The scene in Detroit is insane

Finally, the NFL draft for 2024 has arrived. For the sports extravaganza, which will see over 200 new players join the league and hope at an all-time high for all 32 teams, including the Detroit Lions, hundreds of thousands of football fans flocked to downtown Detroit.

The public NFL Fan Experience opened at noon tonight, while the actual NFL draft got underway at 8 p.m. with Round 1. With live updates and images from Detroit, we’re bringing you all the action as it happens.

Follow our live updates to learn what’s going on at the NFL Fan Experience in Hart Plaza and at the NFL draft theater close to Campus Martius on Day 1.

We’ve got you covered if you’re new to Detroit and confused by this lingo surrounding the draft scene.

Form: “Whatupdoe!” is sometimes written as a single word; however, it is also acceptable to write “What up doe,” which is three words long and frequently used. Exclamation points are frequently used after them, but they are not always required; it all depends on the subject’s usage of it and the context.

Usage: “Whatupdoe!” is similar to the Hawaiian “Aloha” in that it can mean both hello and goodbye. “Doe” is a contraction of the word “though,” and it has no reference to either a real person or a female deer or other hoofed ruminant ungulate belonging to the family Cervidae.

Different interpretations: What are you doing? What would you like to do (in a casual or professional setting, or in reaction to someone else using derogatory language, i.e. e: “I’ll whoop yo’ a–! response);” Whatupdoe?! Take note of the altered punctuation, which now includes an emphasis-filled question mark after an exclamation point. When using this iteration, one common physical gesture to indicate that things are about to get ugly or that the proverbial pot is about to explode is raising one’s hands or spreading them wide.

— Hill James.

Spark chants and fireworks over the sky.

Prior to the draft, the mayor of Detroit issued a capacity alert.

Last month, Mayor Mike Duggan cautioned tourists that the downtown footprint would fill up and advised them to schedule their NFL draft trip and arrive early, but he also highlighted other outer options in the area. Around the time of rapper Big Sean’s performance, the fenced area in downtown Detroit filled up, and hundreds of people waiting to enter were turned away before 6:30 p.m. M.

“I want people to start thinking about this and their experience,” stated Duggan in March. Everybody inside the NFL fence was present at the draft, whether it was held in Kansas City or Vegas. They made accommodations for everyone when you swiped in.

“Our fenced area is located in downtown here, so it won’t be as large. One in three or one in four of the people down here, I’m estimating, will actually be inside the NFL fenced zone. ****.

On Thursday, it was impossible to get in touch with Duggan right away.

Though visitors may technically be outside of the NFL OnePass zone, the mayor, along with representatives from Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission, stated that there are options outside the footprint in Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, Corktown, and along Woodward Avenue to watch and participate in NFL draft activities.

At the time, Duggan stated, “What the team here has done has created so many other spaces where you’re going to be able to watch and hear the draft.”.

— Afana Dana.

Watch the set by Big Sean here.

At the start of the NFL draft festivities in downtown Detroit on Thursday night, Big Sean was in his element, putting on a lively backyard show.

The homegrown rapper played a half-hour set covering his career catalog while gazing out over a sea of Detroit Lions’ Honolulu blue .ted with pockets of team colors from teams across the NFL’s other 31 markets. It was a part of an NFL draft that promised to heavily draw from Detroit’s rich musical history, including an ESPN broadcast that debuted on Thursday night featuring Motown’s “Get Ready” and a voiceover by Smokey Robinson. “.

Thousands flocked to Cadillac sq\., crammed around the bandshell the size of a hangar, to watch the 8 p.m. M. draft start, there was all the excitement and sizzling noise of a major music festival in the air. On a sunny and breezy evening, Detroit made its debut on the global sports scene.

Wearing a bandana and an Aidan Hutchinson Lions jersey, Big Sean acknowledged the other fan bases present by saying, “I see the Vikings, I see the Ravens, I see the Bears,” but he really got the crowd going when he praised the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell for their incredible 2023–24 campaign.

“That is something you have to respect,” Big Sean declared, adding later that he could feel the Lions are going to win and make it to the Super Bowl. “.

–McCollum Brian.

These fans went crazy after being boxed out of the main event.

After officials barred the gates, citing full capacity, a group of football fans congregated on the roof of the garage near the corner of Griswold and Lafayette in downtown Detroit in an attempt to steal a view into the NFL main stage.

—Dolan, Matthew.

A thrilling start to the draft featuring a visitor from home.

To begin the NFL draft, the Detroit Lions welcomed the entire world to the city.

The 2024 NFL draft got underway on the draft stage in the center of Campus Martius Park with the presence of current players and former greats like Detroit icon Eminem and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Jared Goff, the recently expanded Amon-Ra St. Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Aidan Hutchinson, and Brown made a grand entrance onto the stage.

As usual, Eminem came out to a boisterous cheer after Goodell, who had initially been met with boos.

The audience went wild when the Lions legends took the stage.

As St. The first player to welcome the audience was Brown, who is currently worth $120 million more. He greeted the sizable gathering of spectators and then commenced a chant for his quarterback, who was standing behind him.

“I have to hear one thing before we leave the stage, JA-RED GOFF, JA-RED GOFF,” St. Brown spoke for a little while before fading away and letting the large group of blue people in attendance handle the rest.

—Jared Ramsey.

For an avid fan, surgery is not an obstacle.

Ben Seifert, 24, of Troy, couldn’t miss the draft in Detroit since he has been a lifelong Lions fan who has experienced the team’s struggles and rejoiced in their thrilling most recent campaign. Even so, a botched basketball game recently resulted in him needing foot reconstruction. There were several screws and plates involved.

He arrived at the theater while presenters were taking the stage, wearing a Sanders jersey and a knee scooter.

It was about 3:30 p.m. when he arrived at Hart Plaza. me. and passed through using the accessible entrance without any problems. He claimed that everyone had been quite polite and that he just needed to maneuver around a few curbs because he is an athletic guy.

He was excited to see the young players and enjoy the atmosphere at the venue.

He declared, “I won’t let a broken foot stop me.”.

—Darcie Moran.

See every NFL draft outfit available here.

On Thursday, the NFL draft red carpet featured designer tennis shoes, grills, and of course, fans of Cartier. However, a lot of the prospects used the occasion to honor their families and communities.

Prior to the first round of the draft later that evening, about a dozen of the best NFL draft prospects in the country strutted the red carpet at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, donning suits that ranged widely in color from pastel green to salmon.

On the interior of his suit, Terrion Arnold had two pictures: one from when he first began playing football and another from signing day, featuring his family.

As stated by Adrienne Roberts.

On the red carpet, flaunting their fit.

making a line to enter the QLINE.

“What’s going on in Detroit is insane.”.

Reporter Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added his perspective on how the Detroit NFL draft experience compares to previous drafts.

There’s Barry Sanders here.

For ecstatic fans, sticker shock.

After waiting for nearly an hour to purchase tacos, Zach Lorenc, 18, and his father Shae Lorenc, 51, said they went. About $35 was spent on two drinks and five quesadillas.

“We could only get that food,” Zach remarked.

However, the two Novi residents stated that they were simply eager to attend the draft in person and that they had anticipated large crowds.

According to Dave Boucher.

Fans are informed by the app: “We’re at capacity. Try again tomorrow.”.

The main area of the festivities is full and will not reopen today, according to the NFL draft mobile app, which informed fans at 6:45. However, there are remote viewing sites outside the gates. Fans were informed via the app that tomorrow at noon is Draft Day 2 opening.

—Hall, Christina.

Big Sean, big time.

Big Sean performed at the NFL draft two hours before it began, to tens of thousands of screaming fans who were responding with lyrics. The NFL draft stopped general admission at around 6:30 due to the dense crowds, forcing hundreds of people to leave the gates.

Notably, Big Sean went to high school at Cass Tech, which is located not far from a stage that is currently the center of the NFL world.

He encouraged the audience to pursue their goals and predicted another successful season from the Detroit Lions while sporting a black Aidan Hutchinson jersey.

According to Dave Boucher.

Entire capacity available for General Admission.

6:30 p.m. M. announced a break in general admission registration for the NFL draft. For viewing parties on Day in the D, please visit Grand Circus Park or another location. ****.

As stated by Matthew Dolan.

Children on the Corner.

The Corner Ballpark, a center for youth activities during the draft, was packed with parents and kids on a sunny Thursday afternoon.

There will be football clinics and family watch parties at The Corner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Tiger Stadium used to be located at Michigan Avenue and Trumbull, the so-called hallowed sports grounds where The Corner, home of Detroit PAL, is located.

“When I think of the city of Detroit, I’m thrilled. It’s really unique,” Detroit PAL CEO Fred Hunter remarked on Thursday. Hunter is optimistic the city will make a lasting impression on PAL fans as it celebrates its 55th season.

“I want people to take advantage of this exceptional chance and come out. “.

Thursday through 8 p.m., The Corner’s will have food trucks, an obstacle course, a Hail Mary pass attraction, and on-field football clinics for kids aged 6 to 14. M. Friday at three p.m. me. 8 p.m. m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday. M. – 5:30 p.m. M. The Corner will host watch parties while teams select players in the draft. The NFL draft website states that participation is first-come, first-served and that downloading the NFL One Pass app is necessary.

—Guzman, Eric.

Huge crowds and a gorgeous city!

Entry 2 has ended.

Because of the capacity of the crowd, Entry 2 for the NFL draft has been closed. Alternatively, consider using Entry 3 (Cadillac sq\.) or Entry 1 (Jefferson and Randolph).

By Eric D. O. Lawrence.

Time to roll out the.

An aerial parade of by-planes carrying advertisements in a huge circle above the crowds was presented to the area surrounding the draft on Thursday afternoon. Numerous were for the sale of marijuana. The thrump-thrumping of hovering helicopters joined them, creating a unique kind of traffic jam in the skies above downtown Detroit.

—Dolan Matthew.

There are a lot of people at this draft zone gate, so proceed with caution.

At 5:15 p.m., the NFL draft issued a warning. M. that there is a significant backlog and delays at its Entry 2 on Griswold Street. “A word of caution:

—Mangallo Brian.

As the draft draws near, crowds fill the downtown streets.

Through the afternoon, the crowds in downtown Detroit grew.

At five p.m. me. When the People Mover cars were almost completely filled with guests, it was approaching.

The queue to see retired Detroit Lions running back Billy Sims stretched half a block down Woodward Avenue.

Romney Funderburg, 25, of Romulus, stated that his father, a retired firefighter and ardent fan of Billy Sims, would receive the autographed photo, deeming the hour-long wait for Sims’ signature worthwhile.

“When I initially received a no. “Do you know who wore 20?” he asked, referring to the number 20 jersey. I said, “Yes, Barry Sanders.”. “He told me that Billy Sims was the person who wore 20 before Barry Sanders,” he said.

He said, “I had to go get something for my dad as soon as I saw that he was here.”.

Funderburg added that the magnitude of the crowds in downtown caught him off guard.

“I’m not used to seeing this many people,” he remarked. Not only do they come from Detroit, but they come from all over the nation. I’m working the draft with a friend who told me to expect at least 300,000 people. “.

Reindl, JC.

Consider riding with a friend or on your own when in doubt.

Well done if you are avoiding the dangers of driving through the downtown area during the draft!

It might be most convenient to navigate the draft on foot or via a ride-sharing service due to traffic, restricted parking, street closures, or perhaps you intend to partake in some moderation in your celebratory daytime alcohol intake.

Downtown Detroit features specific pickup locations for those using ride-sharing services or taxis. To find the pickup area closest to you, pay special attention to the streets listed in your app. Alternatively, go to nfl . com for a comprehensive list of pickup and drop-off locations.

You’ll also want to build in some time to walk to your pickup location before confirming your car to avoid missing your driver and risking a no-show fee.

—Lyndsay C. Verdant.

Is it the Government? Irico?

Michigan Gov. In an apparent attempt to pass herself off as a sportscaster, Gretchen Whitmer recorded a video on Wednesday at Gilly’s in Detroit, asking more than six people “the question that is on everyone’s mind: Who are the Lions playing in Super Bowl 59?”.

The teams that responded were the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Kansas City Chiefs—who had won the Super Bowl the previous two seasons. Ann Arbor native and NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico selected Kansas City.

Mike Duggan, the mayor of Detroit, was thinking about a “bigger question.”.

Speaking into a tiny microphone held by Whitmer, he said, “You know, right now, my bigger question, they’re letting me announce the fifth round pick, so I’m trying to figure out who they’re gonna pick in the fifth round.”. “After that, we’ll go handle business with the Dolphins in Miami. ****.

The Dolphins. You heard that, all right?” Whitmer asked.

Before discovering her calling in politics, Whitmer, an undergraduate communications student at Michigan State University, intended to work as a sports broadcaster.

Tirico said to Whitmer, “I majored in political science, so I want to be governor. “Would you like to switch jobs?”.

“We will be switching jobs,” Whitmer declared.

“Now let’s get started. At the conclusion of the almost two-minute video, Tirico laughed and said, “Bye.”.

As stated by Christina Hall.

$100 parking fee in the city center.

The NFL draft is being held in downtown Detroit, but you can drive there for a price. Lots and garages in the downtown area cost at least $50.

A sign indicating that a $60 charge was almost full was displayed by a lot on Fort Street.

More: If you’re heading to downtown Detroit for the 2024 NFL Draft, you better have a plan.

Complaining about the increase in parking fees, Abigail Blumberg was en route to her workplace at Parc. Her usual parking fee is $12 when she parks downtown. But when she noticed that parking might cost up to $100 today, she was astounded.

She exclaimed, “That’s completely insane.”. Thankfully, her place of employment paid for the parking on Thursday.

Blumberg expressed her hope, however, that employees who were not able to receive parking reimbursement wouldn’t have to foot the entire bill.

“I sincerely hope they shared the cost and carpooled,” the woman uttered.

Additionally, some people who took public transportation into the city had to walk a little. During the draft, the Qline makes a stop at Little Caesars Arena heading south. And bus riders saw their typical commutes rerouted around downtown due to road closures related to the draft.

-Hendrickson, Clara.

Fans flock to Detroit Ambassadog.

Tom McDevitt and his dog Bobby, who both reside in downtown Detroit, attracted the attention of onlookers who surrounded the fluffy dog as thousands of fans poured through the city in anticipation of the NFL draft. Bobby is known as “Detroit Ambassadog” on Instagram, and McDevitt’s goal is to highlight the city and pit bulls with Bobby.

McDevitt remarked, “We make fun of little social videos.”. Since we attend every tailgate, he is somewhat well-known among Lions fans. In addition to traveling across the nation to cheer on the team, we also met some fans in San Francisco during the NFC Championship game. He’s just having a good time; it was enjoyable. Being around people makes him a people person, and his favorite thing is getting butt scratches. “.

Wearing a fuzzy lion’s mane around his neck to show off his Detroit Lions pride, Bobby grabbed the attention of onlookers and let them shower him with affection and pet dogs.

“He plays well with others. He wears that he wears work goggles and a hat every once in a while,” McDevitt said, who’s been a Lions fan for years, including their roughest periods.

“I never imagined that the day would come when we would genuinely behave well. Furthermore, the fact that these players are currently among the highest paid in the NFL is astounding. Nonetheless, McDevitt expressed her excitement for the forthcoming season and all the smiles that Bobby can bring to people’s faces at tailgates.

-Afana Dana.

Final thoughts.

Don’t buy drinks before going through the gates. It will be similar to an airport in that you will need to drop them off at the gate.

Parking is available on the roof of Huntington Place for $20.

$15 gets you a Michelob Ultra and a Bud Light. $6 for water. $16 for Smirnoff Smash Vodka Soda, Crown Royal Whisky Lemonade, and Bud Light Seltzer.

The draft footprint at Michigan Avenue and Campus Martius includes a water refill station for hydration.

Wheelchairs are available for use at the Fan Services Center and Accessibility Center for spectators with mobility impairments. On Griswold’s southern end, at Hart Plaza, the center is situated on the left side of the entryway leading to the draft events.

–Jalen Williams, Brendel Hightower.

Capitol Park is overflowing with draft enthusiasts.

At Capitol Park’s “Draft Day in the D,” fans relished the sun, brand-new football-shaped chairs, delicious food, and neighborhood vendors.

Fans of the Bengals and mostly Lions stood in line at the Slows Bar B Q food truck, waiting for pulled pork and loaded mac and cheese.

A vegan chipotle black bean burger and a smashed cheeseburger were the highlights of the Rolling Stoves food truck. T-shirts and varsity jackets are being sold by Detroit Girls Rock. Downtown Detroit Partnership organizes Draft Day in the D.

-Anjanette Delgado.

Speed racers on the 40-yard course have fun.

The 40-yard dash time of top NFL prospects is slightly over 4 seconds.

Allen Park resident James Zagunis, 7, completed his in roughly eight seconds. Even though James didn’t quite have enough to defeat his friend Theo Gallmeyer, 9, the crowd was still cheering for him when he started running a little early and executed a spectacular hip check against a racing Theo.

James declared, “I just love racing,” while sporting a Jahmyr Gibbs jersey on his back and polarized sunglasses across his forehead.

Theo exclaimed, “He pushed me!” and stated he was going to race to show that he could defeat James.

Participating in the 40-yard-dash, one of the most well-liked activities at NFL Draft Experience at Hart Plaza, were hundreds of people, including James, Theo, and a host of others. Before they could rush down, turf, and dive into the mats beneath a scoreboard showing their times, fans had to wait for well over half an hour.

James’ father Jimmy said that it was all part of an experience they simply could not miss.

Jimmy stated, “I think it gives us a clear opportunity to showcase what our city and all of our wonderful fans and people have to offer.”. “Seeing supporters from across the globe here in Detroit is a pleasant sight. “.”.

An avid supporter of Michigan, Theo believes the Lions should draft either former Wolverine quarterback J. J. McCarthy was. James stated that as long as they have talent, it doesn’t matter.

“As long as my team performs well,” James declared.

– Dave Boucher.

The heart of a Lions fan is felt.

Following the team’s march westward along Jefferson Avenue, supporters surrounded the Lions Honolulu Boom drumline.

A shout went up from the crowd, “Best drumline in the league!”. They turned up the music a notch and invited Lions supporters to join them in supporting the Detroit team.

As they grooved and pulled out their phones to record the electrifying moment, the fans exclaimed, “Let’s go Lions!”. All afternoon long, impromptu chants have started. In remembrance of the Lions quarterback, fans yelled out “Jar-ed Goff” earlier in the day.

“People who are happy and welcoming.”. In Detroit, we operate in this manner. “.

Even though the 2024 NFL draft’s first pick wouldn’t be announced for several hours, tens of thousands of people were already gathered in downtown Detroit on Thursday afternoon.

There were long lineups of football fans waiting to throw footballs to life-size cutouts of Aidan Hutchinson and other Lions greats, get pizza, or enter the extensive NFL Draft Experience tent.

A couple of Green Bay Packers fans even posed for photos with the Minnesota Vikings helmet next to their enormous team helmets.

According to Reiner Calderero, 47, and Chris Guiao, 41, it all comes down to a perfect day for Detroit.

Particularly in Detroit, this is not a common occurrence. Since the Super Bowl, which was roughly eighteen years ago, we haven’t had a major event,” said Sterling Heights resident Guiao. We simply adore every single fan that visits us from all over. ****.

The pair stood out even in the Lions-heavy crowd. Their full Detroit attire, including Luchidore masks, was far more extravagant than the jerseys or caps worn by the majority of supporters.

They claimed that, despite their acceptance of those who have jumped on the bandwagon after the historic playoff run by the Lions, they are not Johnny-come-lately fans. They’ve supported the team through good times and bad, and right now they just want to enjoy what is turning into a fantastic time for the team and the greater Detroit area.

“The people coming in here from all around the world coming in here, they’re seeing peaceful people. Pleasant and hospitable individuals. That’s what we do in Detroit. Caldereo stated, “We are not like them other cities,” referring to Warren. “Delighted to be in Detroit. “.

Guideo concurred.

“It’s that cliche: Midwestern hospitality. Everybody is friendly. “We simply want to demonstrate to everyone that this city is a worthy place to visit, be in, enjoy, and be energized,” he remarked.

-Brad Boucher.

A bright and pleasant draft day for the whole family.

In an attempt to inspire the next generation of football fans, parents brought their kids to Detroit for the NFL draft.

A chilly but bright spring day in Detroit saw Saliha Elmore, 35, of Detroit take her 1-year-old son for a stroll. She explained, “I wanted to just bring him outside, enjoy the weather, and just experience this, and that way he can at least say that he’s been to a draft before. I heard that this was the first draft here.”.

She acknowledges that she is not a devoted Lions fan despite being a lifelong supporter, pointing out that she is not originally from Michigan. She does, however, hope that her son will grow up to be a Detroit Lions fan and that this will strengthen his ties to his hometown.

She mentioned how many children she has seen and how family-friendly the Hart Plaza event was. She expressed her gratitude for the nursing mother’s tent. “Nursing stations are not common in many locations,” she remarked.

-Hendrickson, Claire.

$51 T-shirts and a functional fountain in Hart Plaza.

Thousands of people had entered the draft zone by midday and were congregating at Hart Plaza. The majority of those in the crowd were men, and Detroit Lions jerseys were the most popular outfit.

After being broken for many years, the city’s Dodge Fountain had recently been fixed and was operational.

Flushing resident Randy Nelson,57, described it as “beautiful.”. “I’ve never witnessed it occur. “.

An official NFL draft merchandise pop-up shop, featuring $51 novelty T-shirts and adjustable ballcaps, was one of the longer lineups in the early afternoon.

New Hudson resident John Cadwell had one of the official Detroit NFL draft caps purchased for him by a friend in line.

I am the outsider wearing 49ers gear here, but I’m having a great time! That’s the only reason I got one, Cadwell added. “I don’t think it’s going to come back to Detroit anytime soon.”.

In the aftermath of last year’s controversy and customer boycott over the beer brand’s partnership with a transgender social media star, the afternoon also served as an unofficial reintroduction of sorts for Bud Light, an official draft sponsor, and the male football fan demographic.

There were crowds of men all over Hart Plaza with Bud Light cans in hand.

In Livonia, Brad Jennings, 32, clarified, “This is what the beer vendor had most of.”.

—J.C. Reindl.

Listen to Detroit’s favorite coach give you some motivation.

Visit Hart Plaza, inside the NFL Draft Experience’s Ford Field replica, if you’d like Lions coach Dan Campbell to make a future prediction about you. A mechanical Campbell greeted fans on Thursday while sporting a black Lions long sleeve T-shirt and hat.

“Draft patron, welcome to Detroit. Enjoy yourself tremendously. Really, though, welcome. In one reply, he says, “Okay, you can go now.”. “There are bruises on you. I could spend all day giving you coach speak from where I sit. You don’t want to hear any of that anyway, and none of it matters. You’ve had enough of that, so take your fortune and get out of here. ****.

Little “Grit and Glory Fortunes” cards featuring an image of Campbell and various messages were produced by the fortune-telling game. The first says: “We don’t give up when things get difficult. We are familiar with that; no one manages that material as well as we do. One more says, “No one can wait for the future.”. But since we’ll be on its front porch, kicking down the door, it won’t have to search far for us. “.

Felicia Hodges, 47, a lifelong Lions supporter and native of Detroit, said she learned about the Campbell fortune teller while she was in line to snap a picture with the Lions helmet close to Hart Plaza. She can’t know for certain what the future holds for her team, but she sees good things coming for the upcoming season.

“I can’t stop getting excited. I’m very happy, because they’ve come a long long way. However, we will eventually arrive at that Super Bowl,” she remarked. She has witnessed both good and bad times for the team over the previous 20 years. “When you’re a diehard fan, it’s win, lose or draw. Whatever. Throughout all these years, I have never wavered once,” Hodges remarked.

-Hendrickson, Claire.

Midday: As the draft begins, spectators see team equipment and barriers.

Football fans gathered in downtown Detroit wearing their teams’ jerseys as the NFL draft got underway. However, most were submerged in a sea of Honolulu blue as both new and seasoned Detroit Lions supporters flocked to the massive sporting event to witness their teams’ selections.

A heavy security presence .ted the perimeter of the fenced-off area surrounding Hart Plaza and the larger draft area as fans began lining up down Griswold Street early to enter the main gate for the NFL Draft Experience.

Cars heading down Fort Street toward Woodward encountered metal gates, forcing them to turn around and find a different route. Employees in downtown have had to change their commuting schedules and discovered that their regular parking spaces have been blocked off during the draft’s occupation.

Fans snapped pictures with their teams’ helmets in the vicinity of Hart Plaza. It was the longest line for the Lions helmet. They stood below the Joe Louis fist facing the Detroit River, their faces beaming. A few people purchased food from nearby vendors.

Specialized prayer and sensory rooms were available for those in need of a break.

-Hendrickson, Clara.

The Detroit Free Press’s latest commemorative book, “From Grit to Glory: The Epic Story of the Detroit Lions’ 2023 Renaissance,” is a great way to celebrate the team’s incredible season. Order at Lions right now. The PictorialBook website!