The Detroit Lions have high expectations for the 2024 season, after reaching the NFC Championship game last year. Detroit casinos are one of the beneficiaries of the excitement, as each property is located blocks away from Ford Field.
MGM Grand Detroit is one of the facilities that expects to benefit from the Lions being a Super Bowl contender. The casino is located less than a mile from the stadium, and is easily walkable for fans going to the game.
On Friday, PlayMichigan spoke with Deadra Walker, Sportsbook Manager at MGM Grand Detroit, to get a pulse on the property two days prior to Sunday night’s Lions season opener at Ford Field.
Successful season equals good business for MGM Grand Detroit
Last season was one of the most exciting Lions seasons of all-time. The team is easy to root for, especially as Dan Campbell and Jared Goff have been the unquestioned leaders of the bunch.
As the season kicks off Sunday night against former Lion, Matthew Stafford, and the LA Rams, the energy of the city is palpable, especially at the MGM Grand Detroit. The property is expected to be buzzing.
“Detroit Lions home games are great for business as we see an increase in volume as many guests visit our sportsbook to place their game day wagers before heading across to Ford Field,” Walker told PlayMichigan.
“The BetMGM Sports Lounge (below) at MGM Grand Detroit also reaches capacity as guests reserve seats to kick back and enjoy the game.”
“Day of home games are typically busy before and after the game. The Lions have the primetime night game this Sunday. However, there are multiple games on during the afternoon. We can benefit and get in on that action as well out at the sportsbook,” Walker said.“The casino is open 24 hours so even after the Lions primetime game has ended, guests can still come back to our property and enjoy gaming and place wagers at our betting kiosks which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
MGM Grand Detroit expecting tons of action on season opener, offering Lions giveaway
Fans started to show their excitement early last year, too. Walker told PlayMichigan that the season-opener accounted for “75% of our wagers” and that “we’re anticipating many wagers during this home game.”
To help incentivize visitors to bet, the casino is offering a “Lions Primetime Giveaway.” Guests who place a $50 wager on an NFL game the day the Lions play a primetime game, they’ll be entered into a drawing that could win home game tickets, online bonus bets, a one-night hotel stay and more.
“The momentum is high for our guests and the casino during football season as this is an exciting time especially with the Lions having a primetime season home opener while having an outstanding season in 2023,” Walker said.
The Lions are likely to battle it out with Packers for the NFC North crown once again this year. However, Detroit is likely headed for a playoff spot, which is good for the city, including the casinos.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino were also asked to comment on how Lions’ home games impact their businesses. Neither responded to PlayMichigan’s request for comment by the time of publication. We will update this story if we hear back.
