DETROIT – The NFL Draft will be hosted in Detroit for the first time this April.
The city will host the three-day event starting on Thursday, April 25 and concluding with the final rounds on Saturday, April 27. Here’s everything fans need to know about attending the event.
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Where is the 2024 NFL Draft?
The draft will stretch from Detroit’s Campus Martius Park through Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront. The main stage will be in Campus Martius, while other events, like the Draft Experience, will be in Hart Plaza.
---> Photos: A look at Detroit NFL Draft event map, stage
How do fans get tickets or attend events?
The short end of it: There are no tickets. The event is free to attend. You just need the NFL OnePass app.
Fans can register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. All adults are required to register but can also register up to five children to get into the event.
Fans are required to download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website NFL.com/DraftAccess to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage, receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
*For fans without a smartphone, registration on site via our Fan Services staff is also permitted.*
What else is happening for the NFL Draft in Detroit?
The 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage - the NFL’s ultimate fan festival - will take place during all three days of the Draft. This free fan experience invites Detroit residents and visitors to participate in immersive exhibits and sponsor activations; take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage. The player appearance schedule will be announced in the coming weeks and available exclusively in the NFL OnePass app.
Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences. Corner Ballpark will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics. Fans are encouraged to get to Draft Experience early, as attendance will be on a first-come first-served basis.
The Draft Experience will be open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on April 25 and April 26, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.
In addition, a slate of free and exciting ancillary viewing and entertainment areas, where thousands of visitors outside of the immediate NFL Draft footprint can enjoy the experience, were announced. The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) will present ‘Draft Day in the D’ viewing parties in Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, Capitol Park, and Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, while Bedrock will be activating Woodward Avenue from State St. to Park Avenue, as well as Parker’s Alley and The BELT.
The Draft will engage other areas of the city over the three-day event, including Corktown and Corner Ballpark which will host youth-focused activities like NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics. Greektown, Eastern Market, Columbia Street in the District Detroit area are planning for football-themed activities to welcome fans.
Street closures in Downtown Detroit
Detroit announced the first downtown street closures for the Draft, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and customers for downtown businesses. Phase one closures, which will begin on Friday, March 29th and last until May 7, will be largely contained to the perimeter of the NFL Draft Theater footprint, including:
· Randolph Street between Macomb Street and Fort Street
· Monroe Street between North Woodward Avenue and Randolph Street
· Farmer Street between Randolph and Bates (Garage access only)
· Bates Street (no through traffic)
· Farmer from Randolph to Bates
Organizers have been meeting for weeks with business owners and residents in the impacted area to inform them of the closure and to answer any questions they may have. Details of later phases of closures, including E. Jefferson for the construction of the NFL Draft Experience at Hart Plaza, will be announced shortly after the Phase One closure has been implemented.
NFL Draft transportation info
From Detroit Airport
From DTW, you can take I-94 East directly for about 20 miles and get downtown.
From the North
If you’re coming from northern Oakland County, the most direct route would be I-75 South. To get to Detroit from Macomb County take I-94 West right into Detroit before hopping on I-75 South to get into downtown.
From the West
From southern Oakland County, the best route is via I-696 East and M-10 South (known to locals as John C. Lodge Freeway or simply “The Lodge.”) If you’re coming from the Ann Arbor area, or you can hop on M-14 East or take I-94 East.
From the South
If you’re coming from Toledo or the downriver area, you can take I-75 North through to downtown Detroit.
---> More transit info here from Visit Detroit
NFL Draft security information
What are the entry requirements?
All fans will go through airport-level screening for entry and must adhere to our prohibited items list found HERE. The NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for the NFL Draft. Fans are also required to register for NFL OnePass at nfl.com/draftaccess or by downloading the NFL OnePass app.
What is prohibited at the NFL Draft?
Security screening in and around the NFL Draft will be significantly heightened. All items carried by fans will be carefully inspected and potentially prohibited from entry. The NFL All Clear policy will be in effect. The NFL Draft, including NFL Draft Experience and the Draft Theater, is a smoke-free environment. The use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes is prohibited. Note: Prohibited items and items determined to be inappropriate for entry into the secure perimeter will be the responsibility of the fan and cannot be accepted, stored or checked by the NFL or the Detroit Police Department.
Fans are strongly encouraged to refrain from bringing any type of bag to the 2024 NFL Draft.
What is permitted at NFL Draft?
Clear Bag Policy: Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. (NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect)
- Small purses/clutch bags will be carried through screening
- Size exceptions will be made for medically necessary items
- Large bags can be secured at provided lockers, available on a first come first served basis and not guaranteed
- Strollers and baby carriages will be permitted, subject to screening
Strollers - Strollers and baby carriages are permitted, however, all bags and blankets must be removed and screened by x-ray and will be physically/visually inspected.
Cameras – Small cameras and binoculars will be permitted. Professional-grade cameras and recording equipment will only be permitted for properly Draft Credentialed media
Reusable Water Bottles – Fans will be allowed to enter with an empty, reusable water bottle for free water filling when inside the perimeter.