City of Windsor Plans Local Celebration to Mark NFL Draft in Detroit

The City of Windsor is gearing up to join in the excitement of the National Football League (NFL) Draft set to take place in the city of Detroit from April 25 to 27, 2024. This year's NFL Draft promises to be an historic event, spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza, and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our region. As the second largest event in the NFL calendar, more than 60 million viewers are expected to tune in worldwide.

The NFL Draft in Detroit presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Windsor as a tourist destination with a passion for football, unforgettable experiences, and an electric and infectious community spirit. Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) anticipates all 1,800 hotel rooms in the downtown core to be fully booked for the duration of the NFL Draft, and Transit Windsor will be extending its hours of operation to shuttle football enthusiasts to and from the celebrations across the river. The influx of visitors is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region while promoting downtown Windsor as a vibrant hub for event attraction.

In support for our neighbours to the north, the City of Windsor is set to host an array of local activities and events, bringing the excitement of the NFL Draft to Windsor. In addition to NFL Draft banners decorating the downtown core, residents and visitors will be treated to “Windsor's NFL Draft Party” on Saturday, April 27, 2024. This free fan event will take place on the front lawn of City Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., promising a day of fun-filled activities for all ages. The celebration will include NFL-themed interactive games, an NFL Draft viewing area, a free football skills and coaching clinic for local youth, music, complimentary snacks, and appearances from some of Windsor’s very own NFL alumni players.

The event will culminate with an evening celebration organized by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) to celebrate the NFL Draft in Detroit, our “Two Nation Destination,” our community’s own football history, and the impact and legacy of the NFL around the world. Additionally, downtown Windsor businesses are anticipated to host viewing parties from April 25 to 27 at various locations.

To register for the Detroit NFL Draft Free One Pass, visit the NFL’s Draft Event Info page.

For up-to-date information on Windsor’s Celebration of the Detroit NFL Draft, visit the Tourism Windsor Essex NFL Draft page.

Quotes:

"The City of Windsor is thrilled to be partnering with the City of Detroit, NFL Canada, Tourism Windsor Essex, and the DWBIA in delivering an unforgettable experience to our residents in celebration of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. With many NFL alumni being from this region, including Brett Romberg, Luke Willson, Tyrone Crawford, and O.J. Atogwe, we're proud to showcase Windsor's strong connection to football. Now, with local draft prospect Theo Johnson, a Holy Names Catholic High School graduate, we have yet another special local talent to cheer on. This event not only celebrates football but also highlights the Windsor-Detroit region’s strong reputation as a world-class sports tourism destination and reinforces our identity as the ultimate 'two-nation destination.' We're grateful for the support of our partners, and our local football community, and we hope to see everyone come together on April 27 to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“The NFL Draft in Detroit is a big-time event with big-time players. It makes perfect sense that Downtown Windsor is now in the field. None of this is possible without our teammates – The NFL, NFL Canada, the DWBIA, Windsor’s football community, TWEPI, and, of course, Mayor Dilkens, my council colleagues and administration.”
- Renaldo Agostino, Ward 3 Councillor

“Tourism Windsor Essex and the City of Windsor are looking to capitalize on the NFL Draft being held in Detroit April 25 to 27, 2024. It is expected 300,000-plus visitors will descend upon the city of Detroit over the course of the three days. Our hotels in downtown Windsor are in near sell-out position, with still three weeks to go, so we anticipate a healthy occupancy for many of our hotels during this time. We thank our counterparts at Visit Detroit and Detroit Sports Commission for luring this signature sporting event to our region and for once again embracing our Two Nation Destination partnership.”
- Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island

“As our streets come alive with the energy of fans and festivities, the DWBIA recognizes the meaningful impact the NFL Draft will have on our downtown businesses, residents, and visitors. The NFL Draft is far more than just a sporting event; it’s a catalyst for economic growth, community engagement, and urban revitalization.”
- Chris MacLeod, Chair, Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (BIA)

“I’m sure I can speak for the NFL alumni that grew up in Windsor when I say that we have a tremendous amount of pride, love, and admiration for the city. We all appreciate the City of Windsor and the local football programs coming together to provide an incredible event during the NFL Draft. This event and the free skills and coaching clinic will really make a difference in so many of the participants’ lives. Many might not comprehend the scope of the community’s helping hand that day, but I am confident that they will in the future.”
- Brett Romberg, Canadian-born former football center who played in the NFL