2024 NFL draft in Detroit: Everything you need to know before you go
The 2024 NFL draft is in Detroit on April 25-27, as you probably have heard by now. If you're traveling to Detroit for the draft, here's a guide to make your draft experience easy and unforgettable.
Information on registration, parking, travel, street closings, and draft day activities are all below.
When is the 2024 NFL draft?
The 2024 NFL draft is from April 25-27 in Detroit, spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza in downtown with additional events in Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, and along Woodward Avenue.
2024 NFL draft registration
If you still have not signed up for the free draft day experience, there's still time to register using the NFLOnePass app or online through the website.
Registering for the event only guarantees you the NFL draft footprint in downtown Detroit. You must buy tickets separately for the actual draft theater.
Ticket packages are available for purchase for the second and third rounds starting at $950 per person — the fourth through seventh rounds start at $550 per person as well. Please be wary of potential ticket scams.
Can I still book a hotel in Detroit for the draft?
With the NFL draft just two weeks away, options are limited if you're still looking to book a place near the NFL draft in Detroit. Here's what to know.
Downtown Detroit transportation
Detroit has multiple public transport options to get around downtown. The city has a streetcar, an elevated rail system, bike share, and bus system to get you where you need to go.
That said, plan to get downtown early and be prepared to leave late. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to travel to Detroit over the course of the draft's three days.
Detroit parking for 2024 NFL draft
You can pay for metered parking through Park Detroit's website or app. There are also options for private parking throughout the city.
More: Downtown Detroit parking lots to see upgrades ahead of 2024 NFL draft
Detroit road closures for 2024 NFL draft
The city will start phase three of its street closings on April 15 at midnight. This marks the halfway point of the action plan to close downtown streets to accommodate the draft day build-out.
Closed streets for phase three:
Jefferson Avenue; Bates Street; Atwater Street
Southbound M-10 (Lodge), full closure at West Jefferson (Exit 1A: open); Larned ramp (Exit 1B: open)
Things to do in Detroit during the 2024 NFL draft
Detroit is a city rich with museums, restaurants and activities throughout. If you're interested in exploring the area outside of the draft, you can go to the Motown Museum, the Michigan Science Center, check out golf-rich southeast Michigan, and even catch a Detroit Tigers game on April 26, 27 or 28 when they host the Kansas City Royals.
Get a souvenir while you're in the city.
More: NFL draft in Detroit: Hotels, restaurants, things to do for traveling fans
Detroit NFL draft activities
Draft day activities are from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, events go from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Activities include a Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit and an autograph signing opportunity with current and former NFL players, as well as a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, deep throw accuracy challenges, and more. There will also be a collection of Detroit-based food trucks for participants who attend.
More: Detroit City Council OKs several public, private NFL draft events
Usually, the top prospects that go at the beginning of the first round will attend the draft in person, so players such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy could walk across the stage in the heart of downtown Detroit. There have not been any announcements yet of which prospects will be at the draft April 25.
What else is Detroit doing for the NFL draft?
Here's a list of other attractions and events planned for Detroit and the 2024 NFL draft:
The Detroit "Hollywood-style" sign is constructed along eastbound Interstate 94. Here's how to scope it out.
On April 25, the first night of the draft, the Lions are hosting an event for season ticket holders at Ford Field.
Detroit has 20 painted cleat sculptures throughout the city, in an exhibit called "DCLEATED."
Detroit City Distillery has several NFL draft events planned.
Country star Jelly Roll is planning an intimate "Night Before" concert at Fillmore Detroit on April 24.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2024 NFL draft is in Detroit: Parking, hotels, road closures, more