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Iconic places for NFL draft tourists to take photos in Detroit
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- Iconic places for NFL draft tourists to take photos in Detroit
As the NFL draft nears, here are some of the most iconic places for tourists visiting Detroit to take a photograph.
The NFL draft countdown clock in Detroit's Campus Martius park counts down the days leading up to the event as crews build a stage near Cadillac Square on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Comerica Park Tiger
Detroiters love their sports teams, and the Tiger in front of Comerica Park allows sports fans to express their fandom. The 15-foot statue at the north gate is one of nine tiger statues throughout Comerica Park. The statue (and stadium) was built from 1997-1999 and officially opened its doors in 2000. It faces East Columbia Street.
A young boy hangs onto the tooth of a tiger statue in front of Comerica Park before a game between the Dodgers and Tigers on Aug 19, 2017.
The monument to Joe Louis
Created in 1986 by Robert Graham, "The Fist" has been a photo opportunity for tourists and Detroiters for decades. The statue honors the late Joe Louis, the championship fighter from the east side of Detroit.
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The 8,000-pound, 24-foot-long sculpture was commissioned by Sports Illustrated as a gift to the city. The statue sits in the plaza between Congress, Larned, Woodward and Griswold.
The Joe Louis fist can be seen by marathoners as they make their way down Jefferson Avenue during the 45th Annual Detroit Free Press Marathon in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022.
James Scott Memorial Fountain
The (almost) 100-year-old James Scott Memorial Fountain in Belle Isle is 510 feet wide and sprays water up to 125 feet into the air.
The fountain was designed by Herbert Adas and built by Cass Gilbert. It was unveiled in 1925.
Detroiters love the fountain for wedding photos, prom photos, or just a serene space.
More: Belle Isle's Scott Memorial Fountain is back on for the season
Aerial of James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle in Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.
The Spirit of Detroit
You may see the Spirit for Detroit with a Pistons, Red Wings, or (like now) a Lions jersey on. Looking at the statue is usually a good indicator of what Michigan sports teams are performing well.
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More than that, it is seen as a symbol for Detroiters. The statue built by Marshall Fredericks in 1958 is 26 feet tall and sits at the entrance to the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Jefferson and Woodward.
A 2024 NFL draft jersey on the Spirit of Detroit statue in downtown Detroit on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Renaissance Center
The Renaissance Center, home to General Motors, sits on the Detroit River. The first tower opened in 1976 and remains the tallest building in Michigan. Detroiters love the "RenCen" for its multiple restaurant, office, and shopping spaces. The riverfront view of Canada helps, too.
The Draft is from April 25-27, spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza with additional events in Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park and along Woodward Avenue.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Spots to take photos if you're visiting Detroit for NFL draft
