DETROIT (WWJ) — Detroit is getting its own version of the famous Hollywood Sign just in time for April’s NFL Draft, and we now know what it looks like.
Officials with the city of Detroit on Wednesday unveiled a rendering of the 10-foot-tall “DETROIT” sign that will soon be installed along eastbound I-94 between Central Street and Cecil Avenue on the city’s west side.
Detroit-based Fairmont Sign Company is fabricating the eight-foot-tall letters that will sit on top of two-foot concrete bases, with greenery in front making it appear as if it’s “floating.”
While they're not nearly as big as the iconic 45-foot Hollywood Sign, the letters will also light up in the city's colors of green and white.
While officials haven't set a firm date for the installation, it is expected to be completed some time before the draft, set for April 25-27.
The sign will greet NFL fans from all across the country as they head into the city from Detroit Metro Airport along EB I-94 for the NFL Draft, expected to draw as many as 300,000 people to Downtown Detroit.
New aluminum “Welcome to Detroit” signs will also be installed ahead of the draft on the city’s borders at:
• I-75 and 8 Mile
• I-96 and Telegraph
• I-94 at Moross Road
• Southfield Road at 8 Mile
• Southfield Road and Ford Road
It was not immediately clear what those signs will look like.
Earlier this month officials announced the draft footprint in Downtown Detroit will include a stage and viewing area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, while attendees will also be able to view the draft along Woodward south of Campus Martius.
Other activities and events will be held at Cadillac Square and the Monroe Street Midway.
Hart Plaza is getting a multimillion-dollar restoration of the fountain and grounds.