Get Ready for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit with the ‘On the Clock Tour’

Story by Max White

The City of Detroit is gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft, with tens of thousands of people expected to arrive this spring to see the biggest names in college football get drafted.

The draft, which will take place April 25-27, is one of the biggest events in Detroit over the past few years.

The NFL and the City of Detroit are also partnering up for the “On the Clock Tour” to help bring the excitement into the city’s neighborhoods. Check out more on our NFL Draft page.

What is the “On The Clock Tour” and what are the locations?

To help the city get ready for the draft, the On the Clock Tour is a 10-stop tour throughout the seven Detroit neighborhood districts. It kicked off on Jan. 13 and will have nine more events through April leading up to the draft.

People can attend the tour for free, and it will include food trucks, arcade games, arts and crafts, interactive Detroit Lions inflatables and an appearance from Detroit Lions mascot Roary! You can also show off your football skills with different stations.

Plenty of fun was had at the first event – Winterfest – on Jan. 13. Venisa Jordan brought her two kids, 9-year-old Kylie and 7-year-old Langston, to the event at the Kemeny Recreation Center.

“I really like where we went and make the bears. So much fun,” Kylie told us.

Langston said he loved doing the football activities and the obstacle course.

“There is an energy around the city right now that is electric. You just can feel it wherever you go,” Visit Detroit President Claude Molinari said.

Featured Image
Credit: Charles Falsetti

There are still plenty of opportunities for people to attend the “On the Clock Tour.” Check out the dates below, and each event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m (unless otherwise specified)

  • Saturday, Feb. 3 – Adams Butzel Center – 10500 Lyndon St.
  • Saturday, Feb. 10 – Crowell Recreation Center – 16630 Lahser Rd.
  • Saturday, Feb. 17 – Northwest Activities Center – 18100 Meyers Rd.
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 – Heilmann Recreation Center – 19601 Brock Ave.
  • Saturday, March 2 – A.B. Ford Center – 100 Lenox St.
  • Friday, March 8 – Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Rd (6-8 p.m.)
  • Saturday, March 9 – Butzel Family Center – 7337 Kercheval Ave.
  • Saturday, March 16 – Patton Recreation Center – 2301 Woodmere St.
  • Tuesday, March 19 – City of Farmington Hills – The Hawk, 29995 W 12 Mile Rd (5:30-7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, March 23 – Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
  • Saturday, March 30 – Crowell Recreation Center (Easter Fun Fest theme) – 16630 Lahser Rd.
  • Thursday, April 4 - Somerset Collection – North Grand Court, 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd. (5-7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, April 6 – City of Romulus – Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Rd (1-5 p.m)
  • Tuesday, April 9 – Flint – Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd. (5:30-7:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, April 13 – Lasky Recreation Center (Draft Fest theme) – 13200 Fenelon St.
  • Saturday, April 20 – Detroit Zoo (Green Fest), 8450 W 10 Mile Rd. (9 a.m.-3 p.m.; D-Rover exhibit 9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Visit Detroit D-Rover with 2024 NFL Draft Design

What else is there to do at the draft?

While we’re still waiting to get information about how people can attend the NFL Draft, we do know the NFL Draft Experience will take place April 25-27 along with the draft.

In previous draft experiences, including last year in Kansas City, the event featured interactive NFL exhibits, autograph sessions, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, interactive games and much more.

Be sure to sign up for our Visit Detroit NFL Draft Newsletter for the latest updates!

Featured Image
Credit: Charles Falsetti

How can I help with the NFL Draft?

Do you want to get involved with the NFL Draft? The NFL, Visit Detroit and Detroit Sports Commission are seeking teammates to help out during NFL Draft week.

These are temporary, paid positions that will support the NFL Draft Experience from April 25-27.

Your main goal will be to help “promote a fun and inclusive environment of fan engagement,” as tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the NFL Draft Experience.

You have to be 18 years old or older and register for at least two shifts. Learn more and sign up here.!

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Author

Max White
Max White is a freelance writer who loves telling stories about his favorite city, Detroit, where he lives with his wife. When he’s not working or writing, you can find him rock climbing, visiting one of the many Detroit breweries, or taking a stroll throughout the city.