2 million sq. ft. of infrastructure requirements for the NFL Draft 2024 results in widespread road closures through Downtown Detroit

With just two weeks left until the 2024 NFL Draft, the preparations are in full swing. This year, the city of Detroit will host the annual spectacle. Motor City is attempting to go all-in to ensure the event is a resounding success as it will be great for the local economy. On draft day, the makeshift venue will host thousands of fans apart from the players eligible for the draft and their respective family members.

This year’s NFL Draft is presented by Bud Light and will take place in Downtown Detroit. Set to take place between 25th and 27th April, the space required for the event is a whopping two million square feet. In order to ensure the availability of space, key streets, and roadways have been closed down until the completion of the draft.

As per Detroit Sports, as a part of Phase 2 closures, the city of Detroit intends to close Northbound Woodward Avenue, Eastbound Cadillac Square from Woodward Avenue to Randolph Street, the Westbound Cadillac Square from Randolph Street to Bates Street, and Bates Street to East Congress Street. In a bid to ensure minimal disruption to the residents of the city, information furnishing alternative roads for the interim has been provided by the city.

An estimated 400,000+ fans are expected to be present at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit

For now, businesses are bearing the brunt of the closures, as it is restricting their business. However, this issue will resolve itself as on D-Day, the massive wave of fans will result in their business revenues doubling at the least.

In order to facilitate the movement of fans and to offer them the optimal viewing experience, specialized areas are being opened up at Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, amongst others.

In order to encourage more viewers to attend the draft, football clinics are being exclusively organized to hone the FLAG football skills of fans, and they will be given a chance to take part in interesting drills. This is a part of the Know Before You Go public awareness campaign, which was created to attract viewers while keeping them informed about the league and the sport of football.

Draft night is estimated to bring in over $160 million in revenue for the local economy. As per the Anderson Economic Group, there will be a direct economic impact of $97.5 million along with $35.1 million in the form of total expenditures of the fans attending the event. It comes as no surprise that the city is leaving no stone unturned to offer the best draft night experience.

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