The NFL world descends up Detroit this week, just months after the Detroit Lions earned their first playoff wins in decades and made an incredible run to the NFC championship game.
The 2024 NFL draft is in downtown Detroit this Thursday through Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be there, with fans of all 32 teams looking to celebrate their teams' draft picks near the stage at Campus Martius and checking out the NFL Fan Experience at Hart Plaza.
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 April 25-27. The rounds break down as follows:
- 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25: Round 1
- 7 p.m. Friday, April 26: Rounds 2-3
- 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27: Rounds 4-7
Where is the 2024 NFL draft?
The 2024 NFL draft is 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. Here's how Detroit got the NFL draft.
2024 NFL draft registration, tickets, sign-up
The 2024 NFL draft is free to attend and open to the public. If you're planning to attend, though, you will need to register using the NFL OnePass 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.
- More on NFL OnePass:How to download the app, what it will tell you
2024 NFL draft map
Downtown Detroit transportation
Detroit has multiple public transportation 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.
These include:
- TheDetroit People Mover, which will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. April 25 through midnight April 28.
- TheQLINEalong Woodward Avenue, which will run from 8 a.m. to midnight April 25 through April 27. The stops include Harper Ave., 116 Lothrop St., 6540 Cass Ave., John R & Piquette and 6230 John R St.
- Bus service: SMART will have park-and-ride services from various points in metro Detroit, including Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer store locations and Oakland County Community College. It also has its FAST service on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenue. DDOT services will operate with modified downtown routes because of road closures.
- Shuttles and drop-offs: There will be designated shuttle and ride-share drop-off points throughout downtown on Woodward, Jefferson and Fort Street. Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting downtown Detroit to Detroit Metro Airport, andD2A2is an express coach bus that connects downtown Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor.
Fan shuttle locations:
- Bagley Mobility Hub, 1501 Wabash St.
- River East Garage, 214 Rivard St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
- More: Service details released about Detroit public transit options
Detroit parking for 2024 NFL draft
If you decide to drivedowntown, make a plan and prearrange parking. Many off-street lots and garages are booked, and street parking will be limited or restricted in the area. Parking regulations will be enforced; vehicles may be towed. Those planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. You may find off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.
You can pay for metered parking through Park Detroit's website or app. There are also options for private parking throughout the city.
2024 NFL draft parking:2024 NFL draft parking: You better have a plan if you're coming to downtown Detroit
Detroit road closures for 2024 NFL draft
The City of Detroit is conducting six phases of road closures leading up the 2024 NFL draft and during it. It started March 29 and will go through May 7. Be mindful of these closures as you're driving downtown.
Here's a detailed look at each phase of road closures in downtown Detroit.
Security, bag policy at the 2024 NFL draft
Detroit police say they've got a safety plan in place that includes increased police presence downtown, weapon detectors and video monitoring.
Detroit police have partnered with the NFL and local businesses on the security plan, as well as state and federal law enforcement, according to 3rd Precinct Cmdr. Matthew Fulgenzi.
The NFL will have weapon detectors installed that attendees must walk through at the gates of the event, which will take place at Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Hart Plaza and a portion of Woodward Avenue. The NFL has a clear bag policy to enter the draft area, Fulgenzi said.
Here's more on security measures and policies at the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.
2024 NFL draft schedule of events, parties
2024 NFL 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. Use the NFL OnePass app to find more on what's planned and when throughout the NFL draft blueprint.
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.
Here are more ideas on what to do at the 2024 NFL draft:
- NFL draft parties:District Detroit, Greektown, hotels, restaurants and more
- At Ford Field:Lions to host NFL draft event for season ticket holders
- NFL Shop:Where to find the NFL's pop-up store in downtown Detroit
- Art and murals:Detroit's DCLEATED exhibit across town … plus 8 downtown murals to see
- Roller skating and games:Next Level by RollerCade set to open right near the draft
- Check out the lights:Detroit's People Mover will light up for the draft
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. And get a souvenir while you're in the city.
Looking for ideas? Check out these guides we put together for you:
- Where to eat:Your guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner in Detroit
- Where to shop: 7 places to get Detroit souvenirs, plus Somerset Collection and Born In Detroit pop-ups
- Where to see concerts:Big Sean, Detroit Youth Choir lead list of performers
- Where to golf:The top 10 golf courses to play near downtown Detroit
- Where to take your kids:Top kid-friendly events to check out at the NFL draft
- Where to take photos:Iconic Detroit places where you can snap photos while you're here
- Must-see attractions:Where to go in Detroit while you're here
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.
- Plus, there are five "Welcome to Detroit" signs going up on other stretches of highways.
- Country star Jelly Roll is planning an intimate "Night Before" concert at Fillmore Detroit on April 24.
- Detroit City Distillery has several NFL draft events planned.
- Circuit Court at Detroit city hall will suspend in-person services during NFL draft week.
Download the NFL OnePass app to stay up to date on what's happening during the draft.
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress),Twitter/X (@freep),andLinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).
