BLOG: NFL says overall draft attendance hit 312K

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft are in the books, but Kansas City still has one day left of the draft to go. So far, thousands of fans have gathered on the lawn of the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Follow along with KSHB 41 News for updates as the draft comes to a close Saturday.

8:10 p.m. | The NFL reports overall attendance to the draft hit 312,000.

In the days leading up to the event, Kansas City announced it expected crowds to near 300,000.

7:27 p.m. | Good new for Thundercat fans: the concert is on after officials sent a weather alert asking NFL Draft attendees to seek shelter.

"Attention NFL Draft fans. Severe wind threat has cleared, return to the NFL Draft site for the Thundercat Concert. Enter via Entry 3," the all-clear notification read.

6:30 p.m. | Users with the NFL One Pass were notified about 6:27 p.m. Saturday of a weather alert and the need to evacuate.

KSHB

KSHB 41 meteorologist Wes Perry says winds up to 50 miles per hour are close to moving through the area.

NFL officials say the post-draft concert is "on hold" as organizers continue to monitor the "evolving" situation.

In the meantime, security is keeping fans from entering the stage area.

Darrius Smith/KSHB 41

6:20 p.m. | With the 259th "Mr. Irrelevant" going to Toledo defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson, the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City wrapped.

Next year, the draft will take place in Detroit, Michigan.

5:52 p.m. | Kansas City native Ronnie Bell was drafted at 253 in the seventh round by the San Francisco 49ers.

Earlier in the week, the Michigan wide receiver spoke with KSHB 41 reporter Daniela Leon.

"To be full circle with the draft being in Kansas City, like everything just is a surreal moment, but definitely something I've been working for my whole life," Ronnie Bell said of the potential of being drafted in his hometown.

5:46 p.m. | For the Chiefs' final pick of the 2023 draft, 250 in the seventh round, the team selected Ball State cornerback Nic Jones.

4:12 p.m. | Kansas State running back Deuce Vaugh was selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the 212th pick overall in Round 6.

Vaughn's father, Chris, works as a scout for the Cowboys.

In January, the RB declared his intentions to forgo his fourth season at K-State to enter the draft.

3:28 p.m. | Kansas City drafted Keondre Coburn in Round 6. The Texas defensive tackle was the 194th pick overall.

2:43 p.m. | The Chiefs traded the 178th pick to the Dallas Cowboys.

In the trade, KC received a fifth-round pick in 2024.

2:08 p.m. | With the 166th pick in the 5th Round, the Chiefs drafted Stephen F. Austin linebacker BJ Thompson.

12:31 p.m. | When the final name is read Saturday, Kansas City's time on the global sports stage will not come to an end.

FIFA officials were in town for the event as a preview of how the city will handle the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

12:17 p.m. | With the 126th pick in the 4th Round, the Cleveland Browns selected Mizzou defensive tackle Isaiah McGuire.

Colin E Braley/AP

11:52 a.m. | Eric Stonestreet announced that the Chiefs drafted Chamarri Conner, defensive back with Virginia Tech.

11:50 a.m. | The Chiefs have traded up to 119th, in exchange for the 134th pick and a 2024 5th Round pick. Kansas City is on the clock.

11:39 a.m. | Defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore, from North Kansas City High School and the Northwestern Wildcats, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at 110 in Round 4.

KSHB 41 News captured Adebawore's reaction to the life-changing news.

11:22 a.m. | KSHB 41's Rae Daniel spoke with Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation and Visit KC on Day 3 of the draft. Nelson admitted to being "a tad tired" after all of the work that went into making the draft a reality.

"But absolutely incredibly uplifted, amazed," Nelson said. "I'm still pinching myself."

She said that she is "so proud" to know that around 120,000 people attended the NFL Draft on Day 1 alone.

"We've told the NFL our city shows up," she said. "No matter what our city shows up, and they proved it on Thursday."

11:20 a.m. | Round 4 of the NFL Draft is underway.

KSHB 41's Nick Jacobs reviews the Chief's day 3 picks prior to any potential trades.

10:40 a.m. | Dante Hall will be formally inducted

"If you love something, you simply want it to love you back," Hall said. "Now I feel like that love is reciprocal, so today I'm just truly, truly honored."

Daniela Leon/KSHB 41 News

10:05 a.m. | Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus addressed Chiefs Kingdom atop the Chiefs Cruiser at the NFL Draft Experience Saturday morning.

"Thinking about all of us, all of us on this double-decker bus and all of you," Holthus said. "How dreams have come true, right? And we're making new dreams. This whole extravaganza, this whole week-long in a place that week love is a dream come true. "

Now, dreams are coming true for Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who was selected by the Chiefs with the No. 31 overall pick.

"But now as we close out this portion, think about a dream come true for your number one draft pick," Holthus said.

9:45 a.m. | Chiefs fans Brenda and Patrick say all of the people they've met at the draft have made it worth it to come out all three days.

"125,000 did not scare us away," Brenda said.

The Chiefs Rumble drumline is also helping to bring the NFL Draft atmosphere to life.

Be prepared for wait times in the sunshine if you plan to participate in games and activities at the draft.

KSHB 41 News Anchor Taylor Hemness is spreading the word that we've got you covered on the latest updates on the NFL Draft Day 3.

8:43 a.m. | The gates have opened early for the final day of the NFL Draft experience.

8 a.m. | The 2023 NFL Draft Experience will open for the final time in just an hour. There are plenty of attractions, like local food vendors and games and attractions for fans to enjoy.

KSHB 41 News Morning Anchor and Multi-media Journalist Rae Daniel, and Photographer Andrae Hannon, put their skills to the test Saturday morning in the Field Goal Kick.

Fans are already lining up to join in on the fun!

Rae Daniel/KSHB 41 News

7:30 a.m. | Those planning to attend the draft Saturday can expect beautiful weather Saturday afternoon, with high temperatures near 70 degrees, before a cold front will arrive to the area around 5 p.m.

As a reminder for those checking out the NFL Draft Experience, clear 12x12x6 bags, empty reusable water bottles and strollers are allowed at the event. There are lockers on the site for those with large bags. Alcohol and illegal substances, animals, smoking, drones, chairs, weapons and umbrellas are not allowed.

At 8:30 a.m., Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt will introduce the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame. The team announced Friday that former wide receiver Dante Hall will be inducted to the hall of fame.

7:05 a.m. | The 2023 NFL Draft Experience will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Fans from all over the nation have gathered in Kansas City, and had a taste of KC barbecue. Now, nine local barbecue restaurants will be facing off in the 'Kansas City Smoke Show' competition from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial at the draft, hosted by former Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

Rounds 4-7 of the draft begin at 11 a.m.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to have six draft picks left, barring any trades: the 134th pick of the fourth round, the 166th pick of round five, the 178th and 194th picks of round six and the 250th in the seventh round.

On Day 2 of the NFL Draft, the Chiefs traded up to draft SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice with the 55th pick in the second round and Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris in the third round.

After the draft wraps up, the NFL Draft Concert Series will conclude with a performance from Thundercat.