Paris stop can be used by those heading to Bellagio.

Individuals located at the south end of the Vegas Strip can utilize the complimentary monorail service provided by MGM Resorts, which operates from Mandalay Bay to Excalibur and from Park MGM to Bellagio.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority suggests utilizing the rideshare station at Tuscany Suites & Casino, located at 255 E Flamingo Road. The entrance to the Draft Experience is just under a half-mile walk from this property.

2022 NFL Draft is free with NFL OnePass

Attending the 2022 NFL Draft events in person is completely free. However, those planning to visit the Draft Theater or NFL Draft Experience need to register for NFL OnePass. By logging in with their NFL.com account, visitors will be able to generate an NFL OnePass QR code that provides access to the 2022 NFL Draft.

Attending most of the NFL Draft events is not optional for anyone planning on going.

To emphasize, it is mandatory for all attendees to show evidence of registration with NFL OnePass, either online or through a mobile app, to gain entry to the NFL Draft Experience and Draft Theater.

When visiting the NFL Draft Experience and Draft Theater, bear in mind a few additional things:

• A comprehensive list of banned items is provided. Click here to view the entire list.
• The NFL Draft Experience does not accept cash. Alternative payment methods are necessary for buying food, drinks, and merchandise.