As a city of champions, Detroit is on the rise as a premier destination for national sporting events. With the highly anticipated redevelopment and revitalization of downtown, top-tier sporting venues within a walkable distance from one another and a proven track record of hosting successful major sporting events, Detroit is ready to build on the momentum gained in 2022 and maintain its reputation as a leader in the sports world. Here at the Detroit Sports Commission, we will continue to showcase Detroit on a national level to keep attracting and hosting some of the biggest and most exciting events in the country in 2023 and beyond. We can't wait to show the world all that Detroit has to offer.

Before looking ahead to 2023, let's take a look back at the excitement from 2022. This past year, Detroit was awarded a trifecta of major national sporting events with the announcement of eight USGA championships in March, the 2024 NFL Draft in April, and, most recently in November, the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four. The awarding of these three events is unprecedented and sets the tone that Detroit can compete nationally with other well-known sports cities.
In this exciting year of sports in Detroit, we successfully hosted or supported more than 50 events, bringing tens of thousands of visitors and sports fans to the Detroit region for significant events like the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and President's Day Challenge, to name just a few.
From highlighting Michigan's long-standing bowling history with the Teen Masters Championships to hosting the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships and the annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic—the premier season-opening high school football showcase in Michigan—Detroit offered an array of exhilarating sporting events that cater to a growing audience of sports fans.

Outside of hosting sporting events, we also engaged with the community through activations and events like the 2024 NFL Draft Community Celebration, which included the unveiling of the 2024 NFL Draft Countdown Clock located in the Woodward Esplanade. We also hosted the Wrestling Fan Jam at Cass Tech in celebration of the NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships, where fans got to interact with wrestlers at nearly every level, including Olympic wrestlers Jordan Burroughs and Tokyo bronze medalist Sarah Hildebrandt.  
 
Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, some exciting events will be heading to the Detroit region (2023 Detroit Sports Calendar). From starting with the USA Boxing National Qualifier at Huntington Place to capping the year off with the only NFL-owned and operated college post-season game, the Quick Lane Bowl, hosted by the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, we look forward to continuing to showcase our region.

Detroit's historic and rich boxing history led to its selection as host for the national qualifier—with more than 1,000 boxers ranging from ages eight to 40 expected to participate.
 
One of the most exciting events on the horizon for 2023 is the Detroit Grand Prix, which will be moving to the streets of downtown Detroit once again after spending decades at Belle Isle Park. This event is expected to draw more than 50,000 spectators each day and will be a fantastic showcase of the Motor City.  

And the excitement doesn't end in 2023, as Detroit has already secured the 2024 NFL Draft, 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Regionals and the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four. These events are expected to generate significant economic benefits for the city and its residents. The NFL Draft, for example, has been estimated to provide an economic impact of $100 million or more for the host city. The NCAA Men's Final Four, meanwhile, is one of the biggest events in college sports and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Hosting the Final Four will have a huge impact on our youth from Detroit and other school districts around the state, while bringing the community together to celebrate Detroit.
 
While we reflect on the exciting events we hosted this year and the many to come in the future, one of the keys to our success is the support of our many community partners, including our advisory board, the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to celebrate Detroit.

This past year (2022) was a banner year for sports in Detroit, and we are eager to build on the momentum in 2023 and beyond. With the support of our partners, the hard work of our organizers and the heart of our sports fans, we are confident that Detroit will remain a top destination for national sporting events for years to come.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead and inviting you to join us in cheering on our hometown teams.

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