Kansas City Ready For NFL Draft Spotlight On Union Station

Kansas City, Missouri, above Union Station.

“You can call me soft. Call it what you want,” Young said Wednesday. “I have a cold and a common cold.”

It seemed like Thursday nights couldn't get any hotter when the Centennial Warehouse near downtown Kansas City served as the backdrop for the NFL Draft. It serves as the anchor for a three-day blockbuster event expected to draw more than 100,000 people before moving onto the largest stage the league has built for its second-biggest event since the Super Bowl.

However, Yang did not have to sit in the elements for long. The Crimson Tide quarterback, who won the Heisman Trophy two years ago, will be first. 1 when the Carolina Panthers were the first team.

"It's crazy that I'm here now," Young told the Associated Press 24 hours before the enlistment began. "My first memories of recruiting were as a kid, when I was on TV, you know? Just to house a gym. Always enabled. Always watch, always watch. And now to be able to keep track of these guys. And I'm like, 'Oh, I remind you of that design, and now it's here.'" It does" - you know, you start to see the development.

Young says, “Lately, when I look at drawings, meeting people I’ve worked with or spent my day with seems fantastical to me. I mean, to be a part of it now is such a blessing.”

Anderson, one of the best bait smokers, is expected to be among the first choices Thursday night.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I think the nicest thing is when you get drafted. That's what I thought.” "It doesn't matter where you land. Obviously, it's all about getting hired."

The draft was just part of the football's three-day celebration.

On the hill from Union Station, where the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their third Super Bowl victory in February, is the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The Great South Lawn has been transformed into an NFL Draft Experience, where fans can watch all editions of the Super Bowl Ring and Lombardi Trophy, as well as get photos and autographs.

As the first round wraps up Thursday night, Grammy-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy will take the stage for a concert. Motley Crue and Thundercat should appear in the following nights.

Friday night, right across the state line in Bonner Springs, Kansas, head tightrope walker Travis Kelsey hosted his own music festival at the Azura Amphitheater. Machine Gene Kelly, Loud Luxury, Rick Ross, and Kansas City hip-hop icon Tech N9ne will perform, while the food will be prepared by some of the best barbecues in town.

And speaking of "tips," former offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz will host a demonstration of KC-turned-Cook-Smoke on the museum's North Lawn on Saturday. In addition to the official contest, some of the top boxing champions in Kansas City and across the country will be handing out samples to fans in attendance on the final day of the draft.

"It's amazing how the plan has spread across the country and allowed cities to achieve such success," said Brit Which, CEO of Chief Executives. "I think it's great because not every city can get a Super Bowl just because they're so big, but they can get some NFL experience with different things."

When asked if he would go as a child, Fitch replied, "Of course. I'll stay there for three days."

Unfortunately, Vych will not come this year. He and Andy Reid will be based at the Chiefs base near Arrowhead Stadium, about 15 minutes from downtown, and pick the 31st on Thursday night.

"I look forward to this city," said Reid. Everyone who entered was obviously excited; they love being in Kansas City. You better light up the grill and get ready to go, because we'll have a lot of people here.

Young and Anderson have yet to attend Wednesday's famous barbecue in Kansas City, though they both swear it was on the initial agenda. An afternoon field trip to middle school and high school is also scheduled, where they will join other volunteers at the clinic and work on various community projects.

“Obviously, this is crazy, how much would our lives change, you know?” said Young, and it seemed—how doubtful—it was Anderson, now wrapped in a blanket against the morning chills.

"In 48 hours, we'll all be separated," Young said. “I hope you're mentally prepared for this process, build it up and be ready. I'm glad to be here, of course.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL.

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