Detroit vs. Green Bay: Who Truly Dominated as NFL Draft Host?

When Detroit took center stage for the 2024 NFL Draft, the city transformed into a football wonderland. Fans swarmed the streets, Lions jerseys flooded downtown, and the excitement rivaled a playoff game at Ford Field. One year later, Green Bay stepped up for its turn in the spotlight, eager to match — or perhaps surpass — the high bar Detroit had set.

So who came out on top? Let’s break it down by the numbers.

Detroit’s Unforgettable 2024 Showcase

Detroit didn’t just host the draft — it made history:

Total Attendance: A staggering 775,000 fans across three days
Opening Day Crowd: A record-setting 275,000 attendees
Round 1 Viewership: An average of 12.1 million viewers across all platforms
Total Unique Viewers (Round 1): 34.3 million

The event smashed previous records — far eclipsing Nashville’s 600,000 turnout in 2019. While overall viewership dipped slightly compared to the previous year, Detroit’s energy and presence made it feel like more than just a sports event; it was a celebration of the city’s revival.

Green Bay’s Impressive 2025 Effort

Fast-forward to 2025, and Green Bay, a much smaller market, delivered big:

Total Attendance: Approximately 600,000, far above early predictions of 250,000
Round 1 Viewership: A massive 13.6 million, an 11% increase from 2024
Second-Highest First-Round Viewership ever, trailing only the 2020 virtual draft

Despite its size, Green Bay made a strong statement. The city’s passion for football shone through, creating a charged, unforgettable atmosphere — complete with cheeseheads and green and gold pride.

The Verdict: Who Did It Better?

The answer depends on what you prioritize:

In-person attendance? Detroit wins hands down. The sheer scale of the crowd was unmatched and record-breaking.
Television viewership? Green Bay edges out Detroit, drawing a larger audience for Round 1.

Still, when evaluating the overall impact — from the crowd, the media buzz, and the lasting impression — Detroit takes the title. It wasn’t just an event; it was a cultural moment that put the city on the map in a whole new way.

Final Word

Both cities exceeded expectations and delivered memorable NFL Draft weekends. But when considering everything from fan turnout to city-wide energy, Detroit remains the benchmark — at least until another city dares to raise the bar even higher.