LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — When it came to proximity to the NFL Draft, it didn't get much better than Stage Door Casino.
"We're probably the last spot before you get into the fan experience and we're definitely the number one spot that raider nation was going to visit," said John Vizcarra, director of operations for the bar.
Vizcarra is a lifelong Raiders fan.
"As a fan, I'm disappointed," said Vizcarra. "As a business, we understand."
Vizcarra said the spreading coronavirus has shifted everything in a short amount of time. He was planning major draft weekend parties with vendors like Budweiser and Corona. Now, he's limiting the number of people he allows in the bar - from 160 to 60.
"We're encouraging social distancing. And we've also really stepped up with our cleaning and our sanitizing," said Vizcarra.
Vizcarra said the health and safety of customers is a top priority right now -- echoing the reasoning of the NFL, Las Vegas Convention Authority and the Raiders.
In a statement, the LVCVA wrote, "“The LVCVA understands and supports the NFL’s decision to cancel the draft, reinforced by the CDC‘s latest recommendation to cancel all events with more than 50 people to curb the spread of coronavirus. The top priority today and in the days and weeks ahead is to ensure our community and visitors stay safe. We will continue to follow the Health District and CDC’s recommendations and guidance.”
Raiders owner Mark Davis weighing in with his own statement, "After careful consideration, the Las Vegas Raiders, the NFL, the NFLPA and the LVCVA have decided to cancel the 2020 Las Vegas NFL Draft celebration. Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision. I would like to thank Governor Sisolak and the LVCVA for all of the passion they put into creating an event that would have been second to none. Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!"
He goes on to say there will be many more opportunities to show the world what las vegas is made of."
And when it comes to Raider Nation in Las Vegas, Vizcarra said fans will have many reasons to celebrate. They'll just have to be patient.
"The Raiders are still coming and Raider Nation - every game, every announcement will be a party so we'll have many more opportunities like Mark says," said Vizcarra.
Financial analyst Steve Budin estimated the NFL Draft would've brought upward of $500 million to Las Vegas.
ORIGINAL STORY
In consideration of current information related to COVID-19 and guidance from medical experts such as the CDC, and in coordination with public authorities in Nevada and the City of Las Vegas, the NFL will modify its plans for the 2020 NFL Draft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today.
The clubs' selection of players will proceed as scheduled April 23-25. The NFL is exploring innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available. The selection process will be televised.
Public NFL Draft events in Las Vegas next month will not take place. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:
"This decision reflects our foremost priority – the health and safety of all fans and citizens," said Commissioner Goodell. "While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl."
The Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis released the following statement:
After careful consideration, the Las Vegas Raiders, the NFL, the NFLPA and the LVCVA have decided to cancel the 2020 Las Vegas NFL Draft celebration. Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision. I would like to thank Governor Sisolak and the LVCVA for all of the passion they put into creating an event that would have been second to none. Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!
The 3-day event on the Las Vegas Strip was scheduled to take place from April 23 through 25. Hundreds of thousands of people were expected to attend the first major NFL event in Las Vegas.
Plans included building a stage for a red carpet on the lake in front of the Bellagio and stages for the draft itself behind the High Roller observation wheel.
The event was expected to generate millions of dollars for the Las Vegas economy.
