The NFL draft set a new attendance record in Detroit, with over 700,000 fans showing up for the three-day event. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the news at Campus Martius Park on the final day of the draft. This year’s draft included selections from the fourth through seventh rounds. While it will take time to determine the success of the picks, Detroit capitalized on the opportunity to showcase the city to millions of viewers. The previous record for attendance was set in Nashville in 2019, with 600,000 fans filling the streets.
Detroit drew a record-breaking 275,000 fans on Thursday for the first round, with a total of 550,000 fans attending through the second round. This broke previous attendance records set in Nashville five years ago as part of the NFL’s tour around the country. The NFL did not charge fans to attend the event in Detroit, but it was expected to generate over $160 million in economic impact at hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail stores in downtown. Former Lions running back Billy Sims saw brisk sales of barbecue from his restaurant on Woodward Avenue during the draft weekend and praised the impact of the event on the state of Michigan.
The NFL is currently in discussions with over 20 teams interested in hosting future drafts, with a particular focus on colder-climate cities that may not be able to host a Super Bowl. Green Bay has been selected to host next year’s draft, indicating a trend towards smaller and cold-weather cities hosting the event. The success of Detroit’s draft event demonstrated the potential economic boost and positive impact on the host city, which has elevated interest from other cities looking to bring in fans and revenue. The buzz surrounding the draft and the record-breaking attendance numbers have highlighted the importance of hosting such events for the NFL and various cities around the country.
The enthusiasm and energy surrounding the draft in Detroit showcased the city’s ability to host large-scale events and draw in massive crowds. The event provided an opportunity for the city to reinvent itself and show off its new attractions to a national audience. The success of the draft in Detroit has set a high standard for future host cities, as the NFL looks to continue expanding its reach and engaging with fans across the country. By capitalizing on the popularity of the draft and creating a memorable experience for fans, Detroit has proven itself as a prime location for major events and sporting occasions.
Overall, the NFL draft in Detroit was a huge success, setting a new attendance record and generating significant economic impact for the host city. The event drew in over 700,000 fans, surpassing previous records set in Nashville. Detroit’s ability to host the draft showcased the city’s potential as a host for major events and highlighted its ability to draw in fans and revenue. The NFL’s plans to continue expanding the draft to new host cities further demonstrate the event’s growing popularity and significance in the sports world. With Green Bay set to host next year’s draft, the success of Detroit’s event has paved the way for smaller cities to showcase their capabilities and draw in audiences from around the country.
