DETROIT (WWJ) - City officials are gearing up for the national spotlight as downtown Detroit hosts the NFL draft in 35 days -- and they're making sure visitors aren't being ripped off by people looking to take advantage of the big event.
Specifically, officials are working on preventing parking lot owners from price gouging.
"We have already had these discussions," said Detroit Licensing and Permits Division Manager Tyronne Charles via WDIV. "All our parking lot owners know what the expectations are surrounding price gouging."
Charles said they plan to scope out the parking lots in the area during the Draft on April 25-27, which is expected to draw up to 300,000 people to the Metro Detroit area.
If any parking lots are seen charging inflated prices, they will ticketed.
"They have to fill out a permit sheet, and what that permit sheet indicates is the price they cannot exceed," Charles explained.
Area residents looking to make their way down to Detroit are advised to pay in advance by using the Park Detroit app on their phones.
Charles said parking further way from downtown and using other transportation methods, such as the Q Line, will help keep rates down.
But wherever you park, make sure it is in a designated parking space and beware of potential scams.
"We want to make sure that everyone feels invited, and we want to make sure that we protect the general public," Charles told WDIV. "We want everyone to come down and have a good time, and enjoy the festivities, and not have to worry about unsavory characters taking advantage of the situation surrounding parking."
Back in November of 2023, 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.
