Fans React To Philadelphia Getting The NFL Draft
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- City officials are expected to formally announce Thursday that Philadelphia will host the 2017 NFL draft.
Officials remained tight lipped about the big news Wednesday. But football fans at fantasy football draft night at Chickie's and Pete's in South Philly had plenty of excitement to share.
"The DNC, the Pope came here," said Mario Sabino of Plymouth Meeting. "Obviously, this is the city where things are happening, so it's just fitting that the NFL draft will be here."
"I think it's wonderful," Antonella Cahill of South Philly. "I think we're a big sports town and it's going to bring a lot of pep."
The 2016 draft was a memorable one for Philadelphia, with the Eagles choosing quarterback Carson Wentz as the second overall pick.
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Now, even without a first round draft pick next year, fans are still pumped.
"Anything football in the city of Philadelphia is exciting," said Victor Sanders of Germantown. "If you watch the fan base, whether the Eagles win or lose, they sell out every game."
Chicago hosted the draft for the last two years. A study done by Temple University, on the economic impact of the 2015 draft, showed it was a touchdown for the Second City. The draft and related events pumped more than $81 million into the local economy and filling some 36,000 hotel rooms.
Chickie's and Pete's owner Pete Ciarocchi said it should be just as lucrative here in Philly.
"I think it'll be a great shot in the arm for all businesses in Philadelphia," Ciarocchi said. "It's a great consumer, a gregarious consumer, someone who likes to eat and drink and go out. That's what football is all about!"
City, NFL and Eagles officials are set to hold a news conference at noon Thursday to release more details.
