The OnePass app is your ticket to the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit: What to know
You're a Steelers fan from Pittsburgh coming in for the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit. Or a 49ers fan hopping a flight from San Francisco. Or a Dolphins fan from Miami.
Maybe you're a Michigan-made Detroit Lions fan driving in from the north, the Detroit suburbs or somewhere in the Motor City — but you know that your home's downtown won't be the same for the draft on April 25-27.
The NFL OnePass app — your ticket to all things draft from the NFL — is the official guide to the draft, with lots of information about the city. It has draft news and mock drafts, links on how to plan your trip, including lodging, things to do, metro Detroit sports bars and Detroit dining from A-Z, with links to visitdetroit.com.
Here's a tour of what this app tells us about the draft, the D and the offerings for the estimated 300,000 people coming to the big event.
How to get the NFL OnePass app
The NFL OnePass app can be downloaded in the App Store or on Google Play. Adults 18 and older are required to register for the 2024 NFL draft through the app or at nfl.com/draftaccess, and can register up to five minors to bring to the draft experience.
A quick note: There's a lot to explore on the app; by necessity, this is a partial look. It includes attractions, FAQs, transportation, maps, accessibility, security and prohibited items just to name a few. The look-see for this article took 90 minutes, so you'll want to give yourself time to explore everything so you can plan.
Once you register, you'll get emails, too. One that popped into my inbox as I wrote this was titled, "Get to know the NFL Prospects."
Let's get this snapshot tour started.
When is the 2024 NFL draft?
The 2024 NFL draft is April 25-27.
The first round takes place at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25.
Rounds 2-3 take place starting at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26.
Rounds 4-7 take place starting at noon Saturday, April 27.
Where is the 2024 NFL draft?
The draft will take place in downtown Detroit, around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. From Hart Plaza, you can see the Detroit River and our Canadian neighbors in Windsor.
What's the cost to attend the 2024 NFL draft?
Entry is free and you can register for entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or at NFL.com/DraftAccess.
How do I attend the NFL Draft Experience?
To enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, the free fan experience with exhibits that will take place all three days at Hart Plaza, you've got to register via the NFL OnePass app. Adults (18 and older) are required to register, but also can register up to five children.
Get there early as attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours will be noon-10 p.m. April 25-26 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27. Fans are invited to stay and watch the draft on the stage and screens until the last pick each day.
The Draft Theater adjacent to Campus Martius Park is where player selections are announced and where concerts will be held. It's for invited ticket holders. However, as seats become available, fans will have an opportunity to be selected for standing room only and other seating, depending on availability. Theater hours are approximately 5 p.m.-11 p.m. April 25-26 and noon-7 p.m. April 27.
Fans attending the Draft Experience will have sightlines to the Draft Theater from Woodward Avenue to watch the draft picks and concerts as well as screens to watch within the Draft Experience.
What about security?
Fans should be prepared to go through airport-level screening, and the NFL bag policy will be in effect. (You're encouraged not to bring any type of bag with you to expedite your entry.)
Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches. The policy includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.
Exceptions to the size limit of 12-by-6-by 12-inches will be made for medically necessary items.
A small non-clear bag with or without a handle or strap is allowed, but must not exceed 4.5 by 6.5 inches in size.
Security around the draft site will be heightened and all items you carry will be inspected and possibly prohibited. (Friendly reminder: Prohibited items can't be accepted, stored or checked in by the NFL or Detroit police.)
Some prohibited items include firearms, knives, explosives, beach balls, footballs, chairs, drones and umbrellas.
What is permitted?
• Strollers and baby carriages, but bags and blankets must be removed, screened by X-ray and inspected.
• Small cameras and binoculars.
• Empty, reuseable water bottles for free water filling.
• Service animals and service animals in training (keep household pets and emotional support animals at home).
• Wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and three- or four-wheeled scooters for those with mobility disabilities.
What can I do or see at the NFL Draft Experience?
For the athletic:
• 40-yard dash: Race down the field against opponents and digital NFL players on a giant 40-yard-long LED wall.
• Vertical jump: Find out the differential between your reach and the flag you hit.
• Hail Mary: Throw a deep pass over defenders into a drop-in net.
For the not-so-athletic (everyone, actually):
• Free autographs from current NFL players and league legends. The schedule will be available April 20 in the app with regular updates. (Note: this is subject to change without notice.)
• Step inside a uniformed body-cast mold bearing the insignia of your favorite NFL team for a photo
• Take a photo in one of the jumbo photo frames.
• Visit a replica of the official NFL draft stage and take your photo behind the podium as the No. 1 draft pick.
• Visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on game day and experience the sights of a real NFL pregame inside a video tunnel.
• Take your photo with an oversize replica of all 32 NFL team helmets.
• See all 57 Super Bowl rings and take a digital photo with your favorite ring on your finger.
• Take a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, presented to the team that wins the Super Bowl.
Will the Pro Football Hall of Fame be represented?
Yes! There will be a curated exhibit to include:
• Hall of Fame bronze busts of Lem Barney, Joe DeLamielleure, Calvin Johnson, Alex Karras, Barry Sanders, Charles Woodson and Jerome Bettis.
• George S. Halas NFC Championship Trophy.
• Lamar Hunt AFC Championship Trophy.
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
• Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
What's going on at the Corner Ballpark?
Bring your kiddos to The Corner Ballpark on Michigan Avenue, site of the former Tiger Stadium, for youth-focused activities. (NFL OnePass is required for access.) Don’t worry, there will be screens to watch the draft on the NFL Network so you don’t miss the latest happenings there.
Corner Ballpark will be open 3 p.m.-10 p.m. April 25-26 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27. The NFL clear bag policy and airport-level screening will be in effect at this venue, too.
Activities include:
• Kick a field goal through NFL uprights.
• Try on NFL equipment.
• Watch and learn from USA Football coaches and NFL players about football and NFL Flag football as well as Heads Up tackling during clinics, competitions and demonstrations. On-field clinics will be open to those age 6-14. Daily clinics are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the app for the most updated times each day.
Navigate an obstacle course and train like an NFL player.
Snap and complete a pass like a pro into a drop-in net.
Food, drinks, entertainment, dancing and shopping
Local fare will be showcased through the Taste of Detroit concessions, bringing flavors from neighborhoods in Detroit including soul food, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and East African cuisines. The restaurants will keep 100% of their revenue.
More than two dozen Detroit restaurants are to be featured in a "taste of the town" tailgate.
Here’s a quick sample of the businesses listed on the app: Waka by Baobab Fare; Good Cakes and Bakes; Chef Greg’s Soul “N” The Wall; El Parian Taco; Detroit 75 Kitchen; Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles; Golden Fleece; La Marsa Cuisine; Detroit Water Ice Factory and Mom’s Spaghetti.
A handful of food trucks also are to be at the Corner Ballpark, including Curt Got Crabs and Da Bomb Taco.
The Bud Light Backyard Bar will be for those 21 and older.
Free concerts will be hosted before Round 1 on April 25, Round 3 on April 26 and following Round 7 on April 27, live on the Draft Theater stage following each night of the draft. Concert-viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis and standing room only.
Dancing will play an integral role in the draft events Saturday. The Detroit Hustle will be celebrated across Campus Martius, with fan participation encouraged.
The NFL Shop at 1001 Woodward Ave. will be open to buy your favorite team's swag as well as draft merchandise. It opens 10 a.m. April 20 with hours 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 20-21 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. April 22-23. It will be closed April 24 and reopen noon-10 p.m. April 25-26 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27. Purchases are cash-free.
Getting into and around downtown
You have options, which the app breaks down in detail. And drivers, expect road closures, some of which have been happening since draft setup began.
If you decide to drive downtown, make a plan and prearrange parking. Many off-street lots and garages are booked, and street parking will be limited or restricted in the area. Parking regulations will be enforced; vehicles may be towed. Those planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. You may find off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.
More: Downtown Detroit parking lots to see upgrades ahead of 2024 NFL draft
Your noncar options include the Detroit People Mover, which will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. April 25 through 12 a.m. April 28, and the QLINE along Woodward Avenue, per the app.
In terms of bus service, SMART will have park-and-ride services from various points in metro Detroit, including Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer store locations and Oakland County Community College. It also has its FAST service on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenue. DDOT services will operate with modified downtown routes because of road closures.
There will be designated shuttle and ride-share drop-off points throughout downtown on Woodward, Jefferson and Fort Street. Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting downtown Detroit to Detroit Metro Airport, and D2A2 is an express coach bus that connects downtown Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor.
More: New service details released about Detroit public transit options
How else is the city celebrating?
Free family-friendly events will span several downtown parks within walking distance of the draft site during the three days, including Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and a closed-off portion of Woodward between State and Witherell.
Big screens will show the draft action; nearly four dozen vendors will showcase products; more than 60 local artists, musicians and entertainers will participate, and the city will feature interpretive art installations for photo ops. There's cigar rolling April 25 at Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park and daily cornhole tournaments from 4-6 p.m. at Beacon Park planned.
And nearly three dozen local food trucks will have tailgating fare. You don't need the NFL OnePass to attend the event in these parks, but you will have to pass through security.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2024 NFL draft in Detroit: OnePass app is your ticket in
