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Pa.'s mascots will race at NFL draft

Ryan Deto

Pittsburgh Steelers mascot Steely McBeam next to Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop the eagle, next to University of Pittsburgh mascot Roc the Panther next to Penn State University mascot Nittany Lion — The line-up is set: Steely McBeam, Swoop the eagle, Roc the Panther, and Nittany Lion. Photos by: Perry Knotts/Getty Images, Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Mitchell Layton/Getty Images.

The NFL draft will crown a mascot champion.

The intrigue: The "Great Pennsylvania Mascot Race" will pit Steely McBeam, Swoop the Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Roc the Pitt Panther and the Penn State Nittany Lion in a 40-yard dash for eternal glory.

Zoom in: Punxsutawney Phil, the real-life groundhog, will be on hand to predict a winner before the race, according to a press release.

Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross performers will start the race.
The Pittsburgh Steeline drum line will perform.

Between the lines: It's all part of Visit PA's marketing push to hype up the state's massive sports year.

"This is our chance to introduce the Steel City to a global audience and turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans," said Pennsylvania tourism secretary Anne Ryan.

If you go: Point State Park in the draft campus.

Thursday at 4pm.
Register with the NFL One Pass app beforehand to gain free entry into the draft.

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Pa.'s mascots will race at NFL draft

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