Ford Field

In June of 1903, Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan. The city has come a long way since Ford first put down roots, but one thing remains the same; it’s still the most iconic city for automakers in the country. So, it should come as no surprise that the Detroit Lions play at Ford Field, located in downtown Detroit. And if you’re in Detroit on game days during the fall, Ford Field is the place to be. Here’s everything you need to know about the Lions’ home field.

At A Glance:

Who: Ford Field is home to the Detroit Lions.

Where: Ford Field is located in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

What:

Built in August of 2002, Ford Field was originally going to be an open-air stadium along with neighboring Comerica Park. But the design was changed prior to construction. Ford Field incorporates into its design the remains of the former six-story Hudson’s warehouse. The unique design allows for incredible box seats and sprawling views from all sides of the field. Other unique features about Ford Field include its glass corners (which allow for views of downtown Detroit) and the fact that the field and 100 level seats are below ground level so as not to impose too strongly on the Detroit skyline.

Ford purchased naming rights to the stadium upon its construction (and paid for a large chunk of the total cost of construction to do so). Ford Field has a total seating capacity of 65,000 people, including 7,251 club seats. In addition to housing the Lions, Ford Field has also acted as host to many famous performers, including Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, AC/DC, Beyonce, and Guns N’ Roses.

Trivia:

• Ford Field cost $500 million to build.
• The first game played at Ford Field was between the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 24, 2002. It was a preseason game.
• The field and 100 level seats at Ford Field are located below ground level. This way, the stadium doesn’t infringe too much on Detroit’s skyline views.
• The windows along the top of Ford Field are frosted to mimic the inside of an automotive factory.
• Ford Field is one of only four stadiums to never host an NFL playoff game (though they have hosted the Super Bowl).
• Ford Field has been used as a backup “home field” for several NFL match ups. Most notably, the field was used for a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants after a rip in the Vikings’ inflatable roof caused heavy snow accumulation on the field.

Seating Options:

Ford Field boasts 7,251 club seats in 129 suites. Premium seating options include the Loge Boxes and suites in the MGM Grand Tunnel Club. Loge Boxes bring the living room to the playing field. Each Loge Box contains four plush theater-style seats overlooking the field. A full wait staff provides flowing drinks and food from a special weekly menu, so you’ll never miss a minute of the game to order food or run to a concession stand.

The MGM Tunnel Club allows premium ticket holders to get an up close and personal view of the players entering and leaving the field through the tunnel. The club is also decked out in flat screen TVs and allows for unlimited food and drinks (including wine and beer). If you’d prefer something a little stronger, you can head to the club level cash bar for spirits.

Suites can accommodate 12-50 people and include the best sight lines in the stadium. They all feature HD flat-screen televisions equipped with DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket, a full sized kitchen, Detroit Lions photos, concierge service, all you can eat catering, and VIP Parking.

Food & Drinks:

Concessions at Ford Field are managed by Levy Restaurants. There are 50 permanent concession stands and 75 portable stands. Executive Chef Joe Nader and his staff work hard to put Ford Field on the map for excellent dining in Detroit. Popular items include homemade pretzels (with either dill honey mustard sauce or cheese sauce), Shock Top Brats (brats infused with Belgian White Shock Top beer), and Moo Cluck Moo burgers and chicken sandwiches. If you’re craving something sweet, you can get a 4-pound blue donut with Michigan apple filling and topped with Honolulu blue icing and sprinkles. If you do opt for the donut, brag about it on social media using the hashtag #bigbluedonut. You’ll want proof that you conquered the whole thing.

What To Do When You Visit:

Take a Tour: Ford Field offers tours of the stadium on select days. Each tour includes about 25 people and lasts for an hour. Most tours include stops at a Ford Field suite, both locker rooms, the tunnel to the field, and the field itself.

Go to summer camp: If you have little ones, you can send them to Ford Field for summer camp. Camp starts in June and runs through early August.

Tailgate: Tailgating is not allowed in parking lots adjacent to Ford Field, but you can park at Eastern Market and enjoy sanctioned tailgating. When you’re ready to head to the field, you can catch the Eastern Market shuttle.

Parking/Mass Transit:

• Parking at Ford Field is available three hours before kickoff. Parking is first come first served.
• A shuttle to and from the stadium is located on Adams Street between Witherell and John R. streets. The shuttle begins two hours before the game.
• If you choose to park at Eastern Market, you can participate in tailgating activities before the game.

Want to catch all of the Lions games? Contact Seat Valet today to learn how you can get a personal seat license from Ford Field to watch the Lions play.