SNIDER: NFL Draft in Washington would be tricky

Washington could host the NFL Draft if federal and local lawmakers play nice. Good luck with that.

Washington has entered the bidding for the 2027 draft after recent years saw massive crowds nationwide for the three-day event. It’s especially sought by cities with little chance of hosting a Super Bowl because of cold climate or inadequate facilities. The draft at least spreads some wealth among the NFL’s smaller markets.

Washington would be a massive success. In a city that specializes in major events, it’s a no-brainer wanting to come to DC.

But, and there’s always a but in Washington, everyone has to surrender some power in a city that relishes it. Why, some Montana senator is holding up legislation granting the RFK site to the city in what’s clearly a money grab. Being a federal territory leaves the District vulnerable to the whims of Congress and that’s rarely a good thing. Politicians wanting attention can turn this into a boondoggle. That there are 535 senators and house reps makes it impossible to avoid someone objecting.

Still, let’s just suppose for once lawmakers get along because the NFL is America’s most popular thing. Not just in sports, but anything nowadays.

There are still rules that need some arm twisting to provide the National Mall. Oh, Freedom Plaza near the White House could possibly handle the crowd. There are several nearby hotels for the NFL. TV cameras could shoot down Pennsylvania Ave. to show the U.S. Capitol. It’s a doable Plan B.

However, the Mall is better because it can handle whatever size crowd comes. If it’s one million people, the Mall can absorb it. With Smithsonian museums on both sides, there’s food and restrooms available during the day and probably with an NFL donation could remain open after its normal 5:30 p.m. closing.

The fly in this ointment? The National Park Service controls the Mall and rules say no private corporate events aside the Henry Bacon Ball Field and the plaza by the Lincoln Memorial.

And that’s where lawmakers need to get along and find an exception to the rules. Surely, the NFL has the money and lobbyists to make this happen, but everybody will want to get paid. The city, the feds – the NFL’s pockets better be deep. And, that price may be too steep when other cities will provide a free venue.

There are also no beer sales on the Mall. No open container rules in the city. Now, the Fourth of July fireworks crowd usually leaves lots of alcoholic containers on the Mall and no one gets arrested unless disorderly so a wink-wink exception can be made to those bringing beer. But, allowing alcoholic sales on the Mall might be a backbreaker request. After all, Commanders fans often needed a drink following past first-round picks.

In a city where impossible deals get done and simple ones fail, the NFL gaining the National Mall may not be worth the squeeze required. Then again, if the NFL wants Congress to ignore its increasing pay-per options to watch games, it might bring the draft to squash discontent.

After all, capitalism is the biggest American game.