With the NFL Draft less than a month away, the 49ers issued a press release concerning their annual draft party. The party is scheduled for Thursday April 22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The free ticketed event, begins at 3:45 p.m. PST, and will feature live NFL Network HD coverage of the first day of the draft on two giant video screens. Moving the draft to during the week will probably mean less drinking for some of us, which was certainly one of the pluses for a Saturday/Sunday draft. The first round of the draft begins at 4:30 on that Thursday, with the second and third rounds on Friday, April 23 at 3 pm, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 24 at 7 am.
49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary will address fans in attendance at the Draft Day Party after the 49ers make their two 1st round selections. The event will also involve current players, alumni, Gold Rush Cheerleaders and Sourdough Sam on hand to sign autographs throughout the day. The players will participate in a question-and-answer session on stage with the event MCs, Ted Robinson and former 49ers linebacker Gary Plummer. In addition, 49ers inflatable games, sponsor booths, prize giveaways and concessions will be available.
Raffle tickets will be sold by 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders and fans will have the opportunity to win prizes including 49ers merchandise. All proceeds benefit the 49ers Foundation, which supports development programs for underserved youth to keep them safe, on track and in school.
Although the Draft Party is a free event, tickets are limited. Season ticket holders will be able to sign up for tickets beginning Monday, March 29 and the general public can sign up on Wednesday, March 31. To obtain tickets, fans must register online at www.49ers.com. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis. One printed ticket admits 1 person.