TV coverage of NFL Draft showcases Detroit looking, sounding lovely

As the host city of the NFL Draft, Detroit has provided the backdrop for the massive prospect prom and off-season fan gathering, and let the league take things over from there.

TV coverage of Thursday's event showcased sparkling skyline shots of the city and nodded to Detroit's rich musical heritage. But the focus was on the players, the teams and the fans, just as it should be.

That's a party host's job, to set things up for everyone and ensure as good a gathering as possible, not to make it all about themselves.

But Detroit did field its share of effusive compliments and glory shots during the broadcast — the Draft aired on ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network — and it's not about to turn those down.

One early shot that was widely shared on social media flew over the sea of fans gathered in front of the Draft stage as the host awed at the sheer amount of people dressed in Lions colors.

"Look at the humanity that has amassed right here in the home of the Detroit Lions, the most Honolulu Blue you will see in one spot west of the state of Hawaii," he said. "Oh my goodness."

ESPN's Pat McAfee called the city "beautiful" while whipping the crowd up into a "Let's Go Blue!" chant early in the evening.

As the Draft got underway, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his new BFF Eminem — they filmed a series of commercials for the Draft — appeared in a pre-taped sketch together, along with a handful of Detroit Lions greats, where Em joked that even if he came on stage with him, Goodell would still be riddled with boos by fans. (And he was, but he's used to it.)

Eminem, Roger Goodell welcome NFL Draft to Detroit in new spot

From the Draft stage, Goodell praised the city and its preparations. "Thank you to Detroit, you guys have been awesome," he said, as the business of the evening began.

(Sidebar: Eminem announced a new album on Thursday night, but notably did not use the NFL Draft stage to do it, because, you know, it wasn't all about him.)

From there, Detroit-related music beds were used as bumpers coming back from commercials — Kiss' "Detroit Rock City," Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," Eminem's "My Name Is" — as hosts commented on "beautiful downtown Detroit" and its colorful, lit-up riverfront views.

After Goodell announced crowds had reached a one-day Draft record of 275,000, he closed the evening with a challenge to Detroiters and attendees from all over.

"Thank you Detroit for a record-setting night," he said as he brought the Draft's first night to a close. "Don't forget, over the next two days, you can break the all-time NFL Draft record."

We'll see if the city's up for the challenge, but either way, it will look good while trying.

agraham@detroitnews.com