The NFL draft attendance record was broken with over 700,000 attendees in Detroit

The NFL draft has a new attendance record after more than 700,000 fans flooded downtown Detroit for the three-day event. Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer broke the news at Campus Martius Park during the third and final day of the draft. “It has been a historic week here in the great city of Detroit,” Whitmer said Saturday. “We have shown the world what the Motor City is all about.” While it will take years to know if this week’s picks delivered, there’s no doubt that Detroit made the most of an opportunity to host hundreds of thousands of fans and show 50-plus million viewers the new-look city. Motown beat Music City’s three-day attendance record of 600,000 set in 2019, when fans filled Broadway in Nashville.

The NFL did not charge fans to attend the event in Detroit, though the visitors and area residents were expected to generate more than $160m in economic impact at sold-out hotels, packed bars and restaurants, as well as retail stores in the heart of downtown. Former Lions running back Billy Sims was enjoying brisk sales of barbecue from his restaurant under a tent on a sidewalk along Woodward Avenue on Saturday.

The surge of fans filling downtown Detroit is a testament to the enduring appeal of the NFL draft, as well as the vitality of the city itself. This momentous event not only drew in an unprecedented number of attendees, but it also showcased the city’s capacity to host and entertain such a large-scale gathering. The economic impact of this milestone cannot be overlooked, with the influx of visitors and local residents contributing significantly to the thriving hospitality and retail sectors in the area. Additionally, the spotlight on Detroit during the broadcast to over 50 million viewers offers an invaluable opportunity to portray the city in a new light and dispel outdated perceptions.

The successful hosting of the NFL draft in Detroit is a reflection of the city’s resurgence and its ability to captivate an immense audience with its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural offerings. The record-breaking attendance serves as a resounding affirmation of Detroit’s allure and its promising trajectory, positioning it as a dynamic and compelling destination for major events. As the city continues to evolve and thrive, events of this magnitude solidify Detroit’s status as a premier host for significant gatherings, leaving a lasting impact on both its local community and the broader audience witnessing its transformation.