A display in downtown Detroit April 23, 2024, shows a clock counting down to the NFL Draft. PC: Fox 11 Online
DETROIT, MI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday in Detroit.
Detroit officials say they began planning for the draft roughly a year ago, which is about the time Green Bay has left before it hosts the 2025 NFL Draft.
Physical preparations, including building the draft stage in Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, started about a month ago.
The start of stage construction is also when road construction started in the area.
“We’re used to construction, because we’re always kind of redeveloping nice things down here,” said Brandon Parker, who lives in Detroit.
While construction can be consistent, bringing 300,000 people to one area over three days is something the city is not used to.
“They’ve shut a lot of things down, so it’s a little bit difficult to get around and it’s going to be worse in the next couple of days,” said Pete Winter of Northville, Michigan.
“The road closures have been quite a lot,” said Sam Krassenstein, the chief of infrastructure for the City of Detroit. “With every week we add a little bit to the footprint, so that we’re not having to inconvenience people more than is absolutely necessary.”
Krassenstein says feedback from the public has been mixed.
“Some people are really understanding and really excited about the event and some people are understandably a little bit frustrated and will be happy when it’s over.”
A few blocks away from the draft stage, The Hudson Cafe’s owner, Tom Teknos, says communication from the city has been key.
“I think the city has done a really tremendous job expanding all the parking structures,” said Teknos. “Signs and maps have been handed out to all the businesses and then we pass that on through our social media platforms.”
“They’re always a hassle,” Parker said of the road closures. “If you’re late to work, it’s kind of an ‘on you’ thing. You’ve got to plan a little bit earlier to get there.”
Krassenstein had some advice for Green bay residents next year, when draft preparations could potentially cause interruptions around the area of Lambeau Field.
“I would say be patient and be part of the excitement,” said Krassenstein. “The whole fan experience it’s not just for the NFL, it’s not just for the picks being made, it’s about being in that fun atmosphere and being part of the experience and having the chance to really show off your city on the national and international stage.”
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