DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: A general exterior view of Ford Field as fans wait to enter for the U.S. Women’s 2015 World Cup Victory Tour match between the United States and Haiti at Ford Field on September 17, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The U.S. defeated Haiti 5-0. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions have been in the mix to host it, and the 2024 NFL Draft is coming to Detroit.
Monday at the NFL league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida has been a big day for the Detroit Lions. After the announcement they will be the team featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”, the league announced Detroit will play host to the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Draft has become a prominent offseason event across the country, and we are excited to work with the Lions and their partners to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “With the help of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the City of Detroit the Lions passionate fan base and all visitors will be treated to an incredible three-day experience.”
Today is a historic day for Detroit with the announcement that the 2024 NFL Draft is coming to the Motor City,” said Claude MoIinari, Visit Detroit President and CEO. “Visit Detroit is looking forward to working with our partners in the hospitality community to welcome enthusiastic football fans from across the country who will make our city a pigskin pilgrimage stop. Hosting the draft is another exciting win for Detroit, and it will deliver a powerful economic impact and highlight the vibrancy of our region.”
The Detroit Lions have long wanted to host the NFL Draft
Lions president Rod Wood previously noted the team started bidding for a future draft in 2017. A virtual draft in 2020 due to the pandemic led to that year’s original host, Las Vegas, getting this year’s draft and Kansas City has the draft in 2023.
Even in late-April, the weather in Detroit could become less than ideal for an outdoor event. But if weather holds up, the draft will be outside at Campus Martius/Hart Plaza in the heart of downtown.
Detroit is ready to host a major sporting event, and it’s finally getting the NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see where the Lions are picking on Day 1 of that draft.