As Detroit gears up to host the 2024 NFL Draft from April 25-27, the event’s preparations have stirred a range of responses from the community and local officials. The NFL’s decision to stage the draft on the site of the recently demolished National Theatre has been met with both excitement and concern.
The expansive plans for the event include turning a large area from Campus Martius and Cadillac Square to Hart Plaza into a hub of free public attractions, including viewing areas, food trucks, alcohol tents, and various games and events.
Further enriching the city’s cultural tapestry, public parks and alleys surrounding the main event area will be brought to life with activities, and youth-focused events are scheduled at the Corner Ballpark in Corktown. Emphasizing inclusivity, the NFL has made it clear that this extravaganza is not just for downtown but for the entire city of Detroit. Access to the main area will be facilitated through three public entry points along Jefferson Avenue, Griswold Street, and the east end of Cadillac Square, with security measures in place starting April 24. While these plans aim to bring a festive atmosphere to the city, some community members are questioning the implications for the city’s fabric and its residents.
Council President Mary Sheffield expressed strong enthusiasm for the draft’s potential to alter perceptions of Detroit. “I am super excited for people to come and see physically what Detroit is all about,” Sheffield stated, emphasizing the opportunity to shift the narrative around the city. However, she also recalled the criticism faced by the city during the Super Bowl in 2006 regarding the treatment of people experiencing homelessness, highlighting a need for sensitivity and inclusiveness in hosting major events.
Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison addressed these concerns, asserting that there are no plans to marginalize the city’s unhoused population. Furthermore, in anticipation of the large influx of visitors, efforts are underway to combat potential human trafficking, with plans to educate hotel staff on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities.
The construction of the main stage is slated to begin on March 30 and conclude by April 21, with preparations for Hart Plaza kicking off on April 15. The NFL’s promise of an all-inclusive event that extends beyond downtown to involve the entire Detroit community has been met with cautious optimism. The draft’s $25 million budget, with significant investment in local businesses and special initiatives to certify minority-owned and women-owned businesses for contract opportunities, presents a potential economic boon. Concessions vendors, according to NFL officials, will retain all sales revenue, offering a direct financial uplift for local entrepreneurs.
Last year’s draft in Kansas City saw an impressive turnout of 312,000 visitors, contributing $109 million to the local economy. Detroit aims to exceed these numbers, with NFL’s head of live event production, Jon Barker, expressing confidence in the city’s appeal.
Despite these optimistic projections, there’s an undercurrent of concern regarding the draft’s impact on Detroit’s social landscape, traffic, and the accessibility of downtown areas due to heavy security and street closures. The NFL has acknowledged these challenges, with promises to work closely with the City Council to enhance neighborhood engagement and ensure the event’s benefits ripple throughout Detroit.
As the city prepares for this monumental event, the balance between celebrating a national sporting occasion and safeguarding the interests and well-being of Detroit’s residents remains a topic of keen discussion among stakeholders.
