The San Francisco 49ers announced today that the team will be holding a virtual draft party for fans to replace the annual in-person event. Below is the press announcement from the team.
The San Francisco 49ers today announced the 49ers Virtual Draft Party presented by Levi's® on Thursday, April 23rd – the first night of the 2020 NFL Draft.
For the Faithful looking for a 49ers-centric Draft experience, the 49ers Virtual Draft Party will take place simultaneously on 49ers.com, the 49ers app, YouTube Live and Facebook Live. Live segments will be streamed on the above channels to complement the national television broadcasts on NFL Network, ABC and ESPN.
The first Draft Party segment will be the Pre-Draft Tailgate from 4:00 pm – 5:01 pm PT. Additional live segments will air surrounding the 49ers first pick (13th overall), the team's second pick (31st overall) and at the conclusion of the first round. The draft party will be hosted by 49ers Senior Team Reporter Keiana Martin and will feature interviews, look-ins and messages from 49ers fans, influencers, current players, draft prospects, General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. Fans can join the conversation using #49ersDraft.
Leading up to and throughout the draft, fans can visit 49ers.com/draft for additional content including a live draft tracker, pick analysis, player college highlights and more. During Days 2 and 3 of the Draft, the 49ers will leverage Instagram "Live With" for interviews with draft picks, coaches, and other special guests. Fans can also join the newly launched official 49ers Facebook Group to connect in meaningful conversations with Faithful around the globe.
"We wanted to provide the Faithful with a unique experience for the first major sports event in the United States in over a month," said 49ers Chief Marketing Officer Alex Chang. "Interest among the Faithful for this draft is especially high coming off of our Super Bowl appearance and looking ahead at our two potential first round picks. We're excited to partner with Levi's to create these experiences for our fans and hope they provide them with some enjoyment during this challenging time."
The 49ers are participating in the NFL's Draft-A-Thon to raise needed funds to support relief efforts in all NFL markets. All proceeds generated by the 49ers will support the CDC Foundation's efforts within the Bay Area. The NFL is rallying partners, Clubs, players, and local communities to come together & host the three-day virtual fundraiser. NFL fans and communities can donate during the NFL Draft-A-Thon timeframe to one central fund benefitting several COVID-19 relief efforts. A donation tracker will be housed on the NFL's Draft Homepage, with various ways on social/digital platforms to donate, including traditional donation link, Text-To-Give, and Facebook. Fan contributions will be in addition to the sizable financial commitments already put toward COVID-19 relief from the NFL Foundation, Clubs and players prior to the Draft.
Note: Player information provided by the 49ers Communications department.