Detroit's court system is bracing for a temporary shake-up as the city prepares to play host to the NFL Draft, which is slated to draw throngs of football fans downtown. In response, the Third Circuit Court at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center will pause in-person operations the week of April 22-26, officials confirmed.
To avoid the logistical nightmares expected from an onslaught of closed roads and parking restrictions, the court will switch to operating remotely, except in other locations like the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, the Lincoln Hall of Justice, and the Penobscot Building, which will continue to handle in-person services. However, Frank Murphy will cancel jury trials on April 25 and 26, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
"The NFL Draft will be a tremendous opportunity for the city of Detroit and Wayne County to once again show the world that we are a destination for tourists and events," Third Judicial Circuit Executive Court Administrator Frank Hardester said, as per The Detroit News. He emphasized the court's dedication to maintaining operations, adding, "We are working with our Jurists, employees, and judicial partners to ensure Court operations continue."
While the court navigates this temporary transition, regular operations are set to resume on Monday, April 29. The draft itself will transpire from April 25 to April 27, promising to spotlight Detroit's capacity for handling major events and likely pulling in over 400,000 visitors to the metropolitan area. Aside from the shift in court affairs, the city is buzzing with anticipation for a myriad of draft-related festivities scheduled across downtown venues, from Hart Plaza to the historic Fox Theater, as per insights shared by Detroit Free Press.
Confirming the changes, court administrators are urging those with court business to pay close attention to the revised locations and schedules and are assuring the public that the disruptions are a small price to pay for showcasing Detroit's vibrancy and appeal as host of an event at the scale of the NFL Draft.
