The NFL Draft Comes to Kansas City

As many of you know, the NFL draft is in our city this month! We are invited to join the three-day event which will take place April 27-29 across Kansas City’s iconic Union Station, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Downtown Kansas City area. 

Bringing the Draft to to Kansas City was a long process. The Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation played a huge part in making this happen lead by CEO and president, Kathy Nelson. Kathy was recently named as Missouri’s Woman of the Year by USA Today for her influence in bringing the FIFA 2026 World Cup and 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City.

We are so fortunate to be talking with her today about what this event means for our city and how Kansas City families can get involved. 

Attending the NFL Draft

Attractions, including the Free NFL Draft Experience, Draft Theater, and Draft Red Carpet, will all be accessible to fans within a singular footprint. Admission into the 2023 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is FREE and fans can register at nfl.com/draftaccess or download the OnePass app at nfl.com/onepass.

Meet Kathy Nelson

Kathy Nelson is a strong believer in the economic, social and community-building benefits of sports. She works to promote Kansas City locally and nationally with the goal of attracting, retaining and facilitating sports events and organizations in the bi-state area.
Nelson first joined the KC Sports Commission in August of 2010 as the WIN for KC Director then moved into the President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission in November 2011.  Prior to joining the KC Sports Commission staff, she was an active volunteer and member of WIN for KC and the KC Sports Commission for over ten years.  She was previously on the WIN for KC Advisory Board and has also been involved on the Women’s Sports Award Celebration committee.  In 2010 she served as chair for the event, which featured Billie Jean King.
Prior to the KC Sports Commission, Nelson served in senior management roles in marketing, sales and promotions at Time Warner Cable and Metro Sports and held a number of roles at FOX 4/WDAF-TV in Kansas City including creative services manager, producer, reporter and editor.
Along her career path, Nelson has received numerous Telly, Emmy and cable television awards for television production, specifically sports production.  She was the first woman to win a regional Emmy for the production of an NFL game in the early 2000’s.  She attended Truman State University.
Nelson continues to be a featured speaker for numerous organizations such as various local city chambers, rotary clubs, universities and other miscellaneous community events.  In her free time you can find Nelson volunteering in the community. She is married with two very active daughters who are also involved in volunteering and participating in their community.

What We're Loving In Kansas City
Target Carseat Trade-In Event
This event runs April 16-29 and gives you a 20% off coupon to use in exchange for your expired car seat! Simply bring an old car seat or base to a nearby Target and drop it in the designated box inside the store. Open your Target App to scan the code on the box. Talk to a Team Member in Guest Services if you need help. Find the offer in the Baby category plus more contactless savings. Click the + to save the offer and place your order online, or scan your barcode at the register!

Kansas City Royals Outfield Experience for Kids
The Outfield Experience is a great place to let your kids run and play especially if they need a break from the game.  The entire area has flatscreens so if you don't want to miss the game, no worries!  Activities in this area include a carousel, mini golf, base run, batting challenge, pitching mound, and a play ground. Tokens can be purchased to do these activities near the carousel. Don't forget pictures with Slugger in the fourth inning!