NFL Draft in Detroit
Detroit, we broke records during the NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, and what a monumental three days for our city!
Enjoy the photos below and check back for a more details recap from this historic event.
NFL Draft and Draft Day in the D in Photos!
2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light
Thursday, April 25 — Friday, April 26 — Saturday, April 27, 2024
NFL Draft Experience (Free)
Thursday, April 25: 12 – 10 p.m. ET
Friday, April 26: 12 – 10 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 27: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET
NFL Draft Theater*
Thursday, April 25: 5 – 11 p.m. ET
Friday, April 26: 5 – 11 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 27: 12 – 7 p.m. ET
Draft Day in the D (Free)
Thursday, April 25: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET
Friday, April 26: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 27: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET
*The NFL Draft Theater is standing room only with free access available first come, first served.
DDP Hosting "Draft Day in the D" Celebrations, April 25-27
Three-day bash across Downtown Detroit parks to feature large screens showing live NFL Draft action, Bud Light beer tents, live music, local food trucks, shopping, games, and more.
DRAFT DAY IN THE D EVENT HOURS
Thursday, April 25: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27: 12:00 – 8 p.m.
DRAFT DAY IN THE D EVENT LOCATIONS
Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and on a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State Street and Witherell Street.
BEER AND SPIRITS*
It’s a Bud Light party in the parks! Attendees can enjoy their favorite ice-cold beverages such as Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Black Cherry Seltzer, Stella Artois and Smirnoff Smash at convenient bars located within all five of the Draft Day in the D event spaces.
* Draft Day in the D bars, as well as concessions and shops within the NFL Draft site, will be cash-free.
FOOD TRUCKS
Visitors can enjoy tailgate fare from more than 35 local food truck favorites such as Los Dos Amigos Taco Truck, Rolling Stoves, Slow’s BBQ, Sonny’s Hamburgers, Wing Snob, Cousins Maine Lobster, and more. A full list of participating food trucks per day can be found here.
SHOP THE D AND SUPPORT LOCAL
Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit will be on full display within the parks, showcasing more than 45 local vendors showcased each day. Vendors include All Things Detroit Marketplace, Detroit Originals, Poppa’s Hot Sauce, Fricken Good Cookies, Sweet Potato Sensations, and more.
MUSIC, ART, AND ENTERTAINMENT
Detroit musicians and entertainers will be taking the stage to showcase the local talent and energy of the city. There will be over 60 opportunities for local Detroit artists, musicians and entertainers. High energy beats will fill the air as fans hear all their favorite stadium jams.
Throughout the three-day event, interactive art installations will be on display. Capitol Park will host Rebel Nell, the Detroit-based jewelry company that incorporates repurposed materials such as fallen graffiti and will feature a designated space with a collaborative art display.
Additionally, attendees can immerse themselves in the custom-made Draft Day in the D football arch created by LeMonde Studio. The arch will be in Capitol Park and six unique football benches will be placed throughout the parks, offering the perfect fan photo opportunity to capture that special draft memory.
CIGAR ROLLING AT PARADISE VALLEY BEATRICE BUCK PARK
Attendees are encouraged to visit Paradise Valley at Randolph Street and Grand River Avenue for a unique experience on Thursday! La Casa Cigar Lounge will be setting up a cigar rolling station, adding a touch of luxury to the Draft experience. Visitors can see expert cigar rolling in action and indulge in premium hand-rolled cigars. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the finer things in life before continuing to explore what the rest of Downtown Detroit has to offer.
CORNHOLE AND MORE AT BEACON PARK
Beacon Park is the place to be for competing in daily cornhole tournaments from 4 - 6 p.m. while catching all the live Draft action on two big screens. Attendees can also delight in delicious food and drinks from local vendors, check out DTE’s Energy Den and EV Garage, and soak up the excitement of the Draft festivities, while they relax away from the crowds in the heart of Downtown.
Click here to view Draft Day in the D guest code of conduct and list of prohibited items.
Entry Requirements
OnePass:
The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is free to the public as long as you download the OnePass app and register. The weekend is comprised of the NFL Draft Experience, which is free for all ages, and the Draft Theatre for invited ticket holders. Fans are required to register for free via the NFL OnePass to enter the NFL Draft Fan Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage. The OnePass also has the most up-to-date schedule of activities, attractions, FAQs and more.
Download the OnePass via your mobile app store.
Policies:
The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is a smoke free environment, all tobacco products and e-cigarettes will be prohibited. Please see below for the following entry guidelines provided via the NFL OnePass app.
Clear Bag Policy:
- Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12". (NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect)
- Small purses/clutch bags will be carried through screening
- Size exceptions will be made for medically necessary items
- Large bags can be secured at provided lockers, available first come first serve and not guaranteed
- Strollers and baby carriages will be permitted, subject to screening
Strollers
- Strollers and baby carriages are permitted, however all bags and blankets must be removed and screened by x-ray and will be physically/visually inspected.
Cameras
- Small cameras and binoculars will be permitted.
- Professional grade camera and recording equipment will only be permitted for properly Draft Credentialed media
Reusable Water Bottles
- Fans will be allowed to enter with an empty, reusable water bottle for free water filling when inside the perimeter.
Download the NFL OnePass for full details related to entry requirements.
Guest Code of Conduct for DDP’s Draft Day in the D
- Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all park personnel.
- Guests will enjoy all event experiences free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.
- Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.
- Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
- Guests will comply with requests from park staff regarding park operations and emergency response procedures.
- Guests may not engage in unauthorized commercial activity on property.
What You Should Not Bring
While fun and smiles are highly encouraged, there’s some things that are prohibited from the Draft experience. These include but are not limited to:
- Weapons, firearms, knives, bats, clubs, mace, pepper spray
- There are no weapons allowed of any kind, even if you have a concealed carry license
- Laser pointers or similar devices
- Fireworks or smoke bombs
- Illegal substances
- Any form of marijuana
- Pets
- Banners, flags, or offensive signs
- Frisbees, beach balls, balloons
- Chairs
- Photography & Videography equipment – including poles, selfie sticks, monopods, tripods, professional or commercial cameras, cameras with detachable lenses or lenses longer than four inches, audio or visual recording devices (Go-Pro, etc.)
- Missile like objects that can be thrown
- Backpacks or hard-sided bags
- Aerosol cans and liquids over four ounces
- Droves
- Skateboards or hoverboards
- Whistles and horns
- Outside food or beverages
- Clothing including garments displaying explicit, profane or derogatory characterization
- Any other items deemed to be dangerous by park security and facility management
- Any item determined by the venue
Minors
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The City of Detroit’s curfew policy for minors will be in effect. Minors 15 and under are not allowed out unsupervised between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., while those aged 16 and 17 are under curfew between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Cashless
Draft Day in the D bars, as well as concessions and shops within the NFL Draft site, will be cash-free.
NFL Draft Experience & NFL Draft Theater
The weekend will include the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage in Hart Plaza (free for all ages) and the Draft Theater in award-winning Campus Martius Park (for ticket holders only).
Draft Experience:
- FREE for all ages
- NFL OnePass registration required
Draft Theater:
- Invited ticket holders only
- As seats become available, fans may have an opportunity to be selected for standing room and other seating depending on availability (usually Friday and Saturday only).
Public Transit in Downtown Detroit
With downtown road closures in effect, attendees are encouraged to utilize alternative transportation options such as the QLINE, Detroit People Mover, e-scooters, MoGo bicycles and rideshare apps. Designated rideshare, park-and-ride and shuttle drop-off areas include Little Caesars Arena, the Fort/Cass People Mover station and the Renaissance Center.
From Wednesday, April 24 through Sunday, April 28, DDOT will have modified bus routes due to the road closures downtown. The Bricktown and Fort/Cass stations and the Rosa Parks Transit Center will act as designated DDOT/SMART hubs.
Visitors can utilize regional transit services such as the D2A2 bus connecting Downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor as well as the new DAX (Detroit Air Express) bus, offering service between Downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport.
Detroit People Mover
The Detroit People Mover will operate 24 hours a day, beginning 7:00 a.m. Thursday, 4/25 through 12:00 a.m. Sunday, 4/28 with trains up to every 5 minutes.
- All 13 stations will be open for convenient travel to and from the Draft activation sites, as well as restaurants, lodging, parking and easy transfers between DDOT and the QLINE.
- Visitors using People Mover will be able to utilize Financial District & Millender Center stops right next to entry points into the Draft footprint.
- For the remainder of 2024, riding on the People Mover is free for everyone.
QLine
The QLINE will run as scheduled with short service routes during the event build-out as referenced below with higher frequency service during the event.
- QLINE Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 08:00am – Midnight
- Sunday: 08:00am – 09:00pm
- QLINE Short Service Modifications
- Will stop at Campus Martius on 4/8, 4/19 and 5/1 to 5/5
- Will stop at Sproat Street by Little Caesar’s Arena between 4/20 and 4/30
- Visitors will be able to either walk to entrance points down Woodward through the DDP-hosted Draft Day in the D activation or can transfer to the People Mover at Grand Circus Park.
Bus Services
SMART will operate park-and-ride services Downtown from various points in the Detroit Metro area including from Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer locations, and Oakland County Community College. SMART's FAST service will also be operating to downtown on Gratiot, Woodward, and Michigan Avenue. More details on other locations, times, and frequency will be released closer to the event.
RTA will continue to operate both the D2A2 and the newly launched DAX Airport Express bus route, which begins on 3/25. Details on route schedules can be found on the RTA website at https://rtamichigan.org/.
The normal DDOT services will continue to operate as scheduled but with modified Downtown routes due to road closures. Beginning 8pm on 4/23 through 6am on 4/29, DDOT buses coming from the east side will stop at Bricktown People Mover station, and DDOT buses coming from the west side will stop at Rosa Parks Transit Center. More details on specific bus re-routes and temporary stop locations will be released closer to the event.
Ride Share
Planning ahead is strongly encouraged, as there will be a high volume of traffic in the city, and many ride hailing services will be at capacity. Scheduling your rides in advance or utilizing public transportation options in Detroit are highly recommended. Designated shuttle & ride share drop-off points will be set up at easily accessible points throughout Downtown on Woodward, Jefferson, and Fort Street. More details on specific locations and available services will be released closer to the event.
Bike Share/Rental
MoGo
Detroit’s bike share system has 620 bikes and 75 stations in 6 Detroit metro cities. Unlimited 30-minute ride cycles (after initial payment). There are countless MoGo stations around Detroit including Campus Martius Park, Woodward and Fort, Larned and Woodward, and the Detroit Riverwalk. MoGo operates in 10 neighborhoods in the greater Downtown area of Detroit, as well as Northwest Detroit, Ferndale, Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Berkley, and Royal Oak.
What to Expect Getting Here and Once You Get Here
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early as capacity for the NFL Draft and Draft Day in the D is limited. Admission is first-come, first-served. Adults must register for free entry to the Draft Stage and NFL Draft Day Experience via the NFL OnePass app. Registration is free and can be done through the app or online at NFL.com/DraftAccess. For attendees without smartphones, on-site registration is available through Fan Services staff.
Parking in Downtown Detroit is made easy for NFL fans, with options like street parking and numerous parking structures. To find up-to-date parking availability and pricing, download the ParkWhiz app. For on-demand street parking payment, the ParkDetroit app is recommended.
DETAILED ROAD CLOSURESFor updates, maps, and details on road closures as the draft weekend approaches, check the road closure phases here.
Phase 1
- Dates: Friday, March 29 at 9 a.m. to Tuesday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m.
- Details: Closures for NFL Draft Theater Build at Cadillac Square, formerly Monroe Midway.
- Randolph Street between Macomb Street and Fort Street
- Monroe Street between North Woodward Avenue and Randolph Street
- Farmer Street between Randolph and Bates (Garage access only)
- Bates Street (no through traffic)
- Farmer from Randolph to Bates
Phase 2
- Dates: Monday, April 8 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m.
- Details: Closures for Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square build, affecting parts of Woodward Avenue and eastbound Cadillac Square.
Phase 3
- Dates: Monday, April 15 at 12 a.m. to Monday, May 6 at 5 a.m.
- Details: Closures for NFL Draft Experience build at Hart Plaza.
- Jefferson Avenue & Detours
- Bates Street
- Atwater Street
Phase 4
- Dates: Saturday, April 20 at 6 a.m. to Tuesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
- Details: Closures for Woodward Avenue, including for the NFL Draft Red Carpet event starting Friday, April 26 at 5 p.m.
Phase 5
- Dates: Wednesday, April 24 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, April 28 at 6 a.m.
- Details: Extended road closures on Woodward to the Grand Circus Park area for the red carpet, pedestrian safety, and city activation.
Phase 6
- Dates: Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Details: Roads around Comerica Park will be closed.
Downtown Detroit Business Directory
Headed Downtown to enjoy the fun? Then make it a staycation, or a full day excursion when you search our business directory to find local retailers, restaurants and attractions! Whether you’re rounding up the family, or having a night on the town with friends, click here to find out the places to be, dine and shop.
Plan Another Visit to Downtown Detroit
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Downtown Kiosks
Stay up-to-date on the latest events happening in Downtown Detroit! There’s plenty of fun happening all year-round, get the latest details on Downtown Detroit parks programs, resources, networking and large-scale events, concerts, exciting attractions and more. More than two dozen digital information kiosks are stationed throughout Downtown Detroit, helping visitors with wayfinding. Kiosk functions include real-time transit feeds, a local business directory, an emergency calling system, available job postings, selfie capabilities, opinion polls, and more.
The Rink at Campus Martius Park
Campus Martius Park and The Rink presented by Visit Detroit are significant regional destinations. The Rink plays host to local and national skating events and talent. With spectacular views of the historic Detroit skyline, over 100,000 skaters each year step onto the ice to enjoy one of the most beautiful skating experiences in the country.
Downtown Detroit Business Directory
Headed Downtown to enjoy the winter fun? Then make it a staycation, or a full day excursion when you search our business directory to find local retailers, restaurants and attractions! Whether you’re rounding up the family, or having a night on the town with friends, find out the places to be, dine and shop when you click below.
Illuminating Downtown
The Downtown Detroit Partnership provides supplemental lighting throughout the Downtown all year-round. This includes enhancements to streetlights, decorative holiday lighting, as well as lighting throughout Downtown’s six parks and more. Our efforts aim to brighten low lit areas throughout Downtown to iterate on our work to keep Downtown clean, safe and welcoming for all.
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With more than 200 businesses located within Downtown Detroit, there’s plenty of unique shopping, experiences, and restaurants to enjoy. Explore the Downtown business community, and enjoy the piloted Small Business Spotlight videos series. Join us in uplifting the outstanding businesses located in the heart of the city. Click the play button below to learn more.
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