Ford Field is the home stadium for the Detroit Lions and is located in a fun part of town where fans will find lots to do. Keep this in mind and plan to explore the area after you take part in the Detroit Lions Tailgating event.
No doubt Roary the Lion will make an appearance. He is not only known for his football prowess, but also for his involvement in the community. From taking the time to teach kids about values to breaking the Ford Field record for the most popcorn eaten in one sitting, Roary is a busy guy. You may catch a glimpse of him at your tailgating experience.
Visit the Detroit Lions website to decide on how you want your football game day to go. You can party in selected lots at the stadium, choose to get game-ready at Eastern Market, or spend your pre-kickoff time at Pride Plaza.
Where will you camp in the cool fall weather in Detroit? Tahquamenon Falls State Park is an option that boasts scenery hard to beat. Gather the family around before the road trip and discuss everyone’s to-do list. Hikes in the forest in the cold morning air, or a quiet moment of reflection beside a babbling brook: Michigan has it all.
So, prep the RV for tailgate season and get ready for non-stop fun and action.
Ticket prices to an NFL football game will fluctuate depending on who is playing and the demand. Prices may rise as the game approaches, and of course, if the team is on a roll, then the cost often goes up. For example, a Detroit Lions game in October may cost around $120 to attend, while a December game may be about $50 if you buy the pass in advance. The tailgating option you select can have a bearing on the price, too.
I-75 is the route to take to the play by play action. Kickoff central is at Ford Field stadium, located on Brush Street. You are entering a busy part of town with multiple roadways, so have the navigator check MDOT as you drive to keep abreast of delays due to weather or traffic. Keep your parking passes and tickets in the glove box for easy access as you approach the stadium.
Determine your chosen tailgating experience and book your parking ahead of time. Light tailgating is permitted in the general lots, and spaces are systematically arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning on making a day of it before the football action begins, purchase a pass to park in the Eastern Market Corporation lot. Spaces open four hours before the game starts. Shuttle service runs every ten minutes.
Buses and the Detroit People Mover are good modes of transportation to the game. Stations and stops are conveniently located, and the trains bringing fans to the stadium arrive approximately every five minutes. Take public transit and join the free tailgate fun at Pride Plaza before the game as an alternative to driving your rig in the city.
Camping at the tailgating event is not possible. The lots must be cleared two hours after each game. Fall and winter are times of the year for spectacular scenery in Michigan, so venture outside the city to view the colorful foliage of the trees. Take advantage of quieter campgrounds and enjoy the crisp air as you relax in your motorhome.
Stretch your arms to the edges of Detroit to find RV camping fit for a lion at the Monroe Co. / Toledo North KOA and a handful of other campgrounds in the area, all about an hour's drive from the stadium. Don't mind a bit of a drive west near Lake Michigan? Imagine exploring dunes and a frozen lake to or from a winter football game. You can do so at Warren Dunes State Park. Are you interested in seeing the “Grand Canyon of Michigan?” Make Sturgeon Falls a must-see stop as you tour Michigan. Muskegon State Park allows winter camping and has a luge run, too.
Expect the venue to be crowded and the people in attendance intent on getting to the game as they enter the stadium. Comfy shoes are a must for making your way about the tailgating field and traversing the stairs to your seat. Strollers and infant car seats are not permitted in the stadium due to the number of people at the game, so plan for this as you get the kiddos ready for the day.
If you are attending a fall or winter game, layering your clothes is essential. The stadium is indoors, so this may also help with transitioning from pre-game activities to your seats. A few items of clothing worn under your favorite team’s jersey could do the trick, but you may need a jacket, too. If you have one in team colors, all the better. Hats, scarves, and mittens are a necessity for the tailgating and for any exploring you plan to do in Michigan’s great outdoors in the fall and winter.
Remember the NFL clear bag policy and bring just a few items with you into the game. The list of prohibited items is extensive, so check the Detroit Lions website for information. Gear for the campground should include toiletries, extra blankets, lawn chairs, and cooking utensils. Before leaving home, sanitize the water system and add fresh water. Check the engine fluids and battery levels for a stress-free road trip.
Keep safety in mind for this road trip to Detroit. Don’t worry about being in a rush. Drive as you feel comfortable in the city and always consider child seatbelt safety in your rig. Give yourself plenty of time to stop when in traffic as driving an RV is very different than a car. Plan ahead and have your navigational tools prepped and ready to go. And remember, there is often alcohol at tailgating events, so assign a competent designated driver or take public transit if needed.
A tailgate weekend involves lots of food. In between the pregame burgers, hotdogs, and ribs, go for light salads and healthy sandwiches. Stock the RV fridge with the ingredients before you go, to include veggies and fruit alongside the party food. Check your inventory of utensils, bowls, and cleanup supplies to ensure a fun and easy experience.
Plenty of eateries surround Ford Field welcome fans for a hearty meal. If the tailgating menu left you hungry, plan on making a stop after the game for a Greek salad, Mexican taco, or New American fare such as barbecued chicken. You won’t have to go far for a satisfying meal, and many of the top eateries are accessible via public transit or a few minute's walk.
Visit a kiosk or the Detroit Lions pro shop to get football merchandise. Rainwear, sunglasses, watches, jewelry, and more salute the team. Purchase a sweatshirt for a cool evening if you don’t have one already. A knit hat will top your outfit; buy the kids a cute Trapper hat with tassels and coverings for the ears in case the game is a chilly one. ATMs are located on several floors and near Guest Services.
Expect your NFL-approved clear bag to be checked by security personnel. The stadium is fully staffed throughout should you have a need or concern. Remember, there is a no re-entry policy for all games, so once inside the gates, plan on staying for a good time all day with Roary and the Detroit Lions.
Pregame tailgating and the game itself will go on rain or shine, barring a hazardous weather event. Dress appropriately so that you can enjoy every second of the fun. Bring along a large rain poncho and billy boots for inclement weather, both at the game or at camp. If a nasty storm system approaches, store all outdoor campsite gear and plan on an evening inside your Airstream with a good book.
Service dogs wearing identifiable gear are welcome to attend a Detroit Lions Tailgating event. Remember to supply clean water for them and keep them away from well-meaning but uninformed fans who may offer your dog a snack. EMS services, a doctor, and nursing staff are on hand at the stadium two hours before the game and half an hour after.
