After a decade on the move, the NFL Draft has arrived in Detroit, a city that has risen from the ashes of bankruptcy and is now eager to show off its progress.
From the moment fans arrive at the airport, they’ll be greeted by a prominent art installation that spells out ‘DETROIT’ in 10-foot-high letters. A short drive away, the once dilapidated Michigan Central Station, a vestige of the city’s industrial past, has been transformed into a modern marvel thanks to funding from Ford Motor Co.
In the heart of downtown, where the draft will kick off Thursday night, a 685-foot-high skyscraper stands as a testament to Detroit’s architectural renaissance. This tower, built on the site of the former Hudson’s department store, is the city’s largest construction project in over 50 years.
The NFL Draft is more than just a football event; it’s an opportunity for Detroit to showcase its resurgence. With over 50 million viewers and an estimated 400,000 visitors expected over the three-day extravaganza, the city has a chance to alter the narrative about itself.
Lions President Rod Wood, who spearheaded the bid to bring the draft to Detroit, believes the event will help dispel outdated perceptions of the city. ‘The draft here in Detroit is going to make a big step for us in making that old image go away and people having the new image of the city,’ he said. ‘We’re going to be able to showcase Detroit like never before.’
That’s precisely what the NFL envisioned when it decided to take the draft on the road: to give cities, particularly those in colder climates that may not host a Super Bowl, a chance to shine. Chicago, the first city to host the traveling draft in 2015, saw an $81 million economic impact. Kansas City, which hosted last year, generated an impressive $164 million.
Detroit is poised to reap similar benefits. The draft is expected to pump at least $160 million into the local economy, with small businesses around Campus Martius Park reaping the rewards. Hot Sam’s, a 103-year-old men’s clothing store, is excited for the increased foot traffic and the opportunity to showcase Detroit’s charm. ‘There’s a perception of Detroit that comes from people who actually have not been here,’ said Lauren Stovall, the business lead at Hot Sam’s. ‘What’s so great is when people actually come to Detroit, they are blown away, because Detroit is not what they might have thought.’
While Detroit has made significant strides, challenges remain. The city continues to demolish abandoned houses, and crime, though trending down, is still a concern. To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers from various agencies will patrol the downtown area. Intelligence agents are also monitoring social media for any potential threats.
Despite these challenges, Mayor Mike Duggan is confident that the draft will showcase Detroit’s progress and resilience. ‘We have a chance to reintroduce Detroit to America,’ he said. ‘Detroit is not what it was,’ echoed Lions general manager Brad Holmes. ‘I expect it to be pretty packed. I’m excited for all the businesses.’
The NFL Draft in Detroit is more than just a football event; it’s a symbol of a city’s transformation. As fans from across the country descend upon the Motor City, they’ll witness firsthand the progress that has been made and the boundless potential that lies ahead.
