A Complete Visitors Guide To WWE SummerSlam At Ford Field In Detroit

Written By Drew Ellis on July 31, 2023
Summerslam guide

The biggest party of the summer is coming to Ford Field this weekend.

It’s been a busy summer of big names performing in Detroit, but now it is the WWE’s turn.

World Wrestling Entertainment makes its return to Ford Field on Aug. 5 for SummerSlam, one of its biggest shows each year.

Ford Field hasn’t played host to a WWE event since Wrestlemania 23 in April of 2007.

The event is likely to attract a lot of fans outside of the state, so it’s good to know what to expect if making your way to Detroit and Ford Field this weekend.

WWE SummerSlam at Ford Field

Back in February, the WWE confirmed it would be heading to Ford Field for SummerSlam. It will be the 36th edition of the yearly event.

This also marks the second time it is being held in Michigan. The Palace of Auburn Hills hosted the sixth edition of SummerSlam on Aug. 30, 1993.

Saturday’s event features the biggest names in WWE and pop culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the likes of Brock Lesnar and Logan Paul in rare action.

WWE SummerSlam

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 5
  • Location: Ford Field in Detroit
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Doors Open: 6 p.m. ET
  • TV: Pay-Per-View
  • Streaming: Peacock

SummerSlam Match Card (subject to change or additions)

  • Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair
  • Intercontinental Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Logan Paul vs. Ricochet
  • Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler
  • SummerSlam Battle Royal

*Yes, the match is actually called Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. You know it’s going to be entertaining.

Tickets for WWE SummerSlam

Tickets are still available for WWE SummerSlam on Saturday.

Through Ticketmaster, you can find available tickets in the 300 sections for as low as $120. There are also floor seats available that run up to $2,000.

Stubhub is offering seats for as low as $101, prior to fees. Floor seats are also available for around $1,000 before fees. SeatGeek features similar pricing to Stubhub.

WWE is offering expanded ticket packages that are still available for Saturday. A Silver pass is available starting at $345. It includes 200 or 300 level seating, an exclusive gift, a SummerSlam poster and access to an exclusive WWE Smackdown watch party on Friday night with Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio.

If you really want to dive in head first, a Champion pass is available starting at $4,880. That includes premium floor seating, a ringside photo opportunity, all-inclusive pre-show hospitality, superstar appearances that include Big E, and access to the Smackdown watch party.

Limited tickets are also available for the WWE SummerSlam Brunch on Saturday from 9:30-11 a.m. at Olin Bar & Kitchen. It’s an all-inclusive brunch that includes a gift and interaction with select WWE superstars. Cost is $300 and tickets are available at the WWE website.

Getting to Ford Field for WWE SummerSlam

Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush St. in the heart of downtown Detroit.

You are likely to be making your way into Detroit from either I-75 or I-94. If traveling off the freeways, Gratiot Ave. is your most likely approach.

Either way, here’s the info you need to know when approaching Ford Field.

  • 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.

Be advised that traffic is likely to be heavy on Saturday and to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get into Detroit. Along with SummerSlam, the Detroit Tigers are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Parking at Ford Field

There are no shortage of parking options a short distance from Ford Field.

Ford Field Parking Deck, which is conveniently located right next to the stadium on the East end, is your closest access to the stadium. It even includes a skywalk to access the stadium without stepping outdoors. Spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lots 4, 5 and 6 are also surrounding the stadium. Other facilities like the Lions/Tigers GarageThe ‘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.

You can book parking ahead of time by using ParkWhiz to reserve a spot and pay prior to coming to Detroit.

Ford Field accessibility options

Ford Field does offer disabled parking in Lot 4 on Montcalm St. just north of Ford Field and east of Brush St.

Disabled parking is also available at the Ford Field Parking Deck.

Guests needing assistance can enter Ford Field through most gates and can utilize the passenger elevator if needed to get to their seats.

Inside Ford Field, wheelchair accessible seating is located at the top of each section and provides additional seating for a companion.

For guests that need disabled or wheelchair seating on the day of the show, they may exchange their tickets depending on availability. To exchange, visit the Advance Ticket Windows at Gate A located near the escalators by section 100, or Gate G located next to the escalators by section 112.

Guests in need of American Sign Language interpreters at Ford Field should contact guest services ahead of time at 313-262-2222 to be set up for the event.

Ford Field bag policy

It’s important to know what you can bring into Ford Field for an event.

Three key distinctions are allowed if bringing in a bag. These are allowed in Ford Field:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and don’t exceed 12”x6”x12”
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
  • Small clutch bag, camera and binocular cases not exceeding 4.5”x6.5”, with or without a handle or strap.

Exceptions can be made for medical necessities after proper inspection.

A full list of other items that are and are not allowed can be found here.

Food, beverage options at Ford Field

Ford Field won’t be lacking in different food and beverage options for WWE SummerSlam.

If you are looking for something specific for dietary reasons, Ford Field probably have you covered.

A full listing of dining and drinking options are available at this link.

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.

Exclusive SummerSlam Superstore hits Detroit this week

Along with the big even coming on Saturday, WWE is opening up an exclusive SummerSlam Superstore in Detroit this week.

Located at 1001 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, the SummerSlam Superstore is a fanatics experience that will be free and open to the public.

Exclusive apparel only solid at the store will be available, but it will also include championship titles, collectibles and more.

Store hours this week are:

  • Thursday: Noon-10 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Superstar meet and greets will also be held throughout the week at the store.

  • Riddick Moss and Emma: Thursday at 3 p.m.
  • Zoey Stark: Thursday at 6 p.m.
  • Omos: Friday at Noon
  • Bronson Reed: Friday at 6 p.m.
  • Tommaso Ciampa: Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Meet and greets will have limited capacity. Wristbands are needed for entry to the meet and greet. They can be picked up at the SummerSlam Superstore once opened. Only wristbands will be made available for that day’s meet and greet.

DraftKings offering free WWE Summerslam pool

While betting on sports is legal in Michigan, betting on the WWE is not.

However, DraftKings is offering up an opportunity to win some cash at SummerSlam.

DraftKings has a free WWE Summerslam pool you can enter in. It doesn’t cost a cent and includes a $25,000 prize pool.

Just visit the DraftKings pools page and click on the WWE SummerSlam pool.

Enter and answer a series of questions about the event, predicting what you think will happen. If you answer correctly, you can win your share of the prize pool. First place will take home $1,000.

So, test your WWE knowledge and no cost to yourself. Then kick back and enjoy SummerSlam from Ford Field.

Photo by Charles Krupa / Associated Press
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Drew Ellis

Drew Ellis is currently the Lead Writer of PlayILottery.com. He was the former Lead Writer of PlayMichigan, the No. 1 source for online gambling news in Michigan. A lifelong resident of the state, Ellis has been working in various forms of media since 1998, including more than a decade in the sports betting industry prior to transitioning into US casino markets in 2020.

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