DETROIT (WWJ) — At long last, the NFL Draft in Detroit is almost here. After years of preparation, Downtown Detroit will play host to the NFL’s marquee offseason event April 25-27.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to descend on Detroit for the weekend, there are loads of events for fans all across the city and Metro Detroit area.
Here’s a look at what’s taking place:
NFL Draft Experience & NFL Draft Theater
Officials with the NFL and city of Detroit are stressing the importance of not only planning ahead for parking and transportation, but downloading the NFL OnePass App (GET IT HERE), as fans are required to register for their NFL OnePass QR code in order to get free entry to the NFL Draft Experience.
The NFL Draft Experience is a “family friendly football festival” running Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27 in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Free to enter, there will be games and attractions throughout the experience, which includes Campus Martius Park, Woodward Avenue south of the park and Hart Plaza.
As is the case in other parks and places throughout the city, the Draft Experience will feature large screens airing the draft as it happens, so fans don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
The Draft Experience will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. With the NFL’s clear bag policy in effect, entrances will be located at Jefferson and Griswold, Jefferson and Randolph, and Cadillac Square and Randolph.
Draft Experience games include testing out your football skills in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and hail mary throws, while other attractions include an autograph stage with current and former NFL players, replicas of the NFL Draft stage and locker rooms, Super Bowl rings and the Lombardi Trophy, photo opportunities, food, drinks and more. FULL DETAILS HERE
The draft itself will be taking place at the NFL Draft Theater, set up adjacent to Campus Martius. Those inside the Draft Experience can access the Draft Theater, but fans may only enter the standing room section, as tickets are needed to access the seated area.
MORE: What to know about parking and transportation in Detroit during the NFL Draft
Draft Day in the D
While the Draft Experience and Draft Theater are expected to be jam packed and potentially difficult to get into, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy NFL Draft weekend in Detroit.
Among them is Draft Day in the D, a “three-day party across Downtown Detroit’s award-winning parks and public spaces.”
Festivities will take place at Grand Circus Park, Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, and a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State and Witherell Streets.
The free event is open to fans and visitors of all ages, complete with 10 20-foot-tall video walls spread across the parks showing live Draft coverage. The event runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The popular Greektown area will also be holding a "tailgate," featuring screens showing draft coverage, while bars and restaurants will be open.
The park parties include live music, a bevy of food trucks and adult beverages.
Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Black Cherry Seltzer, Stella Artois and Smirnoff Smash will be available at bars located within all five of the Draft Day in the D event spaces.
Cornhole tournaments and other games will be available at Beacon Park, while Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park will feature cigar rolling on Thursday.
More details on Draft Day in the D can be found on the Downtown Detroit Partnership website.
97.1 The Ticket live broadcasts at Buffalo Wild Wings
97.1 The Ticket will be broadcasting live from the Buffalo Wild Wings on Randolph Street, starting Tuesday. Tune in LIVE for NFL Draft coverage throughout the week and on Twitch for special live events Tuesday and Thursday.
NFL Draft Concert Series
Meant to spotlight Detroit's vibrant music scene throughout the three-day event, the NFL Draft Concert Series is set to feature musical talents with Detroit roots each day of the event.
Big Sean will kick things off Thursday at 6:15 p.m., while the nationally acclaimed Detroit Youth Choir will take the stage Friday at 6 p.m.
After Rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 26, a post-Draft fireworks show and tribute to Detroit music will take place.
After the Draft selections conclude on Saturday, April 27, Bazzi, the Canton, Mich. native best known for his 2018 hit “Mine,” will close out the 2024 Draft Concert Series.
Play Football Field at Corner Ballpark
The Corner Ballpark, the former home of old Tiger Stadium at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, will play host to youth activities and be an extension of the activities at the main Draft site.
Open from 3-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, the Corner will feature kids activities such as kicking field goals, trying on NFL equipment, food trucks and more.
Where to buy gear
The NFL Draft Shop, located at 1001 Woodward Avenue, will have gear for all 32 NFL teams, as well as NFL Draft apparel.
The Klutch Athletics by New Balance pop-up store — a brand created by agent and Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul — will open at 119 State Street and be open to the public Thursday and Friday.
Other pop-up shops downtown include the Luxury Locker Room, featuring retail capsules from brands sold at the Somerset Collection, and Born In Detroit, featuring Detroit-themed apparel.
What else is going on across the city?
While fans will have plenty to take in throughout the Draft Experience footprint and other activations, bars, restaurants and other businesses across the city will be open throughout the weekend, with many holding viewing parties and offering specials.
Reminder: Don't forget to download the NFL OnePass app to ensure access to all NFL Draft events!
Stay tuned for more! LISTEN LIVE to WWJ Newsradio 950 and 97.1 The Ticket for the latest coverage of the NFL Draft throughout the week!