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Ford Field Guide

NFL · Detroit · 65,000 capacity

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Last updated: 3/3/2026

For visitors staying in Downtown Detroit, Ford Field is accessible via a short walk from free public transit. The QLine streetcar and the elevated Detroit People Mover have stations at Grand Circus Park, both within walking distance of the stadium.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Outside food
Outside food OK
Getting here
Public transportation options include the QLine Streetcar, with stops near Montcalm Street and Grand Circus Park, and the Detroit People Mover, with a station at Grand Circus Park, both within walking distance of Ford Field.
Family friendly
Ford Field offers various family-friendly amenities, including 13 family restrooms, the UMCU Cub Club Fan Cave (exploring Lions history), and a sensory room located on the second level (accessible via Guest Services).
Capacity
65,000
Home team:Detroit Lions

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Ford Field on the calendar. See Detroit home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Ford Field

Downtown Detroit is considered the ideal hotel neighborhood due to its proximity to Ford Field, public transportation options, and a wide array of surrounding restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife.

Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is the epicenter for sports, entertainment, and dining, making it ideal for a sports weekend. It's vibrant, walkable, and offers a wide array of hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Attractions like Campus Martius Park and the Riverwalk provide additional leisure options. The area is also considered safe, with high foot traffic and dedicated safety programs.

Excellent public transit connectivity. The QLine streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue with stops like Montcalm Street and Grand Circus Park providing access to venues. The Detroit People Mover, an elevated rail system, circulates throughout downtown with multiple stations including Grand Circus Park, Broadway, Greektown, Financial District, and Times Square, connecting to key downtown locations.

Midtown

Midtown is Detroit's cultural heart, known for its museums (like the Detroit Institute of Arts), art galleries, boutiques, and a vibrant dining scene. It has a lively atmosphere, partly due to Wayne State University, and offers a more laid-back, artistic edge. It's an excellent choice for those seeking cultural experiences alongside sports.

Well-connected to Downtown via the QLine streetcar, which runs along Woodward Avenue with several stops throughout Midtown (e.g., Canfield, Warren, MLK/Mack, Ferry, Amsterdam).

Corktown

As Detroit's oldest neighborhood, Corktown offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern creativity. It features cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, trendy restaurants, breweries, and design shops. On game days, it draws overflow crowds from the nearby downtown venues.

Located just west of Downtown. While not directly served by the QLine or People Mover, it's easily accessible to downtown venues via rideshare or a short walk to major transit lines. Main thoroughfares like Michigan Avenue are well-lit and busy.

Greektown

Greektown is a vibrant and historic district known for its popular eateries, casinos, and lively atmosphere. It's a popular spot for fans to gather before and after games.

Within easy walking distance of Comerica Park and Ford Field. The Detroit People Mover has a dedicated Greektown station.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transportation options include the QLine Streetcar, with stops near Montcalm Street and Grand Circus Park, and the Detroit People Mover, with a station at Grand Circus Park, both within walking distance of Ford Field. Several Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus routes (e.g., 16, 23, 53) also stop near the stadium. The DAX (Detroit Air Express) bus provides a direct route from Detroit Metro Airport to downtown, about a 10-minute walk from Ford Field.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are available. A primary location is at Brush Street and Montcalm Street. Another designated area is the southbound service drive accessible from Mack Avenue. Uber is an official rideshare partner and has an exclusive pickup and drop-off point along the northbound E Fisher Service Drive, between Woodward and John R on game days. Guests are advised that no parking or waiting is allowed after drop-off.

Parking: The Ford Field Parking Deck is located on St. Antoine across from Gate G. Parking can be purchased and reserved in advance through the Detroit Lions' website. Alternative driving routes are suggested to avoid common traffic congestion points around the stadium.

After the event

Downtown Detroit, where Ford Field is located, offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Specific bars near the stadium mentioned for post-game activities include The Old Shillelagh, The Elwood, and Tin Roof. Restaurants like Adelina, American Coney Island, Lafayette Coney Island, and JoJo's Shake Bar are also popular choices.

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Ford Field is situated in the heart of downtown Detroit, adjacent to Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. The stadium uniquely incorporates elements of the old 1920s Hudson warehouse into its design.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is a significant part of the game-day experience. Popular options include the Eastern Market Tailgate, which requires advance ticket purchase and adheres to specific rules regarding tent sizes and space usage, and Pride Plaza on Brush Street, a free official Lions tailgate adjacent to Ford Field, featuring food trucks, beverages, music, and interactive fan games. Light tailgating is also permitted in general parking lots on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Signature food: Popular food options at Ford Field include Detroit classics like Slows BBQ and Billy Sims BBQ. Coney dogs are also a signature Detroit item. Newer offerings have included a coney flight, pho brisket sandwich, butter chicken samosas, and a 'Jahmyr Gibbs' Dash Combo' (a smashburger topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella).
  • Fan tradition: Strong local fan traditions include extensive tailgating at popular spots like Eastern Market and the official Pride Plaza on Brush Street. Celebrating with Detroit's classic coney dogs after a game is also a common tradition. The team's mascot, Roary the Lion, is known for his community involvement.
  • Pregame institution: Pride Plaza on Brush Street (Located adjacent to Ford Field on Brush Street, Detroit, MI.)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Parlay Detroit
    Not explicitly stated in snippets but described as steps away from stadiums. · Downtown

    A sprawling 11,000-square-foot upscale sports bar co-owned by former Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell. It offers a lively game-day vibe with elevated offerings like a cigar lounge, VIP seating, giant screens, a sports ticker, and tasty tailgating fare, making it a top destination for sports fans.

    What to order: Elevated offerings, tasty tailgating fare.