EAGAN, MN — Minnesota is officially on the clock. On Wednesday, Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), alongside the Minnesota Vikings and officials from U.S. Bank Stadium, formally submitted their bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft. The move aims to bring the league’s premier offseason spectacle to the Twin Cities exactly one decade after the region successfully hosted Super Bowl LII.
The bid arrives at a fever pitch for the league. While the NFL world prepares to descend on Pittsburgh for the 2026 Draft next month, and with Washington D.C. already locked in for 2027, Minnesota is looking to secure the next available slot. If successful, the 2028 event would complete an NFC North “hosting cycle,” following recent massive successes in Detroit and Green Bay.
The Twin Cities aren’t just looking for a three-day party; they are chasing a massive economic engine. Organizers aren’t shy about the math. Detroit’s 2024 Draft drew a staggering 775,000 fans and pumped $213.5 million into the local economy. Even Green Bay, a much smaller market, saw over 600,000 attendees and a $100 million boost last year. Minnesota believes its infrastructure can push those numbers even higher.
While U.S. Bank Stadium would serve as the anchor, the vision extends beyond downtown Minneapolis. MNSE EVP Matt Meunier mentioned that the TCO Performance Center in Eagan is a “really viable option” for ancillary events. With flag football set to debut at the 2028 L.A. Olympics, the bid includes plans for massive youth clinics and community legacy projects that would stretch across the entire region. Standing outside the Vikings’ headquarters this morning, you could feel the optimism—this isn’t just a Minneapolis bid; it’s a “Bold North” takeover.
“We have proven we can deliver on the biggest stages. This bid reflects our ambition and our confidence in what this region offers. We are a great host market, and the NFL knows it.”— Wendy Blackshaw, President and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events
Minnesota isn’t the only city eyeing the 2028 prize. Buffalo has also made its interest public, hoping to leverage its new stadium project to lure the league. However, Minnesota’s experience with the Super Bowl and Final Four gives them a heavy-hitting resume that few can match. The league typically picks a winner about two years in advance, meaning we should have a final answer during the NFL Spring League Meeting this May.
For now, all eyes stay on Pittsburgh. The 2026 Draft kicks off on April 23, and the Minnesota delegation will likely be there in force, taking notes and making their final pitch to league owners. If the “Bold North” gets the green light, expect a draft experience that blends the high-tech interior of the Bank with the scenic, outdoor energy of the Minneapolis riverfront.
