DETROIT – The city of Detroit has issued a gameplan for parking and tailgating ahead of the Lions’ season opener inside Ford Field.
The Lions kick off their quest for a Super Bowl on Sunday (Sept. 8) when they welcome back former quarterback Matthew Stafford and his Los Angeles Rams for an NFC playoff rematch AT 8:20 p.m. on NBC.
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The massive event will make the downtown area busier than usual, so the city is issuing reminders and tips on how to maneuver through heavy traffic and street closures.
Officials say heavy traffic is expected to begin around 2 p.m., with traffic expected at the I-75 Grand River Avenue and I-375 Madison Avenue exits.
For residents looking to avoid traffic, the city suggests drivers use M-10 to access downtown.
The QLINE on Woodward will be fully operational and open late Sunday until 12 a.m. but will offer $5 park and rides from Lot 12 at Wayne State University between Woodward and Harper avenues (6050 Woodward Ave) by QLINE Amsterdam stop.
Visitors can also make reservations for many downtown lots and garages ahead of time using the ParkDetroit app.
Tailgaters should make reservations in advance with the lot they plan to use so they can be sure their spot is secured.
They should also be mindful that many do not open until early afternoon.
Some spots, including Eastern Market tailgating spots, are already sold out. Eastern Market tailgating will open at 2 p.m. for those who have already reserved their place.
On-street parking is allowed only in designated metered zones (although enforcement does not take place on Sundays) or on unmetered streets that may allow parking (bike lanes are not parking lanes).
Vehicles parked on the street that block access to crosswalks, driveways, alleys, bus stops, or fire hydrants may be ticketed and towed.
Drivers should park only in regulated, marked parking lots that post their rates. The city will have inspectors out to ensure that lots are not charging in excess of what is allowed by city ordinance.
Visitors should also be wary of parking on vacant lots, whether or not someone is charging. as scammers have been known to wave people onto lots they do not own and charge for parking.
In these cases, the legitimate owner may legally have the vehicle towed. Tailgating and drinking are not permitted on the street.
Street Closures for Saturday Night include:
- 1 p.m. Adams between Brush and Witherell streets (tentatively reopens at 12 a.m.)
- 7:30 p.m. Brush Street between Beacon and Montcalm streets
- 7:30 p.m. Witherell Street between Montcalm Street and Adams Avenue
- 7:30 p.m. John R Road between Adams Avenue and Madison Street
The Lions plan to host a drone show on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8:45 p.m., following the same format as the Jan. 27 show held during the NFC playoffs. The show should last 20 minutes, and all streets except Adams should be reopened by 10 p.m.