Penn Theater event brings the NFL draft atmosphere to Butler
Had the NFL draft taken place in Pittsburgh 10 or more years ago, Ralph McElhaney would have been in attendance.
Now? The former Butler high school assistant football coach isn’t leaving his local community.
He’s bringing the draft’s festive atmosphere to Butler instead.
McElhaney, 68, has rented downtown Butler’s Penn Theater for a first-round draft party next Thursday night, April 23. Tickets — suitable to keep as a souvenir — are available for $10. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the draft beginning at 8 p.m.
Each selection will be aired live on the Penn’s high-definition movie screen.
“At this point in my life, I’m not into going into Pittsburgh and dealing with 700,000 people or whatever that number’s going to be,” McElhaney said. “But it is special that the NFL draft is happening so close to home.
“I wanted a way to celebrate that, and this idea came to mind.”
The event will feature a cash bar. A food truck will be parked in front of the theater, selling hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and chicken wings.
“Tailgate-type stuff,” McElhaney said. “That’s the atmosphere we’re trying to create.”
Butler graduate and internationally known speaker, Steve Gilliland — now living in North Carolina — will join Butler Radio Network personality Tyler Friel in co-hosting the event.
While the draft doesn’t begin until 8 p.m., Gilliland and Friel will provide predraft entertainment through contests and trivia. Prizes will be given to the winners.
Along with participating in a regular 50-50 drawing, those in attendance may participate in a drawing based on what the Steelers will do with their first draft choice. Tickets may be dropped into one of three buckets — offense, defense or trade — with two buckets being eliminated from the drawing based on what the Steelers do.
Those tickets will cost $5 each.
“People can buy multiple tickets and drop them in all three buckets if they want,” Gilliland said.
“When I was asked to come back for this event, I couldn’t pass it up,” Gilliland added. “I never forget where I’m from. The Butler community never goes away, and this will be a unique way for people to get together and catch up.
“We’re going to make this fun.”
McElhaney emphasized the event is not for his financial profit. The 50-50 drawing “is simply to help cover my costs, and any money left over beyond that will be donated to the Butler Football Hometown Heroes.”
There have been 150 tickets sold, and the event can accommodate up to 300. Tickets may be purchased at Cummings Candy & Coffee on Main Street in Butler until 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are also available at SheLor School of Dance on Fairground Hill Road from 7 to 8 p.m. daily.
Tickets are not available online and will not be sold at the door.
