The 2024 NFL Draft is coming to Detroit this week, and there are numerous events lined up for sports fans around the city. Here’s a look at some of the top events surrounding the Detroit-hosted Draft:
1. NFL Draft:
The 2024 NFL Draft takes place Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27. The first round on Thursday will take place at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds of the draft will be held on Friday beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The fourth through seventh rounds take place on Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. ET. The NFL Draft takes place live at the Draft Theater, which requires tickets.
2. NFL Draft Experience:
The NFL is hosting a Draft Experience free for all ages with locations around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. The event includes immersive experiences for fans and the ability to meet former NFL players. Live entertainment will also be provided. Events will take place all three days of the NFL Draft: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday (all times ET).
3. Benzinga’s Sports Business Titans:
Benzinga is hosting its Sports Business Titans event on Thursday, April 25 from 1 p.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET. The event takes place at Benzinga headquarters, located against the backdrop of the 2024 NFL Draft. Speakers and attendees include former and current NFL players, other athletes and sports business leaders.
Athletes like Donovan Edwards, Braylon Edwards, Jack Fox, Monte Morris, Claressa Shields and more will discuss their personal journeys of entrepreneurship and investments. Athletes, social media stars and business leaders will share advice, thoughts and provide a behind-the-scenes look at how sports and business often intersect. Don’t miss this unique event featuring former and current athletes and key voices in the business world. Join Benzinga for the 2024 Sports Business Titans. Get tickets here.
4. NFL Draft Viewing Parties:
Bars and restaurants are hosting NFL Draft viewing parties throughout the city. Locations include The Old Shillelagh, Tin Roof and Harry’s Detroit. Pricing and admission varies by location.
5. NFL Shop Pop-Up Shops:
Presented by Visa, the NFL Shop will have a presence at 1001 Woodward Avenue from April 20 through April 27, with the shop closed to the public on April 24. Times for the NFL Shop during the draft are 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The shop will include exclusive NFL Draft merchandise.
6. The Corner Ballpark:
The Corner Ballpark, located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, on the historic site of the old Tiger Stadium, and serving as the home to the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL), will house youth activities on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Events will include the NFL Play 60 Zone, a field goal kick test and more. Times are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. NFL OnePass will be required for access.
7. Greektown Tailgate:
The Greektown area of downtown Detroit is hosting a three-day tailgate on Thursday through Saturday that includes live music, food, drinks and games. The tailgate takes place from noon to midnight all three days. The Hollywood Casino in Greektown, which is operated by PENN Entertainment PENN will debut its new ESPN Bet retail sportsbook beginning on April 24. This marks the first ESPN Bet branded retail sportsbook at a Hollywood casino property.
8. Detroit Tigers:
For those looking for more great Detroit sports action, Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers have home games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The team’s game on Friday is at 1:10 p.m. Saturday’s game begins at 6:10 p.m. and Sunday’s game begins at 1:40 p.m. The Tigers take on their division rival, the Kansas City Royals, in all three games. The Tigers are currently 12-10 and sit in third place in the AL Central division, behind the Cleveland Guardians (16-6) and Royals (13-9).
