DETROIT (WWJ) - The countdown to the 2024 NFL Draft has begun, and one official thinks Detroit could see record-setting attendance.
WWJ's Jon Hewett attended a press conference held earlier today to talk about developments in the plans for the draft. Hewett said that the exact layout will not be released until sometime in January.
Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said the "footprint" will include Hart Plaza, Woodward Avenue, Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, Monroe Street and the Midway area.
Hart Plaza is getting a multimillion dollar restoration of the fountain and the grounds.
Molinari said he thinks Detroit could see more people at the Draft than any other city that has hosted since it began traveling to different cities.
Hewett said around 300,000 people attended the Draft in Kansas City.
despite there not being another team within four hours of the location.
"No NFL city is within a four hour drive of Kansas City," Molinari said. "We have Buffalo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Chicago. There are so many local people who can get here and with our airport and everything else, the infrastructure. I think we may set an NFL attendance record, but it's hard for us to make a comment as to what we exactly anticipate or expect."
When asked if he thought the city could see 500,000 or 600,000, Molinari said it was possible.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place April 25 through 27.
