Mayor Mike Duggan has declared Thursday, April 25 as Honolulu Blue Day in Detroit.
As Detroit hosts visitors from around the world and the country, City leaders want to make sure the 90 million people watching the event know this year’s draft is being hosted in the hometown of the Detroit Lions.
Detroiters and visitors from across the region, especially those planning to be downtown for the Draft event, are encouraged to sport their Honolulu blue April 25 to represent their love for the Lions and support for Detroit.
History of the Detroit Lions and Honolulu Blue
The Detroit Lions’ official blue color is Honolulu Blue, a distinctive shade of blue that pays tribute to the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii. The color was developed by WJR owner George A. Richards, who purchased the Portsmouth Spartans in 1934 for $8,000 and moved the team to Detroit, renaming it the Detroit Lions.
See below for a map and details about how to get to and around the NFL Draft in Detroit along with more information about the NFL Experience and other activities associated with Detroit’s hosting of this popular event!
Getting to and around the NFL Draft
The City of Detroit is gearing up to host the NFL Draft in Downtown Detroit this week and teams from the City of Detroit and partners across the region have been working behind the scenes for months to ensure visitors have all the information they need in advance to plan a safe, fun, and easy trip to enjoy the festivities. Mayor Mike Duggan joined city officials and transit partners from across the region to announce the carefully laid plans earlier this month.
While some of Detroit’s Central Business District will be closed to vehicular traffic, making the trip downtown will be well worth it. In addition to the NFL footprint, there are fun activities planned for fans of all ages at several locations throughout the downtown and across the city. Fans should not sit on the sidelines due to concerns about transportation.
Downtown road closures began March 29th and final road closures were implemented on Wednesday, April 24th. The road closure schedule was very carefully designed by the City of Detroit and the NFL to ensure minimal disruption to those working and living Downtown. During the Draft, street parking will not be allowed in much of the Central Business District to allow for adequate space for our first responders to efficiently and effectively manage any police or medical emergencies.
The 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is comprised of the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage which is FREE for the public to enjoy and the Draft Theater which will serve as the Draft’s central hub where all 32 teams will announce their picks live and in-person. For access to the Draft Experience, fans are required to register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. For those without a smartphone, registration on site via Fan Services staff is also permitted.
The three secure entry points to the 2024 NFL Draft will be located at:
- Jefferson Ave. & Randolph St.
- Jefferson Ave. & Griswold St.
- Cadillac Square & Randolph
There are multiple options for getting to and around Detroit
that meet residents and visitors where they are, including park and ride, fan shuttles, public transit and rideshare services.
Bus services
One of the most cost-effective and low-stress ways to get to and from Downtown Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft will be the park and ride shuttles operated by SMART, QLINE, and Visit Detroit.
The City of Detroit has worked with QLINE, Wayne State University, Michigan Central and General Motors to bring easily accessible Park & Ride fan shuttles to three locations within the city.
QLINE will be offering Park & Ride services, available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $5 per vehicle from the following locations:
- WSU Lot 12 – Harper & Woodward – near the Amsterdam station
- New Center Garage – 116 Lothrop – near the Grand Blvd station
- Cass Garage – 6540 Cass Ave – near the Baltimore station
- John R & Piquette – 6230 John R. – near the Amsterdam station
Fan Shuttle locations:
- $10 per car – WSU Structures 1, 5, and 2 (first come, first serve) – 450 W. Palmer Ave
- $15 per car – Bagley Mobility Hub, 1501 Wabash Street (prepay recommended) https://go.lazparking.com/checkout/index-eventhtml?l=144312&wk=a24320001bf04562ae29930027456896
- $15 per car – River East Garage, 214 Rivard Street (prepay recommended) https://promo.parking.com/detroit-football-draft-parking/
SMART will also be offering Park & Ride all three days of the NFL Draft from multiple locations around Metro Detroit. “SMART recognizes the NFL Draft is a tremendous economic driver that will bring thousands of visitors to Detroit,” said SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell. “But this event isn’t just for visitors. SMART is focused on the people who live right here in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. We are all about giving you access to this exciting event. This is a fantastic opportunity for local families who haven’t tried transit to get on board.”
- SMART buses will depart from Park & Ride locations once an hour between 9am and 3pm on all three days.
- Thursday and Friday, buses will leave Downtown to return to Park & Ride locations once an hour between 1pm and 11:30pm.
- Saturday, buses will leave Downtown to return to Park & Ride locations once an hour between 1pm and 7:30pm.
- East side of Downtown pickup/drop off location will be the Bricktown People Mover Station
- West side of Downtown pickup/drop off location will be the Fort/Cass People Mover Station.
- One-way fares will be just $2.00 per adult, $1.00 per child ages 5-18, $.50 per adult age 65+ and the disabled. For more information on routes, check smartmovesus.org.
DDOT services will continue to operate as scheduled but with modified downtown routes due to road closures. Beginning at 8pm on 4/23 through 6am on 4/29, DDOT buses coming from the east side will stop at Bricktown People Mover station, and DDOT buses coming from the west side will stop at Rosa Parks Transit Center. DDOT riders should visit DDOT’s website for all updated re-route information and a full map: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation/bus-schedules.
Public Transit Options
Once visitors arrive Downtown, Detroit has two excellent – and free – modes of public transportation to help visitors get around the city.
Detroit People Mover
During the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit’s elevated rail system will operate 24 hours a day, beginning 7am Thursday, April 25th through 12am Sunday, 4/28 with trains up to every 5 minutes.
- All 13 stations will be open for convenient travel to and from the Draft activation sites, as well as restaurants, lodging, parking, and easy transfers between DDOT and the QLINE.
- Visitors using People Mover will be able to utilize Financial District & Millender Center stops right next to entry points into the Draft footprint.
- The Fort/Cass Station will be the designated location connecting accessible transportation and is the westside transfer and drop-off point for west-side DDOT and SMART buses.
- Bricktown Station is the eastside transfer and drop-off point for east-side DDOT and SMART buses.
Detroit People Mover stops and locations of NFL Draft entrances
Thanks to the generosity of Priority Waste, one of Detroit’s contracted waste management companies, the Detroit People Mover is free to riders for the remainder of 2024.
QLINE
Detroit’s QLINE, a free rail service traveling North and South along Woodward Avenue, will operate with short service routes, but higher frequency service during the event to accommodate anyone parking on Detroit’s north end wishing to travel into the NFL Footprint.
- The QLINE will run from 8am-12am Thursday, April 25th through Saturday, April 27th.
- During the Draft, it will stop at Sproat Street by Little Caesar’s Arena.
- Visitors will be able to either walk to entrance points down Woodward through the DDP-hosted Draft in the D activation or can transfer to the People Mover at Grand Circus Park.
Rideshare
The City of Detroit has been working with our rideshare operators, Uber & Lyft, to ensure they have the information they need to navigate around road closures and activations. We are working with our rideshare partners and the NFL to create designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off locations at easily accessible points throughout Downtown. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead; many rideshare companies offer the opportunity to book a ride in advance.
Bike and Scooter Rental
Detroit’s bike share system has 620 bikes and 75 stations in 6 Detroit metro cities, with options for 1-hour ride cycles (after initial payment). There are countless MoGo stations around Detroit including Capitol Park, Woodward and Fort, Larned and Woodward, and the Detroit Riverwalk.
You can also find Lime, Spin, and Boaz scooters all around Downtown Detroit. The scooters and bikes will be geofenced to prohibit their use within the NFL footprint and approximately a one-block radius surrounding the footprint. The City of Detroit is working with scooter operators to set up drop-off valet stations near the NFL footprint entry points for easy pick-up and drop-off of scooters to get around.
Parking
Visitors to the NFL Draft are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to pre-arrange parking if they plan to drive downtown. Many off-street lots and garages have already been booked and street parking will be limited or restricted throughout the downtown area. Parking violations will be strictly enforced, and vehicles may be towed for public safety purposes if parked in a restricted area. Visitors planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10am to avoid issues with traffic, congestion, and accessibility to parking. You can find available off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.
ADA & Mobility Services
Visitors requiring mobility assistance during the event can reach out for information to the NFL Mobility Assistance Program through NFLDraftMobility@gmail.com or by calling 888-745-1455 beginning Monday, April 15th. There will also be mobility assistance services available at all fan booths during the event and the footprint is accessible to all. You can and are recommended bring your own mobility devices through the entry points. Wheelchairs are available in the venue on a first come first serve basis. Eligible Detroit residents can also take advantage of the DDOT Paratransit services by reaching out to (313) 774-5555. There will be designated ADA drop-off point close to the Jefferson / Randolph entrance in front of the Renaissance Center.
NFL Draft Experience
Games
40-Yard Dash- Put your skills to the test by racing down the field against your opponents and digital NFL players on a giant 40-yard-long LED wall!
Vertical Jump- Take your position at the vertical jump and find out what the differential between your reach and the flag you hit is, just like at the NFL Scouting Combine!
Hail Mary – Test your long-distance accuracy like a pro by throwing a deep pass over defenders into a drop-in net.
Attractions
Autograph Stage – Get free autographs from current NFL players and NFL Legends.
The Vince Lombardi Trophy – Fans may take their photo with the most iconic trophy in sports.
Bud Light Backyard Bar
Look Like A Pro- Step inside a uniformed body-cast mold bearing the insignia of your favorite NFL team and have a friend snap your photo.
Taste of Detroit – Selections from some of Detroit restaurants.
Invisalign NFL Draft Photo Frames – Jumbo photo frames!
Draft Stage – Visit a replica of the official NFL Draft Stage and take your spot behind the podium as a #1 Draft pick!
NFL Locker Room – Visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on gameday.
Pepsi Team Helmets – Fans can take their picture with an oversized replica of all 32 NFL team helmets, presented by Pepsi.
Super Bowl Rings – See all 57 Super Bowl rings up close!
Corner Ballpark
Corner Ballpark will serve as the hub of all youth activities at the Draft, and will be an extension of the activities at the main Draft site at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. NFL OnePass is required for access to the Corner Ballpark April 25—27 and there will be screens to watch the NFL Draft on NFL Network. Activities include:
Field Goal Challenge – Take your shot at kicking a field goal.
Gear Up and Go – Kids can try on NFL equipment.
Play Football Field – Watch and learn from USA Football coaches and NFL players about football and NFL FLAG football, as well as Heads Up tackling during various clinics, competitions, and demonstrations. On-field clinics are open to kids ages 6-14.
Draft Day in the D
Draft Day in the D is free three-day party with festivities spanning across Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and on a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State Street and Witherell Street. Ten 20-foot video walls are spread throughout the Downtown parks showing the live feed of the event all weekend long. Check out some of the fun offerings below:
Local Shopping – Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit will be on full display within the parks, showcasing more than 45 local vendors each day.
Music, Art, and Entertainment – Detroit musicians and entertainers will be taking the stage to showcase the local talent and energy of the city. With over 60 local Detroit artists, musicians, and entertainers.
Throughout the three-day event, interactive art installations will be on display. Capitol Park will host a custom cleat sculpture designed by Ann Arbor native and College for Creative Studies alum Robin Speth as part of the DCLEATED project. The 20 unique sculptures will be auctioned off online with proceeds benefiting Detroit-based nonprofits. Rebel Nell, the Detroit-based jewelry company that incorporates repurposed materials such as fallen graffiti, will also have a designated space in Capitol Park with a collaborative art display.
Additionally, immerse yourself in the custom-made Draft Day in the D football arch created by LeMonde Studio. The arch will be in Capitol Park and six unique football benches will be placed throughout the parks, offering the perfect fan photo opportunity to capture that special draft memory.
Cigar Rolling – Visit Paradise Valley at Randolph Street and Grand River Avenue for a unique experience on Thursday! La Casa Cigar Lounge will be setting up a cigar rolling station, adding a touch of luxury to the Draft experience. Come to see expert cigar rolling in action and indulge in premium hand-rolled cigars. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the finer things in life before continuing to explore what the rest of Downtown Detroit has to offer.
Cornhole and More – Beacon Park is the place to be for competing in daily cornhole tournaments from 4 – 6 p.m. while catching all the live Draft action on two big screens. You can also delight in delicious food and drinks from local vendors, check out DTE’s Energy Den and EV Garage, and soak up the excitement of the Draft festivities while relaxing away from the crowds in the heart of Downtown.
