Dayton mayor speaks on NFL event this weekend

There are just 1,000 free tickets left Tuesday to the NFL’s “Original Towns” event Saturday at Triangle Park.

Mayor Nan Whaley spoke to AM 1290 and News 95.7 WHIO today about the event and her role in picking the Cincinnati Bengals sixth-round pick in the NFL draft.

“I think it’s a great partnership between the city, Dayton history and the NFL,” Whaley said.

“As a city of many firsts, it is really nice that the NFL has been so supported of us being the first NFL game being played at Triangle park and the first touchdown ever in the NFL at Triangle Park.”

MORE: Archdeacon: Dayton overwhelms NFL with its embrace of Triangles

About 7,000 free tickets were released Monday to the event. But they are going fast.

Tickets can be picked up at the city's three recreations centers: the Greater Dayton Recreation Center (2021 W. Third St.); the Northwest Recreation Center (1600 Princeton Drive); and the Lohrey Recreation Center (2366 Glenarm Ave.).

The community event, which will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., will lead up to a live NFL Draft pick. Whaley will announce the Cincinnati Bengals’ sixth round pick during a live telecast.

Triangle Park was the site of the first NFL game. Dayton was one of 13 communities that were part of the NFL’s inaugural season in 1920.

The NFL is constructing a new turf field at Triangle Park to honor Dayton’s contribution to America’s most popular sport. Construction is expected to begin next week and will be completed in time for the Bengals to hold a practice later this year.

Saturday’s event will be family friendly and will have games, activities, giveaways and food and drink vendors. Current and former NFL players are expected to attend.

For more information, please contact 937-333-8400.