Here’s the Latest on the NFL Draft in Detroit
We’re about 150 days from the NFL draft reaching Detroit. I’m beyond excited to have this major NFL event coming to the Motor City. We deserve it, after the Lions have fought to have as great a record as they do right now. I know that we lost on Thanksgiving. But, we’re still playing some of our best football since the 1950s and 1960s, so I’ll take it. Now, officials have released some new information about what to expect from the massive event next year. Here’s the latest on the NFL Draft in Detroit.
The event is set for April 25-27, 2024, in downtown Detroit. It will take place in the areas around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. However, the NFL and local coalition are still working out details. Officials have announced that the NFL Draft Experience, which is the NFL’s interactive football theme park, will be open for all three days of the draft. There, attendees will be able to play games, check out interactive exhibits, autograph sessions and take pictures with the famed Vince Lombardi Trophy.
What’s extra exciting is that community events surrounding the draft in Detroit will be free to the public. Also, the coalition has picked literacy non-profit Beyond Basic and Project Play as the inaugural non-profit partners. They’re giving a $1 million donation to the group. The initiative’s living legacy program will continue with the Detroit Sports Commission past the NFL draft. It will run through the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four at Ford Field.
“The 2024 NFL Draft will highlight all that makes Detroit and Southeast Michigan a great place to live, work, invest, and visit,” Visit Detroit President/CEO and draft co-chair Claude Molinari said in a statement. “Visit Detroit is proud to partner with Detroit Metropolitan Airport, local hotels, restaurants, and shops to create a best-in-class hospitality experience for visitors from touchdown to takeoff.”
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates and More Announced
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates
The NFL Draft for 2024 is set to take place April 25-27 in Downtown Detroit. The Draft will bring together some major faces in college and professional football, all gathering in the Motor City, with the event set for the area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the US are projected to come.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 30: Detroit Lions fan Tiasha Horton dances with Blue Man Group during round four of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: The Excitement is Building
“It’s another great day in the Detroit region, with the official announcement of dates for the 2024 NFL Draft,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in a statement. “Fans locally and across the nation can now mark their calendars and plan their visit for a celebration of football and Detroit hospitality. Planning will intensify and we will continue to collaborate with the City of Detroit, the Detroit Lions, Downtown Detroit Partnership and other key stakeholders to ensure the event creates a beneficial lasting legacy for all members of our community.”
“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light to Detroit, a tremendous hub of sports and culture,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business, League Events and International. “With the Lions’ passionate fanbase and incredible local partners, we know the Motor City will make an unforgettable Draft experience as we celebrate all 32 teams, the Draft prospects, and the future of football.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Jameson Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 12th by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Extra fun
According to officials, the NFL Draft Experience – the NFL’s interactive football theme park – will be available for all three days of the draft. Fans will be able to play games, view interactive exhibits, partake in autograph sessions and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
“Detroiters have shown many times our ability to put on highly successful national events and we will be ready again to welcome the world next April,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. “Next year’s NFL Draft is going be an incredible opportunity for hundreds of thousands of visitors to see the progress our city is making.”
“We are excited to be partnering with the city of Detroit and the NFL to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to Detroit,” Detroit Lions President & CEO Rod Wood added. “We look forward to showcasing the culture, energy, and passion of our vibrant downtown as a part of one of the NFL’s marquee annual events.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
