The Lions-Bears rivalry is the longest running rivalry in the NFL as the two divisional rivals have met every year since 1930. These two rivals have been in the same division since 1933, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over the years. The Lions and Bears have only met once in the playoffs, which happened when the Bears beat the Lions 9-0 to take home the 1932 NFL title. The Bears hold the all-time series lead 96-69-5, but the Lions have won the last four meetings.
The Lions and Packers have been playing since before the Lions moved to Detroit, the Packers and the then Portsmouth Spartans first met in 1930 when Packers pummeled the Lions 47-13. The two teams became division rivals in 1933 and had played twice every year since 1932. The Packers lead the all-time series 97-67-7. However, The Lions have fared better against the Packers on Thanksgiving day as they hold a 12-8-1.
The Vikings and Lions have been playing each other twice a year since the Vikings entered the league. The Vikings-Lions rivalry is easily the friendliest of all the rivalries in the NFC North as there isn’t a lot of animosity between Vikings fans and Lions fans. The Vikings hold a sizeable lead in the all-time series against the Lions have gone 69-36-2 against them going into the 2015 season, although the Lions have won the last two meetings.
Lions Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
When you arrive at the tailgate, you’ll be greeted by the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the best pre-game parties around. Everyone will be dressed head to toe in Honolulu blue as they prepare to cheer on the Lions to victory. You’ll also smell the delicious aromas of grilled meat particularly sausages and burgers.
Ford Field is located in downtown Detroit, so there is also a large bar and restaurant scene that warrants being checked out. This is unique from a lot of other NFL stadiums where you are far removed from downtown and tailgating is your only option. Whether you’re setting up a tailgate or hitting up the bars, you can’t go wrong when attending a Lions game.
The one drawback to Ford Field’s downtown location is the fact the official Lions tailgate location Eastern Market is a bit of a ways away from the stadium. Have no fear though as shuttles are run regularly between Eastern Market and Ford Field, so you won’t have to worry about missing the game. You can even get a free voucher for the shuttle bus when eating at a local restaurant before the game. Regardless of where you tailgate, you’ll surely have a great time at a Detroit Lions game.
Playing on Thanksgiving day is one of the biggest Detroit Lions football traditions and as a result, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with the Lions. The Lions began playing on Thanksgiving in 1934 when they lost 19-16 to the Chicago Bears. The Lions have amassed a record of 34-38-2 on Thanksgiving with the Green Bay Packers being the Lions most common opponent. The Lions will look to take down the Eagle this Thanksgiving and extend their win streak to 3 games.
If you’re looking to join in on the pre-game festivities, but don’t want to set up your tailgate than the Bud Light Tailgate at Pride Plaza is the pre-game destination for you. Here you’ll find a free tailgate party that offers live entertainment and activities in addition to local food and drinks.
Eastern Market provides one of the best Lions game tailgate spots. Here you’ll find plenty of space to park and set up your tailgate party. Make sure to get your parking pass in advance though as you need a pass to park in this lot. If you’re looking to set up your tailgate party, then Eastern Market is the spot for you.
Bud Light Tailgate at Pride PlazaIf you’re looking to join in on the pre-game festivities, but don’t want to set up your tailgate than the Bud Light Tailgate at Pride Plaza is the pre-game destination for you. Here you’ll find a free tailgate party that offers live entertainment and activities in addition to local food and drinks.
Eastern MarketEastern Market provides one of the best Lions game tailgate spots. Here you’ll find plenty of space to park and set up your tailgate party. Make sure to get your parking pass in advance though as you need a pass to park in this lot. If you’re looking to set up your tailgate party, then Eastern Market is the spot for you.
Lions Stadium Guide
In Game
Detroit Lions fans are very vocal and very loyal in their support of their team. This can be seen in the fervent support the team has received over the last few years despite their poor record. Lions fans finally have something to celebrate though as the Lions have made the playoffs three of the last six years and won 11 games in 2014 their most since 1991.
Despite the Lions struggles over the years the fans in Detroit still have a lot of pride in their Lions, which can be seen on game days by the fact that everyone you’ll come across in Detroit, in particularly at Ford Field, is dressed head to toe in Lions gear. Don’t worry though if you show up to a Lions game in opposing team’s colors as the Lions fans are relatively friendly except some few bad eggs.
Ford Field also offers an excellent game day experience for fans. There are a variety of luxury seating options if that’s your kind of thing. Even the more modest accommodations at Ford Field offer fairly comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. A game at Ford Field provides a great NFL game day experience that any NFL fan would enjoy.
A unique aspect of Ford Field is that the stadium incorporates an existing warehouse into its design. The warehouse’s presence allowed Ford Field to develop a unique seating layout where the majority of the suites are located one side of the stadium.
The atrium located in the southeast corner of Ford Field offers an excellent view of the Detroit skyline. The six-story glass wall is a must for anyone making their first visit to Detroit as it gives fans a great photo opportunity.
The Lions honor all-time greats through the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor provides fans a great opportunity to remember all-time Lions greats as well as the incredible moments these players produced.
The Tunnel Club gives the Lions fans the chance to get an up-close glimpse of the Lions as they enter and leave the locker room. You’ll also get unlimited food and drinks as well as deluxe lounge seating. If you’re looking to attend a Lions game in style, look no further than the MGM Grand Tunnel Club.
Playing on Thanksgiving day is one of the biggest Detroit Lions football traditions, and as a result, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with the Lions. The Lions began playing on Thanksgiving in 1934 when they lost 19-16 to the Chicago Bears. The Lions have amassed a record of 37-38-2 on Thanksgiving with the Green Bay Packers being the Lions most common opponent. The Lions will look to take down the Eagle this Thanksgiving and extend their win streak to 5 games.
Using #OnePride gives fans the opportunity to be featured on the scoreboard at Ford Field as well as on Detroit Lions social media channels. If you want to get on the scoreboard, make sure to use #OnePride and show off your great Lions game day experience.
Fight Songs
Gridiron Heroes
Gridiron Heroes has been the Detroit Lions fight song since the late 1930’s making it one of the oldest in the NFL. It is played after every Lions scores and victory, so be sure to learn the lyrics and join in on its singing.
(Verse)
Hail the colors Blue and Silver let them wave.
Sing their song and cheer the Gridiron Heroes brave,
Cornerstone Barrel House is a locally owned restaurant and whiskey bar that features fresh local food and is serving a variety of special bourbon and whiskey drinks.
After-work throngs descend on the restaurant’s bar area, drawn by the space’s laid-back elegance, its great beer and wine selection, including craft cocktails, a convivial networking scene, and that peerless happy hour menu.
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