WHEREAS, The 82nd NFL Draft will take place from April 27 to April 29, 2017, largely centered around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The event is expected to draw 200,000 football fans to Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a long history with the NFL Draft. Having played host to the inaugural draft on February 8, 1936, the Philadelphia Eagles made the first player selection. Over the course of its 81-year history, the Draft has returned to the City 15 times; and
WHEREAS, The NFL Draft was instituted as a measure to create competitive balance in the league by allowing weaker teams from the previous season to select the most talented incoming players. As a result, the NFL has been able to create compelling competition across the league; this model has been followed by all other major American sports leagues; and
WHEREAS, Major events such as the NFL Draft help to advertise the city’s thriving tourism industry. The Draft will draw attention to Philadelphia’s many attractions and offers yet another opportunity to showcase our great City; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Philadelphia are deeply devoted to the sports franchises that call this City home, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2017 NFL Draft will allow Philadelphians to gather with sports fans from across the country in celebration of their favorite teams. The City of Philadelphia is proud to join with the NFL as the host of the 2017 Draft; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Council hereby welcomes the National Football League (NFL) Draft to the City of Philadelphia and commemorates the first ever NFL Draft, which took place in the City on February 8, 1936.
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