Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan have officially dubbed April 25 "Honolulu Blue Day," rallying Michiganders to sport their Detroit Lions colors as the city hosts the 2024 NFL Draft. In a sea of supporters donned in Honolulu Blue and Silver, the Motor City is primed to take the NFL stage by storm. According to a statement obtained by The Detroit News, the governor is urging every Michigan resident "to loudly and proudly rock their Honolulu Blue."
As historic Campus Martius and Hart Plaza prepare to welcome throngs of football enthusiasts, the NFL Draft festivities are expected to not only showcase up-and-coming talent but also to spotlight Detroit's dynamic culture and tenacious spirit. In a statement to the Michigan Chronicle, Mayor Duggan said, "This is a chance for Lions fans to show their pride in the heart of downtown as the eyes of the world are on our city once again."
Sporting a look back into history, the distinctive Honolulu Blue color was the brainchild of Lions' original owner George A. Richards, following a Hawaiian sojourn that had him smitten with the unique Pacific hues. Fast forward to 2024, and the color now symbolizes a city's undying support for their team—the same sentiment echoed by Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II in their unified showcase of state pride. "The 2024 NFL Draft will spotlight Detroit’s dynamic culture, athletics, attractions, landmarks, and resilience as a place of endless possibility and innovation," Gilchrist told the Upper Michigan's Source.
The blue wave is set to flood the city with not only local fans but also visitors, creating a tapestry of communal pride. Ahead of the draft, Gilchrist also emphasized the event's larger implications for the city's future, professing to continuously "grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and build a bright future for the Motor City." Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plans to join the celebration as well, lighting their headquarters with the Lions' team colors, and cementing the healthcare giant's solidarity with Detroit's NFL moment, as reported by The Detroit News.
Given the anticipation circling the upcoming event and the Lions' tenacity on the field last season, Michigan looks ready to prove once again that the heart of the automobile world can also pulse with a deep love of football. While fans from all around gear up to proudly wear their Honolulu Blue on April 25, the NFL Draft itself will run from April 25-27, fleshing out the lineup for the league's next competitive season and fueling Detroit's sportive dreams.
