What Time Does the NFL Draft Start in California? A Guide for the Chronically Confused
So, you're a California resident, huh? You're probably used to waking up at noon, sipping your avocado toast, and wondering why the rest of the world seems to be up and about. Well, get ready to adjust your internal clock, because the NFL Draft is coming, and it's not exactly prime time for West Coast chillin'.
What Time Does The Nfl Draft Start In California |
The Draft: A Time Zone Tragedy
Let's break this down for the non-football-watching, time-zone-challenged folks out there. The NFL Draft is a yearly event where teams select college players to join their professional rosters. Think of it as the Hunger Games, but with less death and more overpriced jerseys.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Now, here's the kicker: the draft is typically held in prime time Eastern Standard Time. Which, for those of you who need a visual, is about as far away from California as you can get without leaving the country. So, while the rest of the nation is glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the next pick, Californians are probably still in their pajamas, contemplating their third cup of coffee.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
When Do I Actually Have to Wake Up?
To spare you the mental gymnastics of converting time zones, let's get straight to the point.
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- Round 1: This is the main event, folks. If you want to be part of the water cooler conversation the next day, you'll need to be awake for this one. It usually starts around 8 PM Eastern Time, which translates to a slightly more reasonable 5 PM Pacific Time. So, you can at least enjoy some pre-draft appetizers.
- Rounds 2 & 3: These rounds typically start at 7 PM Eastern Time, which means a 4 PM Pacific Time kickoff. You might want to skip the afternoon nap for this one.
- Rounds 4-7: This is the marathon portion of the draft. It starts around noon Eastern Time, which is a merciful 9 AM Pacific Time. Perfect for a breakfast draft party!
How to Survive the NFL Draft as a Californian
- Embrace the Night Owl Lifestyle: If you're serious about staying up-to-date, consider becoming a night owl for the weekend.
- Invest in Good Coffee: You're going to need it. Lots of it.
- Find a Draft Party: Surrounding yourself with fellow football fans can make the early hours more bearable.
- Set Up a Draft Command Center: A comfortable couch, plenty of snacks, and multiple screens are essential.
- Record the Draft: If all else fails, record the draft and catch up on the highlights the next day.
How-To FAQs
- How to convert Eastern Time to Pacific Time: Subtract 3 hours from Eastern Time to get Pacific Time.
- How to stay awake during the draft: Caffeine, exercise, and cold showers are your friends.
- How to impress your friends with your draft knowledge: Watch mock drafts, follow draft experts on social media, and pretend you know what you're talking about.
- How to avoid draft spoilers: Unplug from social media and avoid crowded places.
- How to recover from a sleepless draft night: Lots of sleep, hydration, and maybe a little hair of the dog (if you're of legal drinking age, of course).
So there you have it. The NFL Draft: A West Coast survival guide. Now go forth and conquer your time zone!
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