Houston is among a number of cities interested in hosting the draft.

Three-day event brings significant visibility and economic impact

Houston is planning to pursue the NFL draft.

After the impressive job the city did hosting Super Bowl LI in February, officials want to bring the league’s premier offseason event to Houston.

“It’s one of those marquee events that a lot of cities around the country want to host, and Houston wants to be part of that,” Texans president Jamey Rootes said.

Janis Burke, chief executive officer of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, and Mike Waterman, president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, represented Houston at last week’s draft in Philadelphia.

“They hosted cities during the draft that are interested in the draft,” Rootes said. “Janis and Mike saw all of the (NFL) requirements.

“I don’t think they’ve asked for future bids. People (in Houston) will start putting together bid materials, and this was preparation for when they do.”

The NFL has an option to return the draft to Philadelphia in 2018. Chicago hosted in 2015-16. Before that, the three-day event had an extended run in New York.

“The visibility of the draft is spectacular,” Rootes said. “It’s not Super Bowl level, but in NFL terms, that’s about as close as you can get.

“To have that kind of visibility, certainly from a room-night perspective and an economic impact, it’s significant.”

At least 14 cities, including Dallas, want to host the draft. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is hoping to bring it to The Star, his training facility in Frisco.

When the Rams’ new stadium is opened, owner Stan Kronke wants to host the draft in Los Angeles.