There is simply no denying that the COVID-19 virus is impacting everything in a major. For major outlet retailers to major sports associations, everything is behind impacted by this horrible virus. That being said, it is certainly taking its toll on the professional sports world. Major wrestling entertainment shows have gone as far as to air their show without a live studio audience. Some sports associations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship have even completely canceled events.
While the 2020 NFL season hasn’t even started yet, the league is already feeling the fallout for the looming virus.
That being said, the NFL is truly in a unique position because their offseason is just beginning while a lot of other organizations have had to come to a complete halt. And, they have already started making major changes by broadcasting their offseason online. In addition to this, they have even changed the draft. For the first time ever, fans are going to see what is known as a virtual draft. Below, you are going to learn what you need to know about this draft and how you can get ready for it.
When And Where Can You Watch?
If you are a football fan then your first question is without a doubt where and how can you take advantage of this new draft and everything that it has to offer. Well, the first round of the draft will begin at 8 p.m. eastern time this Thursday. The second and third rounds will continue the following Friday night, while rounds four through seven will take place on Saturday. Pretty much, you have a whole weekend choke-full of draft action. Right now ESPN and the NFL are both collaborating on one broadcast, which will supposedly air across both networks.
Another Component Added
Now that you know where and how to watch, you’ll surely want to turn in. When tuning in, you’ll notice another new component to the whole show. This year, the league is going to host what is known as a Draft-A-Thon. This is a fundraiser of sorts that is aimed at providing financial support to healthcare workers and first responders of the virus. People from all over the world will be able to donate on all three days of the draft, and there will likely be more details released during the event. If you are at all capable be sure to do your part because just a little bit will go a long way.
Where Are The Teams Drafting From?
While you are at home resting on your back cushion gel, so will be the teams conducting the drafts. All the personnel from the teams involved in the draft will be broadcasting from the comfort of their own homes. In many ways, this draft is going to be what most people are already familiar with. Really, the only difference is that all the teams won’t be able to have their personnel in the same room as the draft takes place.
This is, of course, going to make communications a little more difficult and interesting for the teams, but it is just a simple hurdle that can easily be overcome. Just like the cameras that give fans a glimpse into the war rooms on the night of the draft, fans will see similar setups in the homes of the personnel involved in the draft. Instead of getting a look into the war rooms, you’ll be getting an up-close and personal look into the homes of the coaches and trainers involved in the draft.
What About The Teams And The Rest Of The League?
Don’t worry, no one is going to be left out of the event. The teams will be connected to one another and to league personnel via a video conference on a private and encrypted channel thanks to Microsoft Teams app. In addition to this, there is also going to be a league-wide conference call that will be ongoing throughout the entire event. All the clubs will be muted until any announcements need to be made. Each club is also going to be privy to a direct line that connects right to the league officials, in the event that further communication is needed.