A Guide to Ford Field
Located in the heart of Detroit's bustling downtown entertainment district, Ford Field has served as the indoor home of the Detroit Lions since 2002. Uniquely constructed around the historic shell of a former Hudson's department store warehouse, the stadium seamlessly blends classic industrial architecture with modern sports culture, standing alongside Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena as a central pillar of the city's vibrant sports scene.
Getting to the Stadium
The stadium sits in downtown Detroit, part of a sports and entertainment district that includes Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and the Fox Theatre. The downtown location makes it easily accessible from throughout Metro Detroit, though gameday traffic in the dense urban core requires planning.
Driving & Parking
- DrivingThe multi-year I-375 Reconstruction Project is actively underway, converting the former sunken freeway into a street level boulevard. This construction causes major lane closures, detours, and heavy delays immediately east of the stadium. Fans are strongly encouraged to completely avoid the I-375 corridor and utilize alternate routes like I-75, Woodward Avenue, or Grand River Avenue to approach downtown.
- From I-75 North (from the south/west)Take Exit 50 (Grand River Ave.) or stay left to utilize the lanes connecting to Exit 51C (Madison Ave.) to access the immediate stadium area. Follow the posted signs toward the stadium lots.
- From I-75 South (from the north)Take Exit 52 (Mack Ave.) or Exit 51C (Madison Ave.) and head south toward the entertainment district.
- From I-96 East (from the western suburbs)Take I-96 East to I-75 North, then exit immediately at Exit 50 (Grand River Ave.) and follow signs toward Brush Street.
- ParkingThere are approximately 32 parking locations within a short walk of the stadium. The parking facilities immediately next to the stadium are first come first serve and open four hours before kick off. Tailgating is also prohibited in these lots. Parking in other nearby lots can be pre-purchased through the team's official parking partner. For those willing to walk a bit the MGM Grand Detroit casino offers free parking just under a mile away. Eastern Market northeast of the stadium is the primary tailgating destination. For tailgating supplies beyond the offerings at the market Honey Bee Market - La Colmena Mexicantown offers fresh produce, meats, and specialty Latin American goods while City Market in downtown Detroit offers prepared meals, an amazing deli, and quality meats. For beverages, Foxtown Liquor is located nearby.
Public Transit
- SMART FAST BusesFor those coming from the suburbs, the FAST Woodward, FAST Gratiot, and FAST Michigan routes operate every 15–30 minutes and drop you off steps from the stadium.
- QLineThis streetcar travels a 6.6-mile loop along Woodward Avenue, connecting Downtown to Midtown, New Center, and the North End. It is perfect for parking further north (where it's cheaper) and riding to the Montcalm Street or Grand Circus Park stations.
- Detroit People MoverAn elevated rail loop that circles downtown. The Broadway Station is the closest stop to the stadium.
Rideshare
- Designated rideshare zone is on Brush Street between Fisher Service Dr and Montcalm St near Lot 5 on the north side of the stadium
Pregame Festivities
Downtown Detroit has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with the area around Ford Field becoming a vibrant pregame destination. Greektown, Midtown, and the Eastern Market district all offer excellent options within a few minutes of the stadium.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- Located at in Greektown, this is Detroit's most famous Irish bar. Open since 1975, it offers traditional Irish pub fare, a patio with heaters, multiple TVs for game viewing, and can accommodate large parties. They offer a complimentary shuttle to sports venues on game days.
- A historic Art Deco diner steps from the gate. It is the quintessential pre-game spot for burgers and beer.
- Located at in Detroit's Eastern Market district, this old school sports and whiskey bar features an extensive whiskey selection and knowledgeable staff making it unique in Detroit.
- Owned by the Ilitch family (Tigers owners), this sprawling three-story restaurant is a museum of Detroit sports history.
- Located a block away, this multi-level bar features a massive rooftop with live music and great views of the stadium exterior.
- A Detroit institution serving iconic Coney Island hot dogs since 1961. Located downtown, this spot has been featured on Food Wars and Man v. Food. Their Coney dogs (hot dogs with chili, mustard, and onions) and chili cheese fries are classic Detroit comfort food.
- Eastern Market is Detroit's historic public market (established 1891), and Shed 2 features various food vendors including People's Pierogi, Gus & Grey, and the sausage/bacon stand. The market is about a mile from Ford Field.
Neighborhood Attractions
- A striking Art Deco skyscraper built in 1928-29. It features stunning orange-red brick (now known as "Guardian Brick"), Pewabic Tiles, and a dramatic main entrance with stepped arches. Known as the Cathedral to Finance, tours are available including access to the 32nd-floor Guardian Club with panoramic views.
- Located in the heart of downtown Detroit and the #1 Public Square in the U.S. according to USA Today. This 2.5-acre gathering place features the Woodward Fountain, landscaping, and hosts events yearround.
- The Detroit waterfront is highlighted by the Riverwalk, a 3.5-mile path offering stunning views of the Windsor, Ontario skyline, and Hart Plaza, a riverfront square with a fountain and sculpture park including the famous Joe Louis Fist sculpture
- a culturally redefined alley in downtown Detroit's former garment district, located between Broadway and Library Street. Filled with artwork and murals from over a dozen artists, it's become a creative social hub with cocktail bars, food carts, and ever changing art installations.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Barry Sanders StatueLocated directly outside of Gate A on Brush Street, this 8-foot bronze statue captures the Hall of Fame running back mid-stride in his signature elusive running form.
- The Historic Warehouse ShellAn architectural marvel of stadium design, the entire south wall of Ford Field is integrated into the 1920s Hudson's department store warehouse. This brick structure serves as a living monument to Detroit's industrial history and houses the stadium's luxury suites, press box, and specialized retail spaces.
- Pride of the LionsEncircling the interior stadium bowl, this ring of honor commemorates 22 franchise icons including Barry Sanders, Bobby Layne, Doak Walker, Chris Spielman, and Calvin Johnson.
- Championship BannersBanners commemorating the Lions' four NFL Championships (1935, 1952, 1953, 1957) and 2023 Division Championship hang above the endzone
Seating & Special Sections
- The LoungeHovering five levels up on the north side, this modern, factory themed social space accommodates up to 200 fans. Featuring a 48-foot central bar and unreserved communal sofas, it is built for fans who prefer an active, conversational gameday experience.
- The Cub Zone (Section 347)The ultimate family destination located on the upper concourse above Gate A. Young fans can enjoy complimentary face painting, themed crafts, and visits from Roary the Lion through the end of the second quarter.
- Club SeatsLocated along the 200-level sidelines (Sections 200-214 and 227-234) and the front rows of upper sections 330-332, club tickets grant fans wider, fully padded seats. It provides exclusive entry to the stadium's upscale lounges—the Huntington Club on the south side and the Delta Sky360° Club or Comerica Gridiron Club on the north side—featuring private bars, upscale food stations, and comfortable lounge furnishings.
- Delta Loge BoxesPositioned dynamically along the club level, these private 4-to-6-seat theater-style spaces offer oversized leather chairs, a dedicated box attendant, and all-inclusive high-end food and beverage packages
- Luxury SuitesFord Field houses 129 luxury suites configured across a multi-tier layout spanning Levels 4, 5, and 6 along the stadium sidelines and the historic warehouse wall. These spaces blend a plush, outdoor seating deck with a spacious interior lounge. Each suite comes equipped with private in-suite restrooms, a kitchenette, wet bars, and dedicated catering options. For larger corporate gatherings or parties, the specialized UMCU Hudson Suites and Red Zone Suites offer expansive floor plans accommodating between 50 to 62 guests, while themed spaces like the Miller Lite Taproom Suites provide an upscale, high energy environment.
- MGM Grand Tunnel ClubA coveted field level experience that positions fans behind a glass window looking directly into the player tunnel. It features a rotating all-inclusive menu and bar service that opens three hours before kickoff.
Concessions
Ford Field's concession program partners with over 20 local and minority-owned businesses, bringing Detroit flavors throughout the stadium.
Specialty Food
- The Spin Dash Combo (Sections 100 & 120)Created in partnership with Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs to highlight his favorite foods. Named after his Sonic nickname, it pairs a pepperoni pizza smashburger (topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza seasoning) with golden ring tater tots and a side of Honolulu Blue Sour Patch Kids. Available at the Lions Loyal Marketplaces
- Cooking with Que (Section 134)This local staple provides high-quality vegan, vegetarian, and clean-eating options, including the fan-favorite Oh Kale Yeah Burger (a Beyond Meat or beef patty topped with sautéed kale and vegan cheese on a pretzel bun) and a custom-loaded Mac & Cheese.
- Breadless (Sections 120 & 240)A healthy gameday alternative featuring flavor packed ingredients wrapped in leafy greens instead of bread, alongside hearty grain bowls.
- Crack N Sizzle (Sections 120 & 204)Bringing live-action hibachi straight to the stadium with customizable bowls prepared fresh right in front of you.
- Honchos (Section 133)Vibrant Latin street food serving up a unique twist on classic Mexican inspired stadium favorites.
- Novella's (Sections 212 & 312)Premium local artisan pizza served bubbling hot straight out of wood fired ovens
- Slows BBQA legendary Detroit barbecue institution delivering famous, slow-smoked meats and comforting sides.
- Paradise Street Eats & Biryani (Gridiron Club)Bringing distinct local flavors to the concourse, their signature Paradise Loaded Fries feature seasoned chaat masala shoestring fries loaded with crispy butter chicken, cheese, red onions, cilantro, black sesame seeds, and their proprietary XXX sauce.
Stadium Standards and Deals
- Core Concourse StallsThe stadium's foundational Streats of Detroit stands are located strategically across both main levels (Sections 109, 124, 126, 130, 137, 217, 223, 227, 229, 238, and 244), serving as the hubs for standard gameday stadium classics, value menus, and rotating local snack items.
- The Power HourFor the first hour after gates open, early arriving fans can secure discounted baseline pricing on sodas, hot dogs, and beer at all Streats of Detroit locations, the Snack Zone (Section 117), and Kickoff Classics. During this first hour, fans can also purchase discounted specialty cocktails at the Miller Lite One Pride Pub, Blitz, Bud Light Party Zone, and the Corner Bar & Grill.
- Silver Savings MenuMenu: Available all day long wherever the "Football Piggy Bank" icon is displayed. It features a Hot Dog, Chips, and Soda combo, or a Hot Dog, Chips, and Beer combo for under $20.
Bars & Specialty Drinks
- The Corner BarFound on Level 2, this sprawling lounge pays homage to the legendary corner of Michigan and Trumbull where the former home of the Lions and Tigers stood. Complete with vintage lockers, large video board, and historic franchise artifacts, it offers a classic Detroit tavern atmosphere.
- Blitz (Gate A, Level 2)Located right above the bustling Gate A atrium, this space is a premier stop for early arrivals. It features a full selection of liquors and draft beers, and participates in the pregame Power Hour with discounted pricing.
- Bud Light Party Zone (Section 239)Positioned on the upper level corner, this, open admission patio area is built for fans who want to mingle, drink, and socialize with large groups in a standing room environment.
- Miller Lite One Pride Pub (Gate D)A destination bar near Gate D that serves as a core rallying point for the Lions faithful. Like Blitz and the Party Zone, it features early bird beverage incentives during the first hour after gates open.
- Detroit Spirits (Section 212)Situated conveniently at the top of the Gate G escalators, this specialized cocktail bar is dedicated to fast, premium liquor service and is a designated outpost for the stadium’s signature oversized Bloody Marys.
- Turf Tavern (Section 105)A fan favorite main concourse watering hole known for serving up quick draft pours alongside specialty mixed drinks.
- The Ultimate Bloody MaryThis over-the-top stadium tradition features a premium Bloody Mary served with a pepperoncini, cheese and olive skewer, a pickle, bacon, jalapeño poppers, and spicy pepper gummies, served alongside a traditional beer shot. Due to limited availability, it can only be found at the Corner Bar & Grill (Section 222), Detroit Spirits (Section 212), and the Delta South Club Bloody Mary Bar.
- Craft BeerMichigan craft beer brands such as Founders, Bell's and Atwater can be found at all major social hubs and bars as well as dedicated Michigan Craft House beer stands
Stadium Information
Notable Events
- Super Bowl XL (2006) Host
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium