A new season of Detroit Lions football is quickly approaching.
This year, Dan Campbell and the boys will be kicking off the season at home inside Ford Field.
Starting with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 11, the Lions will have nine home games during the regular season.
Ford Field has a lot to offer its loyal Lions fans and incoming guests, including plenty of opportunities for Michigan sports bettors.
Here’s all you need to know about your game day experience at Ford Field for the upcoming season.
Detroit Lions home schedule
In the 17-game regular season, the Lions will have nine games at Ford Field.
While the Detroit Lions odds may not be in their favor for most of the games, there’s still potential for some exciting action.
There’s not much variation in the schedule this season, as the Lions play on Sunday at 1 p.m. for each home game outside of the annual Thanksgiving Day kickoff at 12:30 p.m.
Here’s a look at Detroit’s home slate for the 2022 season.
- Sept. 11: Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
- Sept. 18: Washington, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 2: Seattle, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 30: Miami, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 6: Green Bay, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 24: Buffalo, 12:30 p.m.
- Dec. 4: Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
- Dec. 11: Minnesota, 1 p.m.
- Jan. 1: Chicago, 1 p.m.
What Ford Field offers NFL bettors
The Detroit Lions have become increasingly aware of the impact sports betting has had in the state of Michigan. Thus, Ford Field is definitely a friendly place for Michigan sports bettors.
Right off the bat, BetMGM Michigan is the official sports betting partner of the Detroit Lions. Lions Bingo is a game that can be played at the stadium during games for cash and prizes. Lions Perks can also earn you rewards and special offers at BetMGM and the BetMGM Sports Lounge at MGM Grand Detroit.
Ford Field also is home to the WynnBet Sports Bar near section 222. The dining location includes televisions and a live NFL betting ticker for all the exciting football action.
You’ll also notice signage and promotion for Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. A Fan Cave is located on the 300-level concourse that will have “Spin It To Win It” and “Roar-aoke” that will offer prizes from Soaring Eagle.
Of course, with sports betting legal in Michigan you will be able to wager during your time at Ford Field as well. The stadium offers free WiFi to attendees.
It’s also good to look over what Ford Field does and does not allow inside the stadium. Make sure you’re prepared.
Getting To Ford Field
Opened in 2002, Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush St. right in the heart of downtown Detroit.
If heading to the game, here’s your best ways to approach the stadium.
- From I-75 North: Taking I-75 North toward Detroit, but the Lions suggest avoiding Exit 50 and opting for Exit 49 at Rosa Parks. From there a left turn on to Michigan Ave. to head into downtown. From there, take Michigan Ave. to Woodward Ave. North, then turn right onto Montcalm St. and Ford Field will be on your right.
- From I-75 South: Taking I-75 South is the most common option, as is exiting at Madison Avenue, which is right next to Ford Field. That also is where you will see the most traffic. Another option is to take Exit 52 at Mack Avenue and following the service drive next to the freeway. Follow that to Winder St. and turn right. From there take a left onto Brush St. and Ford Field will be ahead on your left.
- From I-94: Get to M-10/Lodge exit and follow M-10 South. Exit on your left at Bagley St. Then take Park St. all the way to Woodward Ave. Make a right turn off Woodward onto Montcalm St. and Ford Field will be on your right.
- From Gratiot Ave.: Another option from the North is Gratiot Ave., which runs right into the heart of Detroit and has lesser traffic. Exit at 51B (South) and take a sharp right turn onto Gratiot Ave. Continue down and Ford Field will be on your right.
Parking at Ford Field
You will find endless parking options a short distance from Ford Field.
The Lions recommend the Ford Field Parking Deck, which is conveniently located right next to the stadium on the East end. It even includes a skywalk to access the stadium without stepping outdoors.
Lots 4, 5 and 6 are also surrounding the stadium. Other facilities like the Lions/Tigers Garage, The ‘D’ Garage and The Fox Garage are a short walk from Ford Field.
From there, there’s plenty of other public parking lots available for a range of prices. Two of Detroit’s three retail casinos – Hollywood Casino at Greektown and the MGM Grand Detroit – are also within walking distance.
Detroit also offers public transportation through the QLine and the Detroit People Mover.
Tailgating at Ford Field
Unless otherwise noted, traditional tailgating is prohibited in parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field.
What that includes is:
- No grilling or cooking of any kind
- No trailers or oversized vehicles
- Vehicles are to occupy one space per vehicle
- No tents
- No unruly conduct
If looking for tailgating, the Eastern Market is a 10-minute walk from the stadium that allows for tailgating. It also runs a shuttle to the stadium. Tailgating passes cost $40 and can be purchased online or at the market’s office on game day.
The neighboring Greektown area is also an option with its many open surface lots. Prices for parking/tailgating may vary.
Detroit Lions tickets
The Detroit Lions use Ticketmaster for online purchases.
Ticketmaster will provide a chart of available seats in each section, or list based on your pricing preferences. Thankfully for fans, Ford Field provides a lot of great views from around the stadium, including the upper levels. You don’t need to overspend to feel like you’ll have a good view of the action.
Cheapest tickets are varying by game right now, but range from $39-$53 before fees.
The Lions have transitioned to mobile ticketing since the 2020 season.
Food, beverage options at Ford Field
There is no shortage of food and beverage options at Ford Field.
If you are looking for something specific for dietary reasons, the Detroit Lions probably have you covered.
A full listing of dining and drinking options are available on the Lions’ Game Day page.
Ford Field has gone to a completely cashless venue, so no need to worry about stopping at the ATM before making the trip.
Payment options through mobile devices (ex: Apple Pay) and traditional scan/chip options for credit/debit cards at all points of sale will be implemented. Self-service kiosks are also available at a variety of concession stops.
