When the Music City becomes the 2019 NFL Draft host city, we'll all win.
Wednesday's announcement that the 2019 Draft is coming isn't just a boon to Nashville, but a boon to the entire league. From music to food to overall atmosphere, the capital of Tennessee was the perfect choice by NFL owners.
Here are seven reasons why we can't wait for Nashville to host the NFL Draft next year.
1. Nashville fans show up
That amazing turnout might've sold league owners on what is now one of America's most underrated sports cities. Keep in mind: Nashville sports fans packed Broadway during the Predators' Stanley Cup run last year and interest in their incoming MLS team is rising ahead of its inaugural season in 2020. Expect crowds and lots of them.
2. Nashville is insanely walkable
We don't yet know the venue where the the 2019 NFL Draft will be staged. What we do know is that it'll be easy to get to.
According to WalkScore.com, a site that rates the walkability of cities, Nashville rates as an eyeball-popping 91/100. The Capitol Building and State Park are within minutes of Riverfront Park and the Johnny Cash Museum, for instance. And in case you want to get across the river to Nissan Stadium, Nashville's John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
3. Downtown will be bumping
Nashville didn't get it's "Music City" nickname for nothing.
Nashville's honky tonks and juke joints have hosted country music legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Patsy Cline; come next spring, it'll host swarms of NFL Draft-goers.
The legendary Tootsie's Orchid Lounge has a backdoor where Grand Ole Opry stars used to enter after their performances at the Ryman Theater. Garth Brooks' early career began at The Bluebird Cafe. And at Legend's Corner, star musicians like Vince Gill make drop in for cameo appearances at the bar or on stage.
4. Barbecue. Barbecue everywhere.
Nashvillians don't mess around when it comes to cooking their meats.
Case-in-point: The "Tuck Special" at Edley's B-B-Cue, a smoked brisket sandwich with spicy cheese, white sauce and pickles topped with an over easy egg. Or a massive pulled pork plate at Hog Heaven. Or about 20 other joints that'll make your mouth water all NFL Draft weekend long.
5. Gil Brandt approves of it
Sixty-four NFL Drafts have come and gone since Gil Brandt entered the NFL as a scout.
So take the former Dallas Cowboys general manager and current NFL.com analyst at his word when he says Nashville's about to put on a show.
That's as high a recommendation as you can get for an NFL Draft.
6. Ambassador Taylor Lewan
You might know Taylor Lewan as the Titans' mean, nasty franchise left tackle.
The 2019 NFL Draft will give Lewan a chance to showcase his less-intimidating side. And boy, does he have personality to burn.
And this is him with the catfish. If he becomes this NFL Draft's de-facto ambassador, the people of Nashville are in for a doozy.
7. Amy Adams Strunk is ready to party
In an interview with NFL Media's Judy Battista and Steve Wyche, Amy Adams Strunk mentioned the word "party" three times.
