Lions fans

A Sports Fan's Guide to The D: Come for the Game, Stay for the Fun

Story by Lindsay Whitman Drewes

Sports fans rejoice over the new, fan-friendly atmosphere in the entertainment district.

With Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and Ford Field all centrally located and within walking distance of great bars and restaurants, Detroit is a no-brainer location to catch your favorite team. Plan your perfect sports-centered weekend with this ultimate sports fan’s guide to Detroit.

Hotels in Detroit

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to hotels in downtown Detroit. These picks are within walking distance to the stadiums.

Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney
This newly renovated hotel within the historic David Whitney building provides easy access to the top destinations in downtown Detroit. It offers great views of the city and keeps you close to the action.

The Siren Hotel
The Siren Hotel is a boutique hotel in the Detroit’s 1926 Wurlitzer Building. Near great bars, restaurants and the venues, the Siren Hotel is a perfect choice for a sports fan’s weekend in The D.

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Detroit
Prefer to stay in your favorite chain hotel when you visit Detroit? Hilton Garden Inn will fit the bill. With an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center it’s a favorite pick for families.

Greektown Casino-Hotel
This 4-star hotel will put you in the center of nightlife, gaming, great restaurants, bars and more. With just a short walk to the action, it is a great choice for a weekend of fun.

234 Winder Street Inn
Looking for cozy and uniquely Detroit lodgings? At 234 Winder Street Inn, you’ll find 5 luxury suites tucked into a 9,500 square foot Victorian-style mansion. This charming B&B overlooks Comerica Park and Ford Field.

Parking in Downtown Detroit

Parking is a synch in conveniently located parking garages near the sports complexes. At around $25 to park, it’s well worth the price being just steps from the game. Pay with cash or credit and even reserve your spot online ahead of time.

The D Garage at 90 E. Fisher Service Dr.

The Henry Street Garage at 134 W. Fisher Service Dr.

The Little Caesars Arena Garage at 165 Sproat St.

If you plan on grabbing food farther away from the arenas, several Detroit bars have shuttles that will take you to the game if you park and eat at their establishment. Tommy’s, Old Shillelagh, Nemo’s, McShane’s, Andrews on the Corner and more offer great food and shuttle service in Detroit.

Food at the Game

You won’t go hungry at Ford Field, Comerica or Little Caesar’s Arena. With plenty of options from sit-down dining to grab-and-go snacks on the concourse, sports fans will have a hard time choosing game-time eats. At Ford Field, many local Detroit restaurants are featured, like Slows-to-Go, National Coney Island, Billy Sims Barbecue and Taste of Greektown. Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit is a favorite at Little Caesar’s Arena, and Mike’s Pizza Bar and Sports & Social are always popular choices. All three restaurants are connected to the arena. If you aren’t in the mood for a classic ballpark dog at Comerica Park, new food options are released every year for the crowds to try. In year’s past, new menu items at the park have included Coney dog pizzas, gyros and boozy ice cream bars.

Food and Drinks near Detroit Arenas

The District provides so many great choices for pregame and postgame eats. Walk no more than 10 minutes on safe, clean sidewalks to get to these great Detroit eateries and bars.

Harry’s Detroit
A Detroit favorite for pregame and postgame eats and drinks. Eat inside, enjoy the rooftop deck then use their shuttle service to get to the game. It’s located right outside of Little Caesars Arena.

The Town Pump Tavern
The Town Pump Tavern is just steps from the venues and features 18 beers on tap. It’s located in the historic Park Avenue House which has a rich history in Detroit. The Tavern serves food until 11 p.m. and has a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

Hockeytown Cafe
What better place to pregame than Hockeytown Cafe? With a Tigers and Red Wings Hall of Fame, 30 HD TV’s and great food and drinks, it’s an easy choice for sports fans in the D.

Detroit Beer Co.
Enjoy an original Detroit handcrafted ale and a stone fired pizza or artisan burger for a true taste of the city.

Old Shillelagh Irish Pub
Detroit’s Irish pub caters to sports fans with a shuttle to all events at Little Caesars Arena. With 20 beers on tap and “The Best Burger in Wayne County,” you can’t go wrong with a stop at the pub before or after the game.

Firebird Tavern
The Firebird Tavern boasts “upscale tavern food in a traditional yet modern setting.” Located in the heart of Greektown.

Golden Fleece
Traditional Greek food from gyro, shish kababs, lamb, and steaks, plus a variety of

More fun in Detroit

There are plenty of reasons to come to Detroit for sports, but there’s so much more to do while you’re in town.

Casinos draw many people into Detroit. With gaming, nightlife, spas, fine dining, and more the casinos have a little something for everyone. Greektown Casino-Hotel and MotorCity Casino-Hotel are favorites for sports fans because of their proximity to the sports complexes.

Detroit has several breweries and distilleries to explore. Take a guided brewery tour with Motor City Brew Tours or map out your own adventure and to 14 metro Detroit breweries. Sample small-batch artisanal whiskey, gin and vodka made from Michigan agriculture at Detroit City Distillery. Traverse the first licensed distillery in Detroit since prohibition at Two James Spirits and experience field-to-bottle spirits made from local grains and Great Lakes water.

Family-friendly adventures are abound in and around Detroit. Spend the day biking around Belle Isle and discovering unusual creatures in the aquarium and conservatory. Immerse yourself in science, technology and discovery at the Michigan Science Center. Build, create and imagine at Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium.

As “the most compact sports district in America” according to Forbes, Detroit’s sports scene is like no other. Development and revitalization of The District will continue into 2020 and cost over $1 billion (yes, that’s billion with a B). With the booming sports, entertainment, food, and theater offerings Detroit is a sports fanatic’s dream come true.

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