Transportation & Maps
As home to the world's second largest Delta Hub, flying to Detroit is easy. Once…
The NFL Draft is free to the public. NFL OnePass gives you access to all event information, gives you the chance to get involved with tons of activities, and is your go-to guide for NFL events! Please note that NFL OnePass is required to participate in any interactive games on-site. You won't need a ticket - just register on the NFL OnePass to enjoy the Fan Experience.
Get ready for a great time
Visitors to the NFL Draft are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to pre-arrange parking if they plan to drive downtown. We anticipate a high demand for traffic and parking downtown during the NFL Draft event.
We have several Park and Ride options (including fan shuttles, QLINE, and buses) available that we encourage fans and visitors to utilize.
We discourage people from driving into the Central Business District. If you do choose to drive and park downtown into the Central Business District, we encourage you to prebook your parking and arrive early in the day by 10am.
You can find available off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.
Accessible Parking
There is ADA-friendly parking available at the River East Garage - 214 Rivard St. - $15 per car (prepay here)
There is a designated ADA-friendly drop-off in front of the Renaissance Center, in the horseshoe.
$10 per car - WSU Structures 1 (first come, first served) - 450 W. Palmer Ave
$15 per car - Bagley Mobility Hub, 1501 Wabash Street. Prepay here.
$15 per car - River East Garage, 214 Rivard Street. Prepay here.
QLINE will be offering Park and Ride services, available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5 per vehicle from the following locations:
Private coaches and shuttles should utilize the following locations for pick-up and drop-off of visitors coming downtown for the NFL Draft
Bus Drop Off Locations
Bus Layover Information
Coaches and shuttle buses will not be permitted to layover downtown in the Central Business District.
The City has designated the following locations as bus layover locations that allow for easy access to the pick-up & drop-off locations.
Detroit Airport
The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 20 miles from downtown Detroit in Romulus.
Detroit Air Xpress (DAX)
Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting Downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
DAX is available 365 days per year (including holidays and high travel days), making 16 round trips per day between 3:30 am and 11:00 pm. Traveling along I-94, the trip takes 30 -50 minutes each way depending on traffic. Amenities include WiFi, space for luggage, charging ports, and comfortable seats.
Tickets: $6 in advance, discounts available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and students
Downtown Detroit stop: Located near 1119 Washington Blvd., between Michigan Avenue and State Street
DTW Airport stops: Stops at “Departures” for the McNamara Terminal and “Ground Transportation” for the Evans Terminal
DTW Rideshare
When getting a ride from the airport, use rideshare apps to book a ride to and from Detroit Metro Airport. Passengers can only meet their driver within the designated Rideshare area that is located inside the Big Blue Deck, Level 1 or McNamara Parking Garage, Level 4.
McNamara Terminal: Once across the Skybridge, continue to the bank of elevators located on Level 6 of the Ground Transportation Center. Take the elevator down to Level 4 to locate the Rideshare staging area.
Evans Terminal: Once across the Skybridge, continue through the sliding glass doors. Take the elevator or escalator on the right, down to Level 1 to locate the Rideshare staging area.
In Detroit, you're never short of transportation options to help you explore the city. Given the high demand for rideshare services during peak times, it's important to familiarize yourself with public transportation options so you can avoid delays and not miss a minute of the action! Planning ahead allows for smooth navigation into and around Detroit.
People Mover
Detroit People Mover will operate 24 hours a day, beginning 7:00 a.m. Thursday, 4/25 through 12:00 a.m. Sunday, 4/28 with trains up to every 5 minutes.
QLINE
QLINE will operate as scheduled with short service routes during the event build-out as noted below with higher frequency service during the event.
Bus Services
SMART will operate park-and-ride services downtown from various points in the Detroit Metro area including from Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer locations, and Oakland County Community College. SMART's FAST service will also be operating to downtown on Gratiot, Woodward, and Michigan Avenue. The fare is $2 per ride. More details on other locations, times, and frequency can be found here.
RTA The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) will continue to operate both the D2A2 and the newly launched Detroit Air Xpress bus routes. More information on RTA can be found here.
DDOT services will continue to operate as scheduled but with modified downtown routes due to road closures. Beginning 8pm on 4/23 through 6am on 4/29, all DDOT buses coming downtown will stop at the Rosa Parks Transit Center. DDOT riders can click here for all updated re-route information and a full map.
Eligible Detroit residents can also take advantage of the DDOT Paratransit services by reaching out to (313) 774-5555.
Ride Share
Due to the high volume of traffic in the city, Uber and Lyft will be at capacity for the weekend. Please plan ahead and schedule your rides or utilize public transportation options in Detroit. Please refer to this list of designated shuttle & rideshare drop-off points:
Bike and Scooter Rental
MoGo
Detroit’s bike share system has 620 bikes and 75 stations in 6 Detroit metro cities. Unlimited 30-minute ride cycles (after initial payment). There are countless MoGo stations around Detroit including at Campus Martius, Woodward and Fort, Larned and Woodward, and the Detroit Riverwalk.
You can also find Lime and Spin scooters and Boaz bikes all around downtown Detroit. Scooters and bikes must be parked in designated parking zones near the NFL Draft event footprint. These zones can be seen in each of the providers' apps and on this map.
If your destination is outside of the Mandatory Parking Zone and further away from the NFL Draft event footprint, please park near the curb to keep sidewalks safe, clear, and accessible.
Getting to Downtown Detroit
From DTW, you can take I-94 East directly for about 20 miles and get downtown.
If you're coming from northern Oakland County, the most direct route would be I-75 South. To get to Detroit from Macomb County take I-94 West right into Detroit before hopping on I-75 South to get into downtown.
From southern Oakland County, the best route is via I-696 East and M-10 South (known to locals as John C. Lodge Freeway or simply "The Lodge.") If you're coming from the Ann Arbor area, or you can hop on M-14 East or take I-94 East.
If you're coming from Toledo or the downriver area, you can take I-75 North through to downtown Detroit.
Transit Windsor will be operating enhanced tunnel bus service for fans during the NFL Draft with service every half hour through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. Service starts at 10am each day and visitors must purchase tickets in advance.
Friday, March 29 at 9 a.m. to Tuesday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Closures for NFL Draft Theater Build at the site of the future development at Cadillac Square, formerly Monroe Midway
Monday, April 8 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m.
Closures for Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square build, which includes parts of Woodward Avenue and eastbound Cadillac Square
Monday, April 15 at 12 a.m. to Monday, May 6 at 5 a.m.
Closures for NFL Draft Experience build at Hart Plaza
Saturday, April 20 at 6 a.m. to Tuesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Closures for Woodward Avenue
Wednesday, April 24 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, April 28 at 6 a.m.
Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Wherever there are road closures, there are also parking restrictions to ensure adequate space for our first responders to get to and around any police or medical emergencies. Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department and Department of Public Works encourage motorists to pay close attention to any and all parking restriction signs along our city streets. Please note, that the Park Detroit app only notes which zone you are in, and therefore may still appear to allow you to park in any given location, despite the restrictions in place. Cars improperly parked will be towed at the owners’ expense.
Where to Stay
Detroit offers dozens of hotels ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. The downtown area is a great accommodation pick for its proximity to major attractions like the Detroit International Riverwalk and sports venues, boasting well-known hotel chains and unique boutique options. Many hotels in Detroit also highlight the city’s architectural history, offering guests a unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm.
The Detroit metro area offers many different accommodation options, with more than 45,000 rooms split between Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Whether you’re looking for a trendy boutique hotel, a luxurious stay nestled in a downtown area, or a unique spot that will have you feeling like you’re staying in a museum, check out some of our picks for Detroit metro area hotel options.
Hotel | Miles From Downtown Detroit |
The Leo Collection - Lincoln Park | 10 |
Greenfield Inn - Allen Park | 12 |
The Henry - Dearborn | 15 |
The Westin - Southfield | 16 |
Avid Hotel - Warren | 17 |
Daxton Hotel | 19 |
Somerset Inn - Troy | 20 |
Townsend Hotel - Birmingham | 20 |
The Westin - DTW | 22 |
Tru - Sterling Heights | 23 |
The Kingsley - Bloomfield Hills | 24 |
26 | |
Royal Park Hotel - Rochester | 29 |
Cambria - Shelby Township | 30 |
Enjoy Everything Detroit Has To Offer
The NFL Draft weekend is your ticket to discovering Detroit like never before. With tons of exclusive deals, special events, and unique experiences on deck, businesses are going all out to make sure it’ll be a weekend to remember. Check out some of these things to do that are outside of the NFL Draft downtown footprint.
Exclusive Fan Offers Digital Pass Savings
Metro Area Downtowns - The Detroit metro region comprises of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, each of which offer downtown areas with more opportunities to explore dining, shopping, and hidden gems in the area. Some popular Detroit metro downtowns to explore are Royal Oak, Dearborn, Rochester, Hamtramck, and Northville.
Midtown - About a mile and a half from downtown Detroit, you’ll find great shopping, delicious food and drinks, and a ton of fun things to do in the trendy Midtown neighborhood.
Casinos - Detroit's variety of world-class casinos is a perfect way to tap into the city's entertainment side. Play (and stay, eat, and relax!) at the MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, and the MotorCity Casino Hotel, as well as Caesars Windsor across the river.
DCLEATED - All around the city are twenty impressive and larger-than-life football cleats that have been customized by local Detroit artists. Each artist has chosen a Detroit-based cause and has partnered with local organizations to design a custom cleat to uplift important causes they're passionate about. The cleats not only tell a story but make for a great photo opp and memento from NFL Draft weekend.
Detroit Zoo - About 14 miles from downtown Detroit is the Detroit Zoo, which spans 125 acres and features more than 2,000 animals and 200 different species.
Michigan Science Center - Recently voted one of the best science museums in the country by USA Today, the Michigan Science Center offers over 220 interactive activities, as well as an IMAX Dome Theatre and traveling exhibits.
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets - 35 miles from downtown Detroit is Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, a mall that not only has over 185 specialty stores, but also family-friendly activities like Legoland Discovery Center, Peppa Pig World of Play, SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, and more!
Livernois Avenue of Fashion - The Avenue of Fashion in Detroit is a historic commercial district known for its upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, showcasing Detroit's cultural and fashion heritage.
Somerset Collection - 20 miles from downtown Detroit, Somerset Collection is a luxury shopping mall featuring high-end retailers, designer boutiques, and fine dining options.
The Mall at Partridge Creek and M-59 Corridor - The Mall at Partridge Creek and other shopping venues along M-59 in Macomb County offer a mix of outdoor and indoor shopping experiences, including department stores, specialty shops, and dining options.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation - The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn showcases America's innovations and history through exhibits on industry, transportation, and social change.
Detroit Institute of Arts - Voted the best art museum in the country two years in a row by USA Today readers, The Detroit Institute of Arts is renowned for its extensive collection of art, spanning from ancient to modern times.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History - The Wright offers an in-depth look at the resilience, contributions, heritage, and cultural impact of African Americans through exhibits and educational programs.
Detroit Historical Museum - Cobblestone streets, 19th-century stores, an auto assembly line, toy trains, and a fur trading post from the 1700s are only a few of the wonders visitors see at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Belle Isle - The country's largest city island park, Belle Isle is a beautiful outdoor escape featuring an aquarium, a golf course, a maritime museum, and miles of beautiful skyline views.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks - This network of parks, 10 of which are in the Detroit metro area, spans across Southeast Michigan, offering a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, golfing, and birdwatching.
Detroit International Riverwalk - Voted Best Riverwalk in the U.S. three years in a row, the Detroit International Riverwalk comprises almost seven miles of beautiful public spaces of parks, plazas, and greenways, including the Dequindre Cut Greenway, with Eastern Market at one end and the Outdoor Adventure Center at the other.
All the deets
All fans will go through airport-level screening for entry and must adhere to our prohibited items list found HERE. The NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for the NFL Draft. Fans are also required to register for NFL OnePass at nfl.com/draftaccess or by downloading the NFL OnePass app. Guests in need of accessibility accommodations can refer to the guide here.
Security screening in and around the NFL Draft will be significantly heightened. All items carried by fans will be carefully inspected and potentially prohibited from entry. The NFL All Clear policy will be in effect.
The NFL Draft, including NFL Draft Experience and the Draft Theater, is a smoke-free environment. The use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes is prohibited.
Note: Prohibited items and items determined to be inappropriate for entry into the secure perimeter will be the responsibility of the fan and cannot be accepted, stored or checked by the NFL or the Detroit Police Department.
Fans are strongly encouraged to refrain from bringing any type of bag to the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light to expedite their entry.
Clear Bag Policy:
Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12". (NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect)
Small purses/clutch bags will be carried through screening
Size exceptions will be made for medically necessary items
Large bags can be secured at provided lockers, available on a first come first served basis and not guaranteed
Strollers and baby carriages will be permitted, subject to screening
Strollers - Strollers and baby carriages are permitted, however, all bags and blankets must be removed and screened by x-ray and will be physically/visually inspected.
Cameras – Small cameras and binoculars will be permitted. Professional-grade cameras and recording equipment will only be permitted for properly Draft Credentialed media
Reusable Water Bottles – Fans will be allowed to enter with an empty, reusable water bottle for free water filling when inside the perimeter.
SECURITY SCREENING BEGINS AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES AT NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE ENTRANCES
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Saturday, April 27 |
12pm ET | 12pm ET | 9am ET |
The NFL has a mobility assistance program for access inside the footprint.
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.
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.
Get ready for three days of pure football heaven in the heart of Downtown Detroit.
NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Saturday. April 27 |
Round 1 | Rounds 2-3 | Rounds 4-7 |
Thursday, April 25 at 8pm ET | Friday, April 26 at 7pm ET | Saturday, April 27 at 12pm ET |
DRAFT THEATER HOURS*
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Saturday, April 27 |
5pm-11pm ET | 5pm-11pm ET | 12pm-7pm ET |
*approximate timing based on how quickly players are selected
The 2024 NFL Draft is comprised of the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage which is FREE for all ages, and the Draft Theater for invited ticket holders. For free entry to the Draft Experience, fans are required to register for their NFL OnePass. For the Draft Theater, seating is only available to invited ticket holders, however, as seats become available, fans will have an opportunity to be selected for standing room and other seating depending upon availability, usually for Friday and Saturday only.
Because the NFL Draft Experience and Draft Theater are situated adjacent to one another, fans attending Draft Experience will have sightlines to the Draft Theater from Woodward Avenue to watch every pick of the Draft and concerts. There will be screens throughout Draft Experience within the secure perimeter as well as space to view the stage accessible on a first come, first serve basis.
Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences. Corner Ballpark will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics.
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.
Autograph Stage
Get free autographs from current NFL players and NFL Legends. The schedule will be available by April 20 in the OnePass app with regular updates (*subject to change without notice).
Bud Light Backyard Bar
Stop by the Bud Light bars to take a break, enjoy an ice-cold Bud Light or Bud Light Seltzer, and snap a picture at our fun photo opp! Guests must be 21 and over to partake in any alcoholic beverages.
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
Enjoy selections from some of Detroit restaurants in a "taste of the town" tailgate.
Invisalign NFL Draft Photo Frames
Take a picture in one of the 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. Experience the sights of a real NFL pregame inside our video tunnel!
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 and take a unique digital photo with your favorite ring on your finger!
The Vince Lombardi Trophy
Fans may take their photo with the most iconic trophy in sports.
NFL Shop presented by Visa
Visit NFL Shop presented by Visa for all of your exclusive NFL teams and NFL Draft merchandise
DRAFT EXPERIENCE HOURS
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Saturday, April 27 |
12pm-10pm ET | 12pm-10pm ET | 9am-10pm ET |
NFL SHOP HOURS
4/20 | 4/21 | 4/22 | 4/23 | 4/24 | 4/25 | 4/26 | 4/27 |
10am-8pm | 10am-8pm | 11am-8pm | 11am-8pm | CLOSED | 12pm-10pm | 12pm-10pm | 9am-6pm |
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
Step right up and take your shot at kicking a field goal just like the pros
Gear Up and Go
Kids can try on NFL equipment and feel like a pro.
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. Daily clinics open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food Trucks
Enjoy food from Curt Got Crabs, Da Bomb Taco Truck, Grobbel Food Truck, Aj Authentic Jamaican, and Chicken on a Stick.
CORNER BALLPARK HOURS
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Sunday, April 27 |
3pm - 10pm | 3pm - 10pm | 9am - 6pm |
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. Attendees won’t miss a second of the action, with ten 20-foot video walls spread throughout the Downtown parks showing the live feed of the event all weekend long. Check out some of the fun offerings below:
You can enjoy your favorite ice-cold beverages such as Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Black Cherry Seltzer, Stella Artois and Smirnoff Smash at convenient bars located within all five of the Draft Day in the D event spaces.
Treat your taste buds with tailgate fare from more than 35 local food truck favorites. See below for each day's line-up of delicious offerings!
Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit will be on full display within the parks, showcasing more than 45 local vendors each day. Vendors include All Things Detroit Marketplace, Detroit Originals, Poppa’s Hot Sauce, Fricken Good Cookies, Sweet Potato Sensations, and more.
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. High-energy beats will fill the air as you and your fellow fans hear all your favorite stadium jams.
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.
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.
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.
DRAFT DAY IN THE D HOURS
Thursday, April 25 | Friday, April 26 | Saturday, April 27 |
11 am - 11 pm | 12 pm - 8 pm | 12 pm - 8 pm |
Check out Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit interactive Field Guide highlighting 119 must-visit spots for dining, eating, drinking, shopping, parking, and entertainment. Take in everything that the Draft has to offer at new favorites and pop-up spaces downtown. This Bedrock-curated field guide is perfect for itinerary inspiration and effortless navigation while in Detroit for the Draft.
Stay up-to-date with the latest announcements and new details about the NFL Draft presented by Bud Light in Detroit.
The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit presented by Bud Light wouldn't be possible without our donors. On behalf of the Detroit Sports Commission, Visit Detroit, and the NFL, we thank you for supporting our city and the NFL Draft as we come together to put the Detroit Metro area on the world stage. We're always better together. #OnePride
Interested in becoming a donor for the 2024 NFL Draft? Click here to fill out the donor interest form.
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