The rivalry between the Tigers and White Sox has recently come to true form (as in the case of 2012 when both The Sox and The Tigers were competing for the division crown) and mirrors the age-old "Chicago vs. Detroit" rivalry. There are few better games to attend at Comerica Park than a White Sox-Tigers game, so make sure to get tickets when the Tigers are in town.
Both the Tigers and Indians were originally part of the old AL East before moving to AL Central meaning you’ll be in for a good one when these two clash. The Tigers and Indians have a longstanding rivalry, and the two cities are separated less than 170 miles, so you’ll find lots of fans of both teams at these contests.
The Tigers and Blue Jays went head to head for the AL East crown in the 1980s and 1990s, and the geographic proximity of the two clubs leads to mixed crowds when the two meet. Don’t miss it when the Blue Jays come to town as you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Tigers-Blue Jays game.
The Minnesota Twins have been a thorn in the Tigers side for many years. The underdog Twins upset the Tigers in the 1987 ALCS and won the one game playoff between the two in 2009 helping to make them one of the most hated teams among the Tigers faithful.
Tigers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
In a town where they endure anywhere from five to six months of a harsh winter, baseball means spring. Detroit fans love coming out to Comerica Park and supporting the Tigers and some fans come specifically for the pre-game celebration. The Tigers fan base is fiercely loyal to their team, and you can feel the love the city has for their team all around Comerica Park. Tailgating in the surrounding parking lots at Comerica Field is not allowed, but that doesn’t stop Detroit fans from partying and celebrating on Tigers game day.
It’s safe to say that the fans of Detroit were a little hesitant when the historic Tigers Stadium was replaced by Comerica Park, but in the long run, Detroiters have embraced the new park and the love and loyalty can still be felt inside and surrounding the stadium. Whether fans are there because they’re die-hard Tigers fans or just want to enjoy being outside after a long winter, Comerica Park offers a great atmosphere for tailgating and a day of baseball.
Both inside and outside, you’ll see lots of statues of tigers at Comerica Park. Lining the outside of the park are thirty-three tiger heads with light up baseballs in their mouths, and there is a giant tiger statue located outside the stadium’s main entrance that presents an excellent photo op. Take a walk around the park and see all of the tiger statues before the game.
Stop by and check out the giant baseball bats near the main entrance of Comerica Park. The bats along with the tigers statues on the plaza are a must-see for anyone visiting Comerica.
Where to tailgate
Coaches CornerCoaches Corner is geared towards a younger crowd, meaning it can get a little rowdy here before the first pitch. The fans and locals here are very high-energy so if you want to party, then stopping by Coaches Corner is definitely in your best interest.
State BarSituated directly across from Comerica Park is State Bar, which serves as a favorite spot among fans both pre and post game. The ease of access to Comerica Park makes this a more popular spot to stop by on game days.
Nemo’sIf you want to pre-game with some of the most die-hard and loyal Detroit Tigers fans out there, then Nemo’s is the place for you. Don’t be afraid to get a little rowdy at Nemo’s as they offer a shuttle service to Comerica Park.
R.U.B. BBQ PubWith 60 beers on tap, 30 TVs, and over 200 types of bottled beer, this local BBQ joint knows how to pre-game. It’s only a block away from the stadium so enjoy some drinks and great BBQ at R.U.B. BBQ Pub before heading to the game.
Tigers Stadium Guide
In Game
Comerica Park was built as part of a downtown revitalization plan for the city of Detroit, and the park has done just that. Comerica Park has given an already loyal fan base even more of a reason to love their team. The Tigers did an excellent job of building a park that offers not only great sightlines but also a beautiful view of downtown Detroit.
What Comerica Park lacks in history, it more than makes up for it with its number of amenities and tributes to Tigers legends. All around the park you’ll see tributes to past Tigers greats including Ty Cobb and Al Kaline and there are tons of other things to check out at the game including a Ferris Wheel and carousel.
To top it all off, Comerica Park is home to some great food vendors as well. Here you’ll find a wide array of culinary options including a Coney quesadilla, fried-jalapeno-topped deviled eggs on bacon, and pork belly bacon just to name a few.
Comerica Park offers it all including lots of amenities, tons of historical displays, and some great concessions placing Comerica Park near the top of the list of ballparks that fans must visit.
If you’re in Detroit, then you absolutely must try the Detroit, and Comerica Park, staple. Covered in chili, mustard, and onions, this fan favorite will only cost you $2.
Encircling Comerica Park’s main concourse is the Detroit Tigers Walk of Fame, which showcases items from the thirteen decades of Tigers history. The Walk of Fame is a must-see for any baseball fan, so take some time to walk the concourse before the game.
Along the left field wall are six massive statues honoring some of the Tigers biggest legends including Ty Cobb and Hank Greenberg. Additionally, make sure to check out the statue honoring beloved Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell at Gat A.
One of the unique things about Comerica Park is that it’s home to several amusement park rides. In the northwest corner, you’ll find a carousel, and in the northeast corner, there is a Ferris wheel. Take some time to check these out before or during the game.
In addition to the statues of former Tigers players, there are also numerous statues of actual tigers around the park. There are nine statues in total, two of which are prowling the scoreboard.
There is a section called Kaline’s Corner (100 level seating bowl) in Comerica Park dedicated to Hall of Fame right fielder Al Kaline who played for the Tigers in Tigers Stadium.
You don’t have to search too far for food at Comerica Park! Right near the entrance of the stadium, you’ll find the Big Cat Food Court. The food options here are endless and feature a variety of ballpark classics including hot dogs, french fries, gyros, lemonade, handmade pretzels, and deli sandwiches.
Located behind center field is the massive Chevrolet Fountain, which has multiple displays pre, during, and post game at Comerica Park. The fountain is synchronized to music and goes off after home-runs or other big plays by the Tigers.
The Tigers home cap is one of the most recognizable in all of baseball, particularly because it has barely changed over the years. The simplistic, navy blue hat with a white English D has been the symbol for Detroit fans everywhere; they don’t need or want any cartoonish gimmicks for a logo. They’re classic, genuine, old school baseball fans through and through.
Whenever the Tigers score a run, the sound of a tiger growling is played throughout Comerica Park, and the two tiger statues on the scoreboard have eyes that light up.
Fight Songs
Eye of the Tiger
Played at key moments throughout the game including as a rally-starter. When the song is being played, take a look at the Tiger’s eyes on the scoreboard; they light up!
Rising up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive
So many times it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive
It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger
Face to face, out in the heat
Hanging tough, staying hungry
They stack the odds still we take to the street
For the kill with the skill to survive
It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger
Rising up, straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I’m not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive
It’s the eye of the tiger
It’s the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
The eye of the tiger
Don’t Stop Believing
Just a small town girl
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin’ anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on, and on, and on
[Chorus]
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on, and on, and on
[Chorus]
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlights, people
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on
Streetlight people
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlight people
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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