As the NFL Draft prepared to kick off its ceremonies in Detroit last month, the city made some steps to ramp up its signage. This meant new wayfinding signs downtown, and more, including new “Hollywood” style letters that read “D-E-T-R-O-I-T” along a popular roadway, Interstate 94.
For draft fans. @freep pic.twitter.com/qTPqED8BfE
— Randy Essex (@randyessex) April 22, 2024
Detroit-based Fairmont Sign Company installed the signage, with each illuminated channel letter mounted on a two-foot-tall concrete block. City officials said they were excited about the installation, which was intended to increase the city’s branding ahead of the nationally televised NFL Draft. However, not all of Motown’s citizens shared the same sentiment.
A local rapper, Gmac Cash, went as far as to make a song about how much he disliked the new signage. He recorded a diss to the sign, along with a caption on X stating, “They Ordered This Sign Off Wish,” which is a popular online discount shopping site.
https://twitter.com/GmacCash/status/1778423285799137786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1778423285799137786%7Ctwgr%5E86b3c007dbe20d266377c25f77cde7b7984554aa%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.detroitnews.com%2Fstory%2Fentertainment%2Fmusic%2F2024%2F04%2F10%2Fgmac-cash-on-detroits-new-hollywood-sign-you-can-take-it-back%2F73272637007%2F
Social media users weighed in as well, largely expressing disapproval. The sign even garnered coverage from popular sports and comedy sites like Barstool Sports. These dimensional letters have morphed into a bit of a cult classic moment, opening the doors for many to share their commentary.
As time passes, the new sign is becoming ingratiated within the community. Many feel the signage is simply “fine” now and will someday look back at the comedic relief it offered during Detroit’s hosting of the NFL Draft.
Some have expressed that the sign reaches its full potential at night when it is illuminated. What do you think? Either way, it’s another example of the power of signage!
https://twitter.com/hearstautos/status/1780964853269541164?s=46&t=o5LUwgGUWqzSsHJTz2EBdQ
