The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and I cannot WAIT! Draft day has becoming a big phenomenon as the years go by, with fans all over the country excited to see who their favorite team will choose, in hopes of that player improving their chances of winning a Super Bowl. I'm like a kid at Christmas, running down the stairs to see what gift is under the tree. This time of year makes me so giddy for so many reasons. Once the draft comes, it's all downhill from here, until the football season gets rolling.

There are a ton of ways to celebrate Draft Day. If you don't want to stay home and flick back and forth between NFL Network and ESPN, here are some options for you:

1. Go To The Actual Draft Day Event In NYC-
Every year I say I'm gonna go to the Draft Day events at the Radio City Music Hall... and every year I'm still at home, watching it somewhere else. But for those that want to get the authentic experience, here's what you do. Contrary to what you hear or what Google tells you, you can attend the Draft Day events for free. Yes, I said FREE. Such a wonderful word, right?! But usually "free" comes with some type of price. With the Draft, it's going to be your time. In order to get in you have to stand in line, which you will receive a wrist band, and then later on, tickets to get in. People start the line outside of the venue as early as the night before. It gets pretty crowded and hectic in a really short period of time.

If you ever thought about going to the Draft, take a look at this video, it'll give you a good idea of what's in store:

Fans Wait Hours Outside for Free Tickets to NFL Draft from Matt Townsend on Vimeo.

But hey, it's New York. Make a weekend trip out of it, go see a play or go get some good food while you're in the Big Apple. If you have patience and like long lines, then this is the place for you.

2. Attend Your Local Team Draft Event-
This is something that's becoming pretty popular over the last few years. A lot of teams hold Draft Day events at their home stadiums, for fans to come to. My Ravens have done one for over 10 years now, of which 5 of them I have attended.


I take my son and some of his football teammates and we have a ball. They have interactive events for adults and children, locker room tours and they also have players come out and speak to the crowd, as well as interact with the fans. All of that while waiting for your team to pick their future player. The kids love it and I do as well, it's a great way to interact with other fans that are just as passionate about their team as you are. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to spend your day. If your team is doing this, I would definitely look into it.

3. Go To A Sports Bar/Lounge For The Event-


A lot of local radio stations host/sponsor draft parties of their own nowadays. It helps them get publicity for themselves. But it also helps that you get discounted beer and food, while not having to worry about cleaning up when your done. Just sit back, order some chicken wangs (that's wings, for you uppity people lol) and an ice cold beer, and you're good to go. A lot of bars and lounges have updated their facility by adding HD flat screens for our viewing amusement now, so you can see everything, from Chris Berman's sweat beads on his balding head, to the grey hairs on Deion Sanders' shaved chin. It's also a place you want to go if you're the rowdy type. You'll find your counterparts there. Enjoy, and don't drink too much.


4. Throw A Party At Home-
Okay, this is the best place to be if 1. you have a slamming basement that's completely hooked up with everything you need, like the 60 inch flat screen with surround sound, a bar area, club area, everything. Or 2. if you're just a claustrophobic hermit who likes to always be in the comfort of your own home. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with staying home. You don't have to go far. You can sit in your favorite spot all day, eat and drink the things you like (because you bought it) and you can end the party whenever you feel like it. You can even wear one of those stupid look beer helmets and not have people point and laugh at you.


You can enjoy being in the company of folks you actually tolerate and like and get to put them out when they start talking too much smack about your team. The more I think about this, the more I like the idea of having a party at home. Everything works in your favor. If the party's a success, it's because of you. If the party's lame, it's because of you. Either way, the day is for YOU to enjoy and no one else.

So there you have it boys and girls. Your guide to Draft Day. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you do it all the way live! I'm going to the Football Festival (again!) down M&T Bank stadium with the kids to enjoy themselves (okay... I enjoy myself also LOL). After that, we're walking across the way to see the O's play the Texas Rangers, as a part of the package deal the Ravens and O's put together.

Happy Draft Day!! I can't wait until Goodell say, "With the 1st pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select........."


Like to hear more on football from a lady's perspective, check out my girl pigskinlovinglady. Women and football... two things that make men go crazy!