All fans will need to go through security to attend NFL Draft events. Here’s what to expect

Joseph Hernandez
·4 min read

Upwards of 300,000 fans are expected to pack Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial for the NFL Draft Thursday through Saturday.

Security will be much tighter during the draft this week than it was during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade in February, so fans need to plan ahead.

The NFL said security screening in and around Union Station and the museum will be significantly heightened, and all items brought by fans will be carefully inspected before entry.

Security will also monitor the number of guests entering and exiting the area.

HOW TO GET IN

Multiple entrances will let people into the NFL Draft Experience. The main entrance is located at the intersection of Wyandotte Street and Memorial Drive on the south side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Anyone can access this entry point as long as they have downloaded the NFL OnePass app and registered for the event. Security will scan the QR code on your phone to let you inside. The QR code acts as your ticket.

A second entry point is between Pershing Road and Broadway Street and a third entry point is at Pershing Road and Main Street, closest to the stage at Union Station.

Both second and third entryways are mostly used for guests who have tickets to the NFL Draft Theater, guests of draft prospects or the NFL and credentialed staff.

However, there is limited capacity for general admission through the second entry point. According to Visit KC, this is mainly for fans traveling on the Park & Ride from West Bottoms and the Ride KC Bus. This shuttle service will drop fans off at Summit Street, which is a 10-minute walk to the second entry point.

IS THERE A BAG POLICY?

The NFL Draft Theater (the exclusive main stage area where the picks and the concerts will take place) and NFL Draft Experience (the fan festival open to all) will follow the NFL’s clear bag policy, which is the same as the policy at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and all stadiums in the league.

Clear bags smaller than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches are allowed on the fan festival grounds.

Small purses and clutch bags that aren’t bigger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches will be carried through screening, and size exceptions will be made for medically necessary items.

Any large bags can be secured at lockers available onsite. The NFL encourages fans not to bring bags or follow the clear bag policy.

WHAT CAN I BRING TO THE NFL DRAFT?

You can bring small cameras and binoculars, but professional-grade cameras and recording equipment are only permitted for credentialed media.

Strollers and baby carriages are allowed, but all bags and blankets must be removed and screened by X-ray and will be physically and visually inspected.

Service animals for fans with disabilities are allowed in all public areas of the fan festival. Emotional support animals and pets are not.

Fans can also bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill while they’re at the event.

The list of what you can’t bring is much larger:

  • Alcohol

  • Illegal substances

  • Chairs, stools or other seating devices

  • Laser pointers

  • Beach balls or inflatable devices (balloons)

  • Bottles, cans, thermoses, coolers, aerosol cans, cups and beverage containers of any kind, except empty, reusable water bottles

  • Motorized scooters and skateboards

  • Noisemakers, whistles and horns

  • Drones

  • Poles, sticks, missile-like objects of any kind

  • Tripods

  • Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to: firearms, weapons, knives, mace, pepper spray and explosives

  • Fireworks and pyrotechnics of any kind

  • Frisbees

  • Umbrellas

  • Any other item deemed inappropriate by the NFL or Kansas City Police Department

You can’t smoke or vape while at any official draft events.

Any offensive or obscene clothing, banners or signs are not allowed. This includes the use of language or gestures related to a person’s race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or national origin.

It also includes using items to instigate, incite or promote a confrontation, such as headdresses and face paint styled in a way that references American Indian cultures and traditions.

WHAT IS THE NFL’S FAN CODE OF CONDUCT?

The NFL said they’re committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all fans. Along with the items fans can’t bring, they said the fans in attendance are prohibited from the following:

  • Any behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal

  • Intoxication or other signs of drug or alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior

  • Interference with the progress of the event, such as throwing objects or unauthorized entry

  • The use of drugs, including marijuana, other illegal substances and/or smoking. This includes e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and vaporizers.

  • Failing to follow the instructions of draft personnel

  • Verbal or physical harassment to any other fan or person

  • Conduct that results in damage to the event site or other personal property

  • Any conduct deemed inappropriate by who or dangerous to fans, participants or team members

  • Violations of any NFL policies, Jackson County ordinances, state, federal or other applicable laws or regulations