The NFL is back for three days, and even though no football will actually be played, the 2024 NFL Draft provides the first insight into next season.
Pretty soon, 257 players will take the next step in accomplishing their dreams of playing professional football. The event kicks off on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
By that time, nearly half a million people will flock to the city to see the next class of football greats hear their names called. What’s now a ticketed event is one of the biggest spectacles of the year for the host city (apart from actual games, of course), and it will have food, interactive events, and more for fans who made the trip, whether it was across the country or down the street.
All that said, where is the 2024 NFL Draft? The Sporting News has the answer, as well as more information about this year’s event and future host sites.
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Where is the NFL Draft in 2024?
The Lions went on a historic run in 2023, winning the NFC North and reaching the conference championship for the first time in 30 years. It only makes sense Detroit is where the 2024 “season” will begin.
After eight years of bidding for the event, Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza play host to the 2024 NFL Draft. It took a while for Detroit to get the nod, but it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. The excitement of last season, as well as the announcement of the Lions’ new jerseys, is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of anxious Lions fans, as well as rivals from nearby cities.
As usual, the NFL Draft will be a free event for all three days. Fans can take pictures with the Lombardi Trophy and get autographs from current and former players. Younger fans can enjoy the Draft Experience, which will have games and drills to show off football skills.
Detroit’s cultural history will also be celebrated at the draft with Taste of Detroit food and beverage concessions celebrating the various cuisines enjoyed around the city.
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NFL Draft tickets 2024
Only “invited ticket-holders” are allowed to enter the draft theater for the NFL Draft. Fans registered for the experience may be selected for standing-room viewing, however, should space become available.
Fans must register for the NFL Draft Experience using the NFL OnePass app or online here. The event is free for everyone. It will be open all weekend during the following hours.
- Thursday, April 25 – Noon to 10 p.m.
- Friday, April 26 – Noon to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, April 27 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MORE: When will the 2024 NFL schedule be released?
Future NFL Draft locations
| Year | NFL Draft site |
| 2024 | Detroit, MI |
| 2024 | Green Bay, WI |
2025 NFL Draft: Green Bay
The Midwest continues to reign over the NFL Draft. In 2025, it will head to Green Bay, Wis., for the first time.
The smallest market in the NFL, Green Bay may not stand out to most as a draft site, but the Packers are one of the most historically successful franchises. Who wouldn’t want to see the next class of NFL stars get selected watching from Lambeau Field?
By the time next April rolls around, there will probably be even more excitement around Green Bay. No more reeling over Aaron Rodgers; instead, fans will likely be all in on Jordan Love after his second season.
The NFL Draft is a huge economic boost to host cities, typically generating more than $ 100 million for the local economy. The event will likely be held in Lambeau Field, Titletown, and surrounding venues.
2026 NFL Draft: TBD
The site of the 2026 NFL Draft is yet to be announced, but Pittsburgh looks like the likely candidate. The city has made bids for both 2026 and 2027 events. Denver and Charlotte have also made their intentions to host an upcoming NFL Draft known.
