1:31 p.m. ET
Eric Woodyard ESPN
Motown will be the stage of the 2024 NFL draft.
The NFL announced Monday at the annual league meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., that the draft will be held in downtown Detroit around the Martius Park and Hart Plaza campus.
“The draft has emerged as a standout offseason event across the country, and we look forward to working with the Lions and their partners to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an explanation. “With the help of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission and the City of Detroit, the passionate Lions fanbase and all visitors are invited to an incredible three-day experience.”
The draft experience includes three days of fan interaction.
There will be an interactive football theme park where fans can enjoy matches, exhibitions, musical performances and autograph sessions, as well as the opportunity to take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
This will be the first time Detroit has ever hosted the draft.
“Today is a historic day for Detroit with the announcement that the 2024 NFL Draft is coming to the Motor City,” Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in the statement. “Visit Detroit looks forward to working with our partners in the hospitality community to welcome avid football fans from across the country who will make our city a pigskin pilgrimage site. Hosting the draft is another exciting win for Detroit and will make a strong economic impact and underscore the vibrancy of our region.”
This year’s draft will be held in Las Vegas, while the 2023 event will be held in Kansas City.