DRAFT VEGAS: Everything you need to know for the NFL Draft in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The 2022 NFL Draft is in Las Vegas, bringing some of football's biggest prospects and tens of thousands of people along with it.

Here is what you need to know about all the action.

WHEN IS THE DRAFT?

The first round of the NFL Draft will be held on Thursday starting at 5 p.m.

The second and third rounds will be held on Friday starting at 4 p.m., and the remaining four rounds will take place on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

WHERE IS THE DRAFT?

The main stage is to the rear of The LINQ High Roller, next to the Caesars Forum convention center off Koval Lane and Flamingo Road. This is where NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce each team's selections.

A red carpet stage has also been built over the Bellagio fountain. This is where draft prospects and others will go for interviews.

IS ADMISSION FREE?

Admission to the NFL Draft Experience is free, but registration is required ahead of timethrough the NFL OnePass app.

Viewing at the draft stage is standing room only, on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans can also watch the red carpet stage at the Bellagio from Las Vegas Boulevard.

HOW CAN I GET TO THE DRAFT?

There will be road closures in effect around the draft's main areas. That means Las Vegas Boulevard is closed from the Paris to Flamingo Road, Flamingo Road is closed from Las Vegas Boulevard to Koval Lane.

There will be lane reductions just west of Bellagio's North Valet entrance off eastbound Flamingo, extending up to Bellagio Drive, for the red carpet stage.

On top of the street closures and lane reductions, thousands of people will be attending the NFL Draft, making the Las Vegas Strip very busy for the next three days.

If you want to avoid the traffic, the Las Vegas Monorail and RTC Express buses will be running all day.

Click here for more information on those options.

WHAT CAN I BRING INSIDE THE DRAFT EXPERIENCE?

There will be security screening in and around the Draft Experience, and certain items will be prohibited.

That includes the usual items not allowed to enter major sporting events: weapons like guns and knives, alcohol, laser pointers, beach balls, drones and beverage containers.

The NFL says it's discouraging fans from bringing any type of bag. Bags smaller than 16x14x12 are permitted and subject to x-ray screening. Large bags can also be secured at provided lockers. Visit the NFL website to learn more.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Thursday will be mostly sunny and windy by 5 p.m., with a forecast of 83 degrees and winds from the southwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour.

Friday is also expected to be sunny at 82 degrees with winds of 10 to 15 mph.

For the full weekend forecast, go to news3lv.com/weather.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT THE DRAFT?

Aside from watching the commissioner announce the draft picks for each team, you can enjoy the NFL Draft Experience.

There will be exhibits and activities for fans of all ages, like a replica NFL locker room, a Pro Football Hall of Fame curated exhibit and an autograph stage.

There will also befree concerts at the conclusion of each dayfeaturing Weezer, Ice Cube and Marshmello.

Several Las Vegas performers will be part of the draft experience, including Mat Franco, Absinthe, the Jabbawockeez, Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Piff the Magic Dragon and Terry Fator.

The hours for all three days of the NFL Draft Experience:

• Thursday, April 28: 12 PM – 9 PM PT (post-concert)
• Friday, April 29: 12 PM – 9 PM PT (post-concert)
• Saturday, April 30: 8 AM – 5 PM PT (post-concert)

WHO IS PICKING FIRST?

The Jacksonville Jaguars currently have the first-overall pick.

It's the second straight year that the Jaguars have the top pick. Last year, the team selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence from Clemson.

WHO WILL BE PICKED FIRST THIS YEAR?

While there has been some debate in the last couple of months, multiple experts have defensive end Travon Walker from Georgia as the favorite for the Jaguars' top pick.

It would be the first time a player who isn't a quarterback is selected first overall since 2017.

WHEN DO THE RAIDERS PICK?

The Las Vegas Raiders don't have any picks until the third round, at 86th overall, meaning they won't be on the clock until late Friday.

The Raiders traded both their first- and second-round picks to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for wide receiver Davante Adams last month.

WHY ARE MILITARY HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER THE STRIP?

A Nevada Army Guard three-aircraft flyover will help mark the start of the NFL Draft.

A spokesperson for the Guard said the flyover is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday over the NFL Draft stage next to the Caesars Forum conference center.

Residents should not be alarmed if they see these aircraft.