from staff
Jaguars fans who would rather watch Saturday’s NFL Draft with thousands of other fans than sit on their couch can head to the Landing for the day-long event.
The team, along with the Landing, is hosting the 13th Annual Bud Light Draft Day Party from noon-4:30 p.m., which is about how long it takes for the 32 selections in the first round to be made. In addition to watching the draft live from New York’s Madison Square Garden on a 9-by-12 screen, fans will enjoy free admission to the event and beer specials all day.
“The first 11 years we had the draft party here (at the stadium),” said Jennifer Perkins, the director of marketing for the Jaguars. “This is the second year we have had it at the Landing.”
Perkins said the Landing has more to offer than Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. The riverfront setting comes with plenty of options for lunch and the shape of the Landing’s courtyard creates a theater-like atmosphere.
“Last year we had 3,000 to 4,000 people,” said Perkins, adding it’s difficult to get an accurate count because there are no turnstiles at the Landing. “We would love to get a lot more this year.”
In addition to the big screen, the Landing tenants will all have the draft on and several players will be around throughout the day to meet with fans and sign autographs. Players scheduled to appear include Pro Bowlers John Henderson and Rashean Mathis, Jermaine Wiggins, Tony Pashos, Gerald Sensabaugh and Daryl Smith. Former players James Stewart and Mike Hollis will also be on hand.
During the draft day party, the team will also unveil the 2007-08 Roar and the team’s drum line.
Fans obviously won’t be able to pick for the team, but Perkins said the team is holding a contest for Jaguars fans. Several fans will be selected to draft a player they believe the team will take with the 17th overall selection (provided the team doesn’t trade up or down). The fan that correctly guess the right player will get two tickets to the Oct. 22 Monday night game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The team also hosted the local media Tuesday to discuss the draft. Last year the team took two UCLA players with its first two selections — tight end Marcedes Lewis and Maurice Jones-Drew. Vice President of Player Personnel James Harris said the team has needs it would like to fill with the 17th pick. However, as with Jones-Drew last year, if the right player was available at the time, position would not matter.
The following is the schedule of events for Saturday:
• Noon — Draft Day Party begins (ESPN is broadcasting the draft)
• 12:30 p.m. — Introduction of Drum Line and performance
• 1-2 p.m. — Jaguars player autograph session No. 1
• 2 p.m. — Introduction of the Roar and performance
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. — Autograph session No. 2
• 4 p.m. — Approximate time the Jaguars will pick
• 4:30 — Events conclude