Detroit Grit breaks NFL Draft’s record 

By: Eric B. Larson, Downtown Detroit Partnership, CEO The NFL Draft in Detroit is quite possibly one of the most successful events in the city’s history, and from the moment it was announced that Detroit was the 2024 host city, more than two years ago, it has been the ultimate team effort.  The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has been part of the organizing committee alongside the NFL, Detroit Lions, City of Detroit, Visit Detroit, Detroit Sports Commission, Bedrock, and many others in the local community and business sectors. What an honor it was to watch the years of planning and visioning come to life. At the start of it all, we determined the top three key objectives for the Draft in Detroit:    It had to be safe.  It had to positively impact the community.  It had to showcase our great city.   Everyone stepped up. This piece is a snapshot of how we worked together to deliver a safe, welcoming, inclusive, impactful, fan- and business-friendly event with incredible entertainment value that positioned Detroit in the very best light. All the while never losing sight of how the community could benefit. We never imagined that the Detroit Lions would also have their...