2012 NFL Draft Start Time: Why Prime Time Start Will Only Help NFL's Prestige

There's a reason why the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft is scheduled for the time and place it is. If anyone knows what they're doing, it's the NFL, an entity which has become one of the biggest businesses in the world and certainly, this country.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know in order to get ready to watch the first round of the NFL Draft and why the prime time start will only help the league.

Location: Radio City Music Hall, New York, N.Y.

Round 1: Thursday, April 26

Coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network. Scheduled to end at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Ratings

It isn't rocket science: A prime time start will ensure the most people are watching, whether they are NFL fans or not. It's a great way to find new fans who are just waiting in the wings.

That being said, with more fans, the NFL can make even more money off their already valuable ad time. In last year's Super Bowl, the top-selling ad sold for $3 million, and as impossible to think as it is, that will only go up.

Talent showcase

All night, the talking heads of every major sports network will be discussing the different picks and/or trades that were surprising, whether good or bad.

In that discussion, players' strengths and weaknesses will be discussed, and in turn, it gives a great and informative look into the newest players who are either on the cusp of greatness, or failure.

It's always exciting to get a great look into the future of the NFL, and the draft gives us that unique opportunity as fans in one mass dose.

For the kids

The next generation of fans in the NFL are younger kids who are still developing a passion for the game. The draft is the perfect way for them to get acquainted with the newest players in their favorite sport.

A 7:30 p.m. start ensures that the kiddies will still be able to watch a good amount of the first round and get to bed at a decent hour. There's no reason why a child should be falling asleep in class simply because he stayed up to watch the first five picks of the draft.

Happy medium accomplished: Both mom and dad can be satisfied at the same time, and the NFL begins adding to a foundation for the long term.