Joe Kool’s Draft Party: Cincinnati Bengals Make International Splash in London
The 2026 National Football League draft is set to take place in London, with the majority of the event happening in Pittsburgh. However, the Cincinnati Bengals have chosen Joe Kool’s on Richmond Row as the location for one of their draft pick announcements on Saturday afternoon. This unexpected international attention has put the Forest City in the spotlight. The decision to announce a draft pick at Joe Kool’s was influenced by the fact that the Bengals' starting running back, London native Chase Brown, has ties to the city. Additionally, the bar has hosted successful team-themed watch parties in the past, making it a natural choice for a draft party.
The Bengals' connection to Joe Kool’s began when a member of the team's staff was searching for potential locations for an international event and stumbled upon the bar while looking up quarterback Joe Burrow's nickname, 'Joe Cool.' The team has previously held 'Who Dey Canada' watch parties at the venue, which have been well-received by fans. The decision to host a draft party at Joe Kool’s was met with enthusiasm from the bar's owner, despite his allegiance to the Detroit Lions. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, with signed Bengals merchandise, complimentary food, and drinks being offered to attendees.
The highlight of the event will be the announcement of the Bengals' fourth-round pick on Saturday afternoon. A TV camera will capture the fan reactions as the player is selected. The draft festivities will also include giveaways of Bengals merchandise throughout the day. The event is part of a larger push by NFL Canada to engage with fans and promote the league in new markets. The anticipation of which player will be chosen by the Bengals at Joe Kool’s adds an element of mystery and excitement to the event.
The NFL draft will kick off in Pittsburgh with the first round on Thursday night, followed by Rounds 2-3 on Friday and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. The Bengals' decision to announce a draft pick in London at Joe Kool’s has brought unexpected attention to the city and created a buzz among football fans in the area. The event promises to be a memorable experience for both the team and the fans in attendance.