Breadcrumb Trail Links
Published Apr 16, 2024 • 4 minute read
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Throwing a touchdown for downtown Windsor. Chris MacLeod, head of the Downtown Windsor BIA and shown on April 10, 2024, says the NFL draft in Detroit later this month will generate big spillover business for downtown Windsor. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
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Hotels are selling out and parties are planned.
After supporting the bid to help downtown Detroit land hosting duties for the 2024 NFL draft, local business and tourism leaders are gearing up to ensure Windsor also scores some major economic benefits.
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The majority of hotels in downtown Windsor are already sold out for at least part of the three-day spectacle that runs April 25 to 27. For any regular night in April, that’s a rarity.
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“Positioning our region as a two-nation destination has served us both well,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. “When they went after the NFL draft, we were part of that by offering a letter of support and interest.
“There is always a sexiness to sell your event as an international event, to capitalize on that two-nation destination. Canada brings a lot of credibility to (Detroit’s) bid process.”
The draft is the second-largest event on the NFL calendar, eclipsed only by the mighty Super Bowl. That means big crowds and big business for any city associated with it.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to descend on the Detroit-Windsor region.
According to an analysis from consulting firm Anderson Economic Group, the net economic impact of the NFL draft in downtown Detroit will exceed US$160 million.
A free fan festival will run in downtown Detroit for all three days of the draft.
“Hosting the NFL draft is an exciting win for Detroit and presents invaluable opportunities for the city to showcase its culture on a national stage, fostering long-term tourism and investment prospects,” said Tyler Theile, AEG’s vice-president and director of economic analysis and public policy.
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Catching the excitement, DWBIA chair Chris MacLeod, shown April 10, 2024, is looking forward to the upcoming NFL draft in Detroit generating big spillover business for downtown Windsor. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
Windsor is also planning to put on a show.
The City of Windsor will host Windsor’s NFL Draft Party April 27 on the front lawn of city hall from 12 to 6 p.m. The free event will include NFL-themed games, a draft viewing area, a football clinic, and appearances by local NFL alumni.
Chris MacLeod, chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), said the Saturday farmers’ market will take on an NFL theme with face painting, temporary tattoos, and other family-friendly offerings.
From 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, the DWBIA is closing down Ouellette Avenue from Park Street to University Avenue for extended patios and live music.
“We obviously wanted to get behind it and put on something special for both visitors and residents to come down and enjoy downtown,” said MacLeod.
“We’re super excited to be able to participate in what Detroit is doing. The draft goes from Thursday to Saturday, and we want to bring a small part of that to Windsor.”
While there are no consultant studies on the anticipated economic effects for Windsor, Orr said hotel occupancy rates can provide a picture of what’s in store.
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“We know when the hotels are filled, the longer people are here, the more money they spend,” he said.
TWEPI is expecting that all 1,800 hotel rooms in downtown Windsor will be booked. More than a week ahead of the historic event, that prediction is already close to coming true.
An NFL draft event street banner is shown in downtown Windsor on Monday, April 15, 2024. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
Orr said last week that four of Windsor’s downtown seven hotels were already sold out for the first day of the draft, which is a Thursday. The other hotels are “tracking for sellout.
“April would be considered shoulder season for us, and to be sold out on a Thursday night is spectacular,” said Orr. “That is not usually the case. That speaks volumes to the amount of interest, the amount of eyes that are on this NFL draft.
“And the fact that Canadian fans know that the best place for them to book a room if they’re planning on going over to the NFL draft in Detroit is right here.”
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Downtown Windsor hotels are also at 80 per cent occupancy or higher for the Friday, and even Saturday is busier than usual, Orr added.
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“As we get closer to the event, we’re noticing an uptick in occupancy across the Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” he said. “It’s better to book early so you won’t be disappointed.”
Another indication of the potential economic impacts for Windsor, Orr said, can be gleaned from looking back 18 years to Super Bowl XL, which Detroit also hosted. He said 8,541 hotel room nights were rented in Windsor for the 2006 Super Bowl across the river.
“I’ll never forget Super Bowl XL,” he said. “It was packed.
“It was wonderful. It was obviously in the month of February and all the hotels were guaranteed at least three room nights based on the bookings. It was a tremendous boost to our community.’
For more information about what’s happening in Windsor for the NFL draft, go to visitwindsoressex.com.
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2024-04-16 13:33:10
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