Ford Field - Detroit Lions
Updated: Sep 30
Photos by Lloyd Brown and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Ford Field 2000 Brush St Detroit, MI 48226
Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,000
Lions Loyal
Ford Field has served as the Lion’s den since it opened in 2002. It marked the welcome return of the team to downtown Detroit after playing several seasons in the Pontiac Silverdome in the suburbs. Like the Silverdome, it provides a warm and dry respite from the harsh late fall and early winter weather the Detroit area experiences.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 65,000 and offers 129 luxury suites. There are two 27’ X 96’ videoboards, with one behind each end zone to keep the fans updated on game stats and replays of significant plays. Ford Field features three seating levels. The 100 level is the closest to the action and is the most expensive of the general seating area. The 200 level features the luxury boxes and other seating areas that come with premium amenities. The 300 level offers the lowest seating prices, but it also provides you with the best overview of the whole field action.
In 2017, Ford Field underwent $100 million in renovations. This renovation replaced the existing videoboards, upgraded the sound systems and made improvements to the suites and premium areas of the stadium.
Food & Beverage 4
There are 50 permanent concession stands and 75 portable carts at Ford Field to service fans food and beverage needs. These stands offer a wide variety of foods, assuring that every fan finds something that meets their personal taste. Pepsi brand sodas are the official soft drink at Ford Field.
BBQ favorites are available at Slow’s BBQ and the Billy Sims BBQ stand. Burger fans can get their fix at the Great Lakes Burger Bar, Bunkhouse Burger and Tailgate Grill. Since you are in Detroit, it should be no surprise that there are multiple Little Caesar’s pizza stands on each level of Ford Field.
Fans with a sweet tooth can check out the Bombshell Treat Bar, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, For the Love of Cheesecake and Big Top Bites.
Value priced snacks are available at the Streats of Detroit, Kickoff Classics or the Snack Zone locations. Fans can also enjoy discounted food prices during the Power Hour (the first hour after the stadium gates open). These discounted items include $2.99 sodas, $3.99 beers and $3.49 hot dogs.
There are several stands at Ford Field that feature alcoholic beverages. These include the Turf Tavern, the Mane Street Saloon, the 1800 Bar, the Craft Corner and the Labatt’s Can Stand. Individual carts feature brands such as Blue Moon, Modelo and Leinenkugel. Fans must be 21 years or older to purchase alcohol.
Atmosphere 4
The front of the second level features salutes to significant players and games during the long history of the Lions. The Pride of the Lions is the team’s Hall of Fame, and its members include Lem Barney, “Night Train” Lane, Barry Sanders, Joe Schmidt, Bobby Layne, Herman Moore, Alex Karrass, Chris Spielman and Calvin Johnson. This is along the front of the upper level of the north side of the stadium. The front of the south deck features banners from each of the Lions championship seasons (1935,1952, 1953 and 1957).
Ford Field’s roof helps to trap in the noise from the stands. The Lion fans often disrupt the visiting team’s communications in key situations during the game.
The football anthem “Gridiron Heroes” is sung after each Lions touchdown.
Neighborhood 4
Ford Field and Comerica Field anchor Detroit’s sports-and-entertainment district. This area blends modern arenas with revitalized historic structures in the downtown area of Detroit.
Hotels within walking distance of Ford Field include the Element Detroit and the Atheneum Suite Hotel. The Greektown Casino is also located nearby. It also offers rooms, in addition to a casino and live entertainment.
There are also numerous bars and restaurants in the area. Elwood’s Bar and Grill is just across the street from Ford Field. The Hockeytown Café, Slow’s BBQ and Nemo’s Sports Bar are popular pre- and post-game hangouts for Lions fans, as they offer shuttles to and from the stadium for patrons.
Entertainment venues near Ford Field include the Fox Theatre, the Detroit Opera House, the Fillmore Detroit and the Gem Theatre.
Fans 4
Lions fans have supported the team through both thick and thin, filling the stadium in good times and bad. Many tickets have been passed down through multiple generations, creating a family reunion feel to the pregame tailgating activities.
Lion’s fans begin getting energized for the games at the pregame tailgate located on Pride Plaza. The tailgate area opens two hours before kickoff. No ticket is required for these activities. The tailgate area includes music, food trucks, games and appearances by Roary and the Lions cheer squad.
Another popular area for pregame tailgating is the nearby Eastern Market.
Keeping the fans energized is the Lions team mascot Roary.
Fans can stock up on their Lions gear at one of the four Lions Supply team stores at Ford Field.
Access 5
From I-95, I-75 North and the M-10 Interchange: Take exit 49 (Rosa Parks). Turn left onto Michigan Avenue heading towards downtown Detroit. Take Michigan Avenue to Woodward Avenue North. Take Woodward Avenue to Montcalm Street and turn right. Ford Field will be on your right.
From I-75 South: Take exit 52 (Mack Avenue) and follow service road. Turn right at Winder Street. Turn left at Brush Street. The Stadium will be on your left.
Ford Field is 17 miles east of Detroit’s airport.
Ford Field parking areas open 4 hours before kickoff. You are urged to prepay for parking via the ParkWhiz app. Parking fees vary by opponent. Additional parking is available nearby on non-stadium lots.
A more cost-effective way to get to a Lions game is the free Q Line light rail system. The Q Line circulates through Downtown Detroit, with trains running every 15 minutes. Guests will depart the train at the Grand Circus station.
The rideshare pickup and drop-off location is located on the West Fisher Service Drive between Brush Street and John R Street (near gates B and C).
The activities on Pride Plaza get underway 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.
Once at the stadium, the gates open three hours before kickoff. There are 8 main gates at Ford Field. The first hour of this period is known as the Power Hour. Patrons can get special deals on food and beverages during this hour.
Return on Investment 3
The Lions long history with the city, along with their recent success on the football field, adds up to a pricey gameday experience at Ford Field.
The Lions have sold out every game since 2023. Its secondary market ticket prices are the highest in the NFL at $444 per seat.
Concession prices are in line with the typical prices featured at other NFL venues.
Parking rates at Ford Field start at $30. Rates vary by opponent.
Extras 3
The Detroit Lions were the first team to implement the tradition of having a home game every season on Thanksgiving Day. The tradition began in 1934 as a means of getting national publicity for the struggling team. This was achieved by a nationwide broadcast of the game on NBC radio. The Lions have played every Thanksgiving Day since, except for the World War II years.
Ford Field has incorporated portions of the former Hudson Store’s warehouse into its concourse area. This is a nice bit of historical preservation for the Detroit area’s most legendary retail brand. The seven-story atrium along the concourse also provides a panoramic view of the Detroit skyline.
Ford Field has hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2006 Super Bowl, the NCAA Frozen Four, MAC football championship games, the Quick Lane Bowl and WrestleMania.
Final Thoughts
The Lions are one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, and they can boast of having some of the most loyal fans in the league. Ford Field rewards its fans with easy access, concession stands featuring food from some of the Motor City’s top restaurants, and the comfort of an indoor stadium to escape Detroit’s brutal winters.
