NFL Original Towns - Rock Island will host a live hometown event to announce a 2019 NFL Draft pick. The community is invited to join in the celebration on April 27 at the Austin E. Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex at Augustana College.  Nearly 100 years after the National Football League was born in Canton, Ohio, the NFL is celebrating the 13 communities, including Rock Island, that were home to the 14 teams of its inaugural season. The initiative is part of ‘NFL 100’, a year-long commemoration of its centennial season bringing together generations of football fans, players, communities and all 32 clubs for a unique line-up of programming and activities.

During the 2019 NFL Draft, selections from Rock Island and seven of the league’s “Original Towns” outside of the 32 current NFL markets will be made live in the telecast. Our hometown celebration will showcase Rock Island’s history alongside fans and elected officials. This historic event solidifies the NFL history in Rock Island and celebrates the Rock Island Independents, one of the first NFL charter members, who played football at historic Douglas Park in Rock Island.

The gates will open for this free community event at noon on April 27^th and there will be a Family Fun Zone featuring bounce houses, carnival games, and goodie bags for the first 150 children. For a full list of events, vendors, and activities, please visit www.rockislanddraft.com.  Are you ready for some football?

Rock Island Unplugged – Please join City leaders and Department Directors as they organize the second Rock Island Unplugged on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at The Establishment, located at 220 19^th Street in Rock Island.  This is an informal, yet structured event to have an open dialogue with city officials on city happenings.  Hors d’oeuvres, non alcoholic beverages and a cash bar will be available to those that attend.  Doors open at 5:30 pm, with discussion starting at 6:00 pm.