Pre-Game Pride: Tailgating with the Detroit Lions

Story by Max White

The Detroit Lions are one of the hottest teams in the National Football League, and the excitement has never been bigger for Lions fans. Throughout the winter, tens of thousands of fans will head to Ford Field to catch a game, with thousands more coming to tailgate.

If you’re going to the game, be sure to check out our Detroit Lions Game Day Guide that has places to go before the game, after game, and more. Also, check out the best sports bars in metro Detroit
to watch the game if you’re not coming to Detroit.

Pride Plaza
Eastern Market
VIP Tailgate Party
Eastern Market Brewing Company
Downtown Detroit Lots

Detroit Lions Pride Plaza

For those who want a fun, free tailgate right outside of Ford Field, the Detroit Lions host events at Pride Plaza on Brush St. starting at 10:30 a.m.

There are food trucks, Bud Light bars, beverage tents, and more. Be sure to check your 40-yard dash time, and try out other interactive fun games. You can even see a special performance from the Honolulu Boom, the Detroit Lions drumline.

No ticket is needed to go to Pride Plaza.

If you do have a game ticket, fans can get into Ford Field early for Power Hour, which includes food & drink specials like $2.99 pops, $6.99 Bloody Marys, $3.99 beers, $3.49 hot dogs, and more.

Eastern Market

You’ll find thousands of fans tailgating in and around Eastern Market on Lions game days, especially with a short walk to the field.

Tailgating and parking-only spaces are sold in advance on the Eastern Market website, and reservations are also available for quads around Sheds 2 & 3. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. for tailgating, and the Eastern Market website has a list of rules and requirements that people must follow.

VIP Tailgate Party from Bullseye Event Group

The Bullseye Event Group has moved its “Ultimate Tailgate Experience” to Eastern Market’s Shed 5 this season.

The tailgate has outdoor and indoor areas, great for all weather, plus three bars, lounge seating areas, and plenty of TVs.

Tickets start at $109 for adults to the tailgate and $55 for kids, but you can add combo tickets that include a ticket to the Lions game.

At the tailgate, you’ll have live music, food stations that are included, an open cocktail, beer and wine bar, food, and shuttles to and from the game.

Eastern Market Brewing Company

Another spot in Eastern Market hosting tailgate parties, Eastern Market Brewing Company is hosting Lions tailgates for all home games. They start at 10 a.m. and it includes Slow’s BBQ, DJs playing music, McClure’s Pickles for Bloody Marys, and the game will be on TV if you don’t have tickets.

If you plan on hanging around or exploring more breweries, make sure to check out our Detroit Brew Trail to try some great beer around the area!

Downtown Detroit Lots

If you’re hosting your own tailgate, you can park at many of the lots in Downtown Detroit and around Ford Field. Make sure you get there early, as spots tend to fill up. You can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$80 for the spot.

Check out some of the best sports bars in Detroit, or visit one of the many bars surrounding Ford Field like the Old Shillelagh, The Elwood, Tin Roof, and more.

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