Local Tourist: NFL Draft in Detroit

On Friday, April 26, the Local Tourist went with Nathanael and his high school classmate Chad to Detroit to check out the festivities for the NFL Draft.  Estimations were that there were 230,000 people in attendance.  But since the footprint of the whole NFL Draft experience was so huge, it never felt too crowded.  The whole event was very well organized.  Getting in and out was pretty easy.  There were long lines for various activities, so we were selective in what we wanted to do.

We stuck around for the actual draft until the Packers made their first pick in the 2nd round.  The wind was picking up a bit, and it was getting chilly, so it was the right time to go.

Detroit put on a fantastic show.  The city was great.  The fans were fun.  Lions' fans booed the Packers enthusiastically.  Good times!

Here are some pre-draft photos, taken about a week before the NFL Draft.   Lots of construction was still going on, and access was limited in most places. On the upside, there was no waiting for photo ops.

Photos from Draft Day, Day #2.

Admiring the other fans is fun.  Here are some zealous Packers' fans,

I have always entertained myself with jersey watching.  Jerseys of players from 25+ years ago are great.  Twice, I had people ask about my #54 Larry McCarron jersey--Packers' center (1973-1984).

Fake Troy Polamalu.  We saw him while watching the Pat McAfee show.

That's me under the arrow!

Next step: Get this guy noticed by the NFL.