So, you’re attending the 2014 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in late February, you’ve arrived a few days early and are looking for something to do, right?
You don’t have to go too far if you’re an NFL fan. Just look to Lucas Oil Stadium where the 2014 NFL Combine will be taking place — the combine and the Pumper & Cleaner Expo overlap by two days.
It’ll be the third straight year the NFL will be distributing tickets for the scouting combine that is held each February in Indianapolis and draws the best college athletes hoping to make it onto an NFL roster.
In 2012, the NFL opened the scouting combine to 250 and demand was so high that the NFL increased the number of tickets available to 600 and fans could be allowed in for two days instead of just one.
This year, NFL officials are saying more tickets could be available. Those tickets would either be sold via a ticket outlet such as Ticketmaster or, as done in the past, fans would need to write an essay saying why they deserved the ticket. Those plans weren’t finalized by deadline, according to Corry Rush, AFC Football Communications Director.
“The NFL is looking for real, die-hard fans to be a part of this opportunity,” said Rush.
Fans getting tickets will get a chance to see some of the top draft prospects — Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater; South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney; Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews; Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins; and UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr.
“It’s the ultimate job interview,” said Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson.
Fans could watch the 40-yard dash for quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive linemen and tight ends, and position skill drills.
The NFL Scouting Combine has been growing in popularity over the last several years. In 2012, more than 6.5 million people watched on the NFL Network and ESPN. Last year, more than 7 million watched.
There aren’t too many outdoor activities centered around the NFL Combine, but if you’re attending the Pumper & Cleaner Expo and book your hotel room early, you have a chance to stay in the expo’s host hotel the JW Marriott — which is also the host hotel for the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Fans will see coaches, general managers and college athletes walking around the hotel, through the convention center and around that area of Indianapolis,” Rush said.
The NFL Combine will be held from Feb. 18-25 this year, while the first day of the Pumper & Cleaner Expo is Monday, Feb. 24 with Education Day.
The Expo will return to the Indiana Convention Center — connected to the JW Marriott — Feb. 24-27, 2014, again showing off the latest products and technologies in the environmental services industry.
Early registration costs just $50 until Jan. 24. At-the-door registration is $70 for the full program. To find out more, visit www.pumpershow.com or call 866/933-2653.
