Lions Overview

Fast facts

League: NFL

Head Coach: Dan Campbell

Team Mascot: Roary the Lion

Year Opened: 2002

Capacity: 65000

City / State: Detroit / Michigan

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Lions vs Bears

Rival Team: Chicago Bears

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.

Lions vs Packers

Rival Team: Green Bay Packers

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.

Lions vs Vikings

Rival Team: Minnesota Vikings

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.

Traditions

Thanksgiving

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.

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Bud Light Tailgate at Pride Plaza

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.

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Eastern Market

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

Hudson’s Warehouse

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.

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Detroit Skyline

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.

Ring of Honor

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.

MGM Grand Tunnel Club

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.

Thanksgiving Day 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 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.

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#OnePride

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

  1. 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,
    Fighting for fame, winning the game,
    Dashing to victory as they go.
    (Chorus)
    Forward down the field,
    A charging team that will not yield.
    And when the Blue and Silver wave,
    Stand and cheer the brave.
    Rah, Rah, Rah.
    Go hard, win the game.
    With honor you will keep your fame.
    Down the field and gain,
    A Lion victory!

Lions Bars & Restaurants

  1. Culver’s

    Culvers

    Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

    700 Twelve Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA

    248-276-2222

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Papa Romano’s

    Papa Romanos

    Takeout-focused local chain offering pizza with varied crust options, plus subs, wings & more.

    740 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA

    248-377-0440

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  3. Buddys Pizza

    Buddys Pizza

    Their Sicilian Style of pepperoni under our famous Wisconsin Brick cheese and sauce on top makes for a true Award-Winning Detroit Original!

    17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212, USA

    248-276-9040

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  4. Old Shillelagh

    The Bird Bar and Grill beer

    Iconic bi-level Irish pub offers classic decor & live music, plus a game-night shuttle to stadiums.

    349 Monroe Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-964-0007

    Bar website

    european - $

  5. Harry’s Detroit

    Harrys Detroit bar drinks

    Sports bar known for pre-game pub grub eats offers a free shuttle to events & a covered roof deck.

    2482 Clifford St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    313-964-1575

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Sweetwater Tavern

    Sweetwater Tavern

    Sweetwater's menu offers choices for every mood or inclination

    400 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-2210

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Detroiter Bar

    Detroiter Bar

    Tavern serving Greek-accented fare & beer pitchers in a space with a local crowd & a casual vibe.

    655 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-963-3355

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $

  8. Detroit Beer Company

    Detroit beer CO

    The historic setting, combined with state-of-the-art brewing technology and 21st century finishes provides a unique dining experience.

    1529 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-1529

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. Cornerstone Barrel House

    Cornertstone Barrel House

    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.

    1456 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-338-3238

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Cliff Bell’s

    beer

    Swanky, restored art deco club serves creative, eclectic fare with live jazz on stage nightly.

    2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-961-2543

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  11. Town Pump Tavern

    Town Pump Taverm beer burger fries

    Traditional pub that serves burgers & draft beers.

    2233 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    313-961-1929

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Hockeytown Café

    Hockeytown Cafe

    High-energy pub packed with big-screens & Red Wings memorabilia.

    2301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    313-471-3400

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  13. Nemo’s Bar

    Nemos

    Compact, old-school sports tavern that features photos of sports page clippings.

    1384 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, USA

    313-965-3180

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  14. Park Bar

    The park bar beer

    Detroit's Park Bar is famous for giving Detroit sports fans the most memorable experiences.

    2040 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-2933

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  15. Red Smoke Barbecue

    Red Smoke Barbeque

    Slow-cooked chicken, pork, brisket, back ribs and spare ribs are smoked over Hickory and Applewood.

    573 Monroe Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-2100

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  16. PizzaPapalis

    PizzaPapalis

    PizzaPapalis specializes in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

    519 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-961-8020

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  17. Elwood

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    Classic 1930's diner for post-game eats in Detroit, Michigan.

    300 E Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-2337

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  18. Joe Muer Seafood

    Joe Muer Seafood

    Experience the best.

    400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243, USA

    313-567-6837

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  19. Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria

    Buddys Pizza

    Buddy’s Pizza has been serving up the original Detroit-style square pizza since opening its doors in 1946.

    17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212, USA

    313-892-9001

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  20. Roast

    Michael Symons Roast

    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.

    1128 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-961-2500

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  21. Jacoby’s

    Jacobys beer

    Serving German cuisine to Detroiters for over a hundred years!

    624 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

    313-962-7067

    Bar website

    european - $$