By Jeremy T. Ballreich
The 2024 Draft was my first NFL Event! I am honored and humbled to be representing the South Florida Tribune via the Motor City Tribune. Writing you the details of all I learned.
They had a record number of ticket holders go through the gates as announced by Governor Gretchen Wilson before she announced the pick of Giovanni Manu. 700,000 plus passed through the gates. But that isn’t the amount of people that were in Detroit to attend for the draft. Speaking to one of the officers doing security (400 were assigned each day of the draft). There was another 300,000 plus outside of the complex, it didn’t include the staff, members of the press in attendance, or the government officials from Detroit. He also told me there was another 300,000 in Greektown alone on Day 1. They said as far as the crowd control was concerned. It was actually less busy for them on the crime and skirmishes front. And they were very thankful the residents of Detroit honored the event and did the city proud.
There countless street ambassadors walking the city as well in the area. You may have seen them wearing the yellow vests, some doing greeting duties: like Rick Wilkiams, a 63-year-old Detroit Native. And some were just there to help keep the city clean.
I also ran into one of the IT guys the NFL brought in to make sure the members of the press, and other NFL staff members could have a good internet provided at the facility. They had to add ten portable towers to handle the bandwidth locally so everyone could stream and broadcast as the picks were made. It was fair on day one. Much improved day two on!
My Publisher met Mel Owens, former Linebacker out of the University of Michigan drafted 9th overall in 1981. It was an amazing interview. Make sure to check that out as well. (Video is at the end of my article)
At the end of Day 1, I had the pleasure at my first event to actually get a question in with Lions first round selection of Terrion Arnold. Because there wasn’t much structure. It was a feast of famine moment for me.
So for each day add in the 300,000 plus to the attendance 1.6 million minimum were in the city of Detroit this 3 day event. Handled miraculously well by the NFL, the officials of the city, and state. And even by us the members of the media. I especially am thankful for the police presence surrounding the whole event. Right down to the traffic cops.
So the impact of the community was probably much bigger than just the ticket sales, merchandise, food, and etc. Proving that Detroit could be a future destination for other sports big events.
But realistically, there are 31 other cities in the NFL. This more than likely was a once in a lifetime event for all who were in attendance around my age. Because we cannot expect it back in less than 31 years. But breaking the attendance, might swing it back our way sooner.
Thanks For Reading!!!!
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