Detroit will have another chance to showcase itself to NFL fans.
The National Football League (NFL) announced Monday afternoon that Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft, a high-profile event attracting thousands of fans and sports journalists.
The league announced the selection of Detroit at its annual meeting in Florida. Detroit was chosen over Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC.
"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."
The three-day event will be concentrated in the downtown area, with the Campus Martius district and the riverfront Hart Plaza the focal points of the events. In addition to the draft itself, there will be free activities that include participatory games, interactive exhibits, musical performances, autograph sessions, and the Vince Lombardi Trophy on display.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the city is ready to welcome football fans from all over the world.
"We are thrilled the NFL has selected Detroit to host its 2024 draft from among a number of other great candidate cities," said Duggan. "Detroit is one of America’s great sports towns with some of the most dedicated and passionate football fans you’ll find anywhere. Holding the draft here will be a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience that energy, along with the world-class entertainment, cultural attractions and international riverfront our city has to offer."
Detroit has never hosted an NFL Draft, but the Detroit area has hosted the Super Bowl twice, once in 1982 at the Pontiac Silverdome as Super Bowl XVI and again in 2006 at Ford Field as Super Bowl XL.
Last year's draft, in Cleveland, attracted an average of 6.1-million TV and streaming viewers, making it the third most-watched NFL Draft ever. This year's draft will take place in Las Vegas, and the 2023 Draft will be held in Kansas City.
