NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL
The National Football League (NFL) recently selected Detroit to host the 2024 NFL Draft, according to official reports.
“The Draft has become a prominent offseason event across the country, and we are excited to work with the Lions and their partners to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a news release.
The news comes shortly after the Detroit Lions were announced as the featured club of the HBO docuseries Hard Knocks during the 2022 training camp, according to www.nfl.com.
Top Videos Detroit beat out the likes of Green Bay and Washington D.C. to serve as the 2024 draft host, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The draft has been a roving affair in recent years and one of the most successful tentpole events on the NFL calendar. The 2022 NFL Draft is slated for Las Vegas.
In 2023, it will be in Kansas City.
The NFL Draft Experience will be complete with the league’s football theme park, which features free games, interactive exhibits, live music, autographs, and pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, Crain’s reported.
The article added that the draft event is the first time for Detroit to host, which typically happens in New York City until the sports league decided to incorporate traveling with the draft events in 2015. The events are typically held in late April.
Claude Molinari, Visit Detroit president, and CEO said in the article that the announcement is a “historic day” for the city.
“Visit Detroit is looking forward to working with our partners in the hospitality community to welcome enthusiastic football fans from across the country who will make our city a pigskin pilgrimage stop,” Molinari said in the release. “Hosting the draft is another exciting win for Detroit, and it will deliver a powerful economic impact and highlight the vibrancy of our region.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, among other officials, applauds the NFL’s decision to come to Detroit, which she petitioned for last year in a letter. Whitmer wrote to the NFL in March 2021, supporting Detroit’s bid to be the home of the 2024 NFL Draft. A year later, thanks to the hard work and advocacy of so many Michiganders, Detroit landed the bid.
“Bringing the 2024 NFL draft to Detroit is a huge win for Detroiters and football fans across the state of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer in a statement. “It will inject energy into our economy, benefitting countless small businesses and working families in Southeast Michigan. The NFL’s selection is a testament to the Motor City’s hustle and spirit, and I’m so proud that yet another major company has decided to make a historic investment in Michigan since Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I took office. I am grateful to all the local leaders, community organizations, and business owners who continue to get things done in Detroit. Together, we will continue landing marquee projects and events as we stay focused on growing our economy to help every working family, small business, and community thrive.”
“This announcement is a win for Detroit and for Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II in the statement. “Governor Whitmer and I have worked hard to build a Detroit with opportunity and prosperity for everyone, and we are excited that the NFL has recognized Detroit’s strength as a center for tourism, culture, innovation, and athletics. We look forward to hosting the 2024 NFL draft and we will continue standing tall alongside Detroiters.”
Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement that Detroit being selected to host the 2024 NFL Draft is a big deal, too.
“We are thrilled the NFL has selected Detroit to host its 2024 draft from among a number of other great candidate cities. Detroit is one of America’s great sports towns with some of the most dedicated and passionate football fans you’ll find anywhere. Holding the draft here will be a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience that energy, along with the world-class entertainment, cultural attractions, and international riverfront our city has to offer. I’d like to thank the Detroit Sports Commission, Visit Detroit, and all who played a role in our successful bid.”
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