It might be standing room only inside, but the party will also be outside The Old Buckhorn Bar and Parlor Thursday for their ESPN NFL Draft Party.

Anticipation is already building for an event hosted by Laramie’s oldest standing and most historic bar, which opened in 1900. The Hopkins Family has owned the establishment since 1969.

While the bar has seen many things through the years, this will mark the first visit by ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Sports, to The Buckhorn.

Buckhorn Bar and Parlor Manager Jason Tays said ESPN reached out to them.

“They (the Hopkins) have a lot of family history going back in the Buckhorn, and so a lot of people contact our owners just knowing who they are and have maybe dealt with them in the past. ESPN contacted one of our owners, Tyler, and he kind of set the whole thing up for us.”

News of ESPN coming to the Buckhorn Bar and Parlor came to light just over a month ago, right around Wyoming Football’s Pro Day with Josh Allen. Now Allen will be the centerpiece of this large celebration.

While there was early speculation that an ESPN personality might attend, they decided to just send a camera crew out for crowd reaction shots.

Tays added,

“It’s amazing (to get a chance to host something like this). We’ve had quite a few opportunities in the past where we thought we might get something, and we’ve always supported UW Football throughout the years with our “Breakfast at the Buck” specials. A lot of alumni, they come to town for the game, and they come down to “Breakfast at the Buck.” It’s just part of game day experience for a lot of people… This has created a buzz that a lot of alumni and people that have moved on from Laramie, it kind of reconnects them to Laramie and UW Football.”

The bar will more than likely be packed, but there’s a lot happening outside on Ivinson Avenue. They’re setting up a large tent where folks can sit and watch TVs. That is also where a “beer garden” will be set-up. Double Dubs will be on hand offering food for this event. On stage will be a DJ from Party Pros Entertainment providing music. A small area is available for dancing.

Festivities will start at 3 p.m. with a Pre-Draft Party sponsored by Bud Light. They’ll have some free Bud Light pint glasses and t-shirt giveaways.

The Draft Party sponsored by Coors Light, who is a partner with the University of Wyoming, will also feature more giveaways. It gets going at 5 p.m. The draft itself starts at 6 p.m.

Tays said, “It gives us a unique opportunity to connect with some of the other businesses in town… We’re trying to collaborate here and make a good environment for all.”

There is a $5 entry charge, and you can reserve tables, though many are already taken according to Tays. This event is listed on The Buckhorn Bar and Parlor Facebook page. At last check, well over 100 indicated there were going, while more than 350 were interested. A crowd of several hundred is expected to turn out and be part of the celebration.

It’s just another piece of history that adds to the “lore” that is The Old Buckhorn Bar and Parlor of Laramie.

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