Detroit has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to host the NFL Draft since 2017, and now that it has both the event and a resurgent Lions team, the city is ready to take center stage. The draft will be held in the heart of downtown Detroit, around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, showcasing the city’s transformation over the past decade.
Detroit has experienced significant growth since the Lions first pursued the draft, with over 700 new hotel rooms added downtown since 2014. The draft’s location in the densest part of the city will provide a unique and vibrant atmosphere, akin to Nashville’s draft in 2019.
The city’s proximity to other major NFL markets, such as Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis, is a key advantage. Detroit is also eager to reshape its reputation and showcase its progress, with the draft serving as a platform for positive exposure.
While the Lions spearheaded the official bid process, billionaire Dan Gilbert, founder of NFL sponsor Rocket Mortgage and owner of significant real estate in downtown Detroit, played a vital role in lobbying for the event. He recognized the potential benefits for his commercial real estate company, Bedrock, and its tenants.
To ensure that neighborhoods throughout the city participate in the draft festivities, the Gilbert Family Foundation is sponsoring draft parties on the west and east sides, providing transportation from those areas to the downtown events.
Local businesses and organizations, including General Motors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and Roger Penske, have also contributed to the draft’s success. An NFL Draft-week VIP event will be held in a Bedrock space, and up to 20,000 Gilbert company employees will attend draft parties.
The draft is particularly exciting for Detroit given the Lions’ recent success, with the team winning its first divisional title since 1993 last season. The unveiling of new uniforms has further fueled fan enthusiasm, creating an ideal atmosphere for the city to showcase its revitalization.
