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This is a guide to the Detroit Lions home stadium (Ford Field). Going to a NFL game can be fun, but it is also a unique experience that you will want to plan for accordingly. There are certain policies and procedures you will want to be aware of beforehand, as well as stadium gate and parking lot locations for easy entrance.
Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – I like to use Vivid Seats because they allow you to browse a parking map to find a lot and price that makes sense for you. Click here to view Detroit Lions tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).
In this article we will discuss:
- What to bring to a Lions Game
- Detroit Lions Ticket Information
- Ford Field Gate Information
- Best Place to Park at Ford Field
- Does Ford Field Take Cash?
- How Long are Detroit Lions Games?
- Where is the Lions Pro Shop?
What to Bring to a Lions Game?
If you are going to a Detroit Lions game, planning ahead is always important. Below is a list of things you might need to bring, and you will want to make sure you are complying with any security protocols the stadium has:
- Clear Stadium Bag – NFL stadiums have strict bag policies and recommend a clear stadium bag like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Make sure to verify the size dimensions meets the size standards for Ford Field.
- Reserve Parking – Many stadiums recommend fans to pre-purchase parking passes if needed to help avoid the hassle and wait times associated with buying passes at the stadium. Click here to view the current prices of Detroit Lions parking passes and tickets available at Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
- Weather and Sun Protection – Ford Field has a roof, so facing the elements at a Lions game is not as big of an issue as it might be at other NFL stadiums. Still, depending on where you park, you could be facing a 15-20 minute walk to the stadium, so dress appropriate.
- Cashless Payment – Many stadiums are transitioning to cashless payments, so bringing a form of payment other than cash is a good idea.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – Stadiums can get very loud, and noise-canceling headphones may be needed for toddlers.
Can You Bring a Bag Into Ford Field?
As an emphasis on security has increased in recent years, NFL stadiums have adjusted their bag policies. There are strict regulations regarding the types of bags allowed inside a stadium. The NFL recommends fans to use clear stadium bags like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Clear stadium bags help with security at the gate, and not only make the stadium safer, but also help security lines move faster. But each stadium has its own safety guidelines, and may include certain exceptions. To read more, I would advise you to visit the Ford Field information guide.
Can You Bring a Sign Into Ford Field?
Bringing a sign to the game can be a fun way to add to the experience of going to a NFL Game. You may be wondering if you can bring a sign into Ford Field. Yes, you can bring a sing into Ford Field, but there are some restrictions. When you bring a sign into Ford Field, the signs must meet the following requirements:
- Ford Field Signs must be handheld
- Ford Field Signs must not be on poles or sticks.
- Ford Field Signs must not block another guest’s view
Management reserves the right to confiscate signs that are in violation of stadium policy. It is always a good idea to check out the Ford Field information guide or contact the team if you have any questions.
Detroit Lions Ticket Information
Buying Lions Tickets
As of this year, the Lions ticket office no longer sells hard tickets at the stadium. The ticket office at the stadium is open only to assist in ticket resolution issues or help fans buy tickets on their phones. All tickets are digital. Buying in advance is always a good idea necessary.
You can buy Lions tickets directly from the team’s website, but once the game is sold-out, you will need to use the secondary ticket market, where you can buy Lions tickets that are being re-sold. For these types of tickets, I like to use Vivid Seats because they show me what my view from the seats will look like prior to purchase.
- Click here to view Detroit Lions tickets available at Vivid Seats (affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
The Game Day Ticket Office is located on the northeast side of the stadium on the street level next to Gate G just off St. Antoine Street
Please remember that NFL stadiums have adopted mobile ticketing in an attempt to reduce the risk of ticket fraud. To learn more about how the Lions mobile ticketing works, click here.
To read more, visit our article about purchasing Lions tickets at the stadium.
Ford Field Gate Information
Ford Field Gates open two hours prior to kickoff. Keep in mind that some lines take awhile to get in, so getting there early is always a good plan so you don’t miss any part of the game. Also, Ford Field recommends, if possible, to use any other gate than Gate A, as it usually has the longest lines. All guests are subject to security inspection prior to admittance into the stadium. Re-entry is prohibited.
To read more about the location of entry gates, visit our Ford Field Gate Guide.
Best Place to Park at Ford Field for Lions Games
There are several lots and garages around Ford Field for you to find parking. With that said, most of it is shared parking with Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play. So keep in mind that if for some reason there is a Tigers game the same day and roughly same time, parking could get very tight.
Also, while there are numerous lots and garages within walking distance of Ford Field, many of them are on the west side of Comerica Park. We outline below the rough walking distance of each lot and garage so you can choose which spot you want to try and park in.
Keep in mind, that tailgating isn’t allowed in the areas that happen to be closest to Ford Field. There are some restrictions on how you can tailgate in the lots that do allow it. It is always a good idea to check with the Ford Field Parking Guide ahead of time if you have any questions or concerns.
Ford Field Parking Tips
- Buy Prepaid Parking if Possible – Buying a parking pass in advance can help you avoid the hassle of buying at the stadium, and allows you to reserve a spot in a parking lot that makes the most sense for you. This is where you can view the current price of parking passes available for Lions games at Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
- Tailgating vs Proximity – As mentioned, if you are wanting to tailgate, you will likely have to choose a lot that isn’t adjacent to Ford Field. So for example, while parking in the Ford Field Parking Deck that is right across the street is convenient, you won’t be allowed to tailgate there.
- Get there early – Your parking pass will have an assigned lot to it, but you will not have an assigned space. Many of the lots are very large and can change the amount of time it takes to get to and from the stadium. Also, it is always nice to get a spot near the exit to help lessen the time it takes to leave.
To read more about lots and options, visit our Detroit Lions Parking Guide.
How Long Do Detroit Lions Games Last?
You can expect a Detroit Lions game to last slightly over three hours on average, but it is worth noting that some games can last closer to 3.5 hours (or longer) depending on pace of play. In 2021, the average length of a Detroit Lions game was 3 hours and 3 minutes.
In 2021, the longest Detroit Lions game lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, and the shortest Detroit Lions game lasted 2 hours and 41 minutes. The main takeaway is most Detroit Lions games last slightly over three hours, but there are exceptions both ways.
To read more, visit our article about the length of football games.
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference Gamelogs
Where is the Lions Pro Shop?
The Ford Field Pro Shop is located just inside Ford Field Gate A. Here you can visit The Stadium Collection, the Detroit Lions and Ford Field’s retail store. Once inside Gate A, the store is located in the atrium. The Stadium Collection offers NFL-licensed apparel, custom jerseys, children’s apparel, exclusive fan gear, collectibles and more. Gift cards are available as well.
If you are shopping for Lions fan gear, you can also do that online. This is where you can view Lions gear available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
Does Ford Field Accept Cash Inside the Stadium?
As of this year, Ford Field is now cashless. You will not be able to pay with cash at concessions, retail locations, etc (source). If you have cash and you want to convert it into pre-paid debit cards you can do that at the following locations:
- Section 100 Gate A Ticket Office Window #3 – Across from Guest Services
- Section 141 Gate A – Under the stairs
- Section 127 Gate D – Next to the elevator
- Section 112/113 Gate G – Next to Guest Services
- Blitz on Level 2 above Gate A
- Section 225 Gate E – Next to Guest Services
- Section 231 – Next to Elevator
- Section 238
- South Club Level 3
If you would like more information on the stadium, check out the Detroit Lions Ford Field FAQ Guide. The Lions do note that these locations can change.
Detroit Lions Contact Info
This website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Ford Field, the Detroit Lions, NFL, or any of the events hosted at Ford Field.
Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact the Detroit Lions staff. Contact information is below:
- Ford Field Detroit Lions – View Stadium Contact Information
- Ford Field Information Guide – View Stadium Information
Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – Buying from Vivid Seats allows you to avoid ticket lines at the stadium and Vivid Seats shows you your view from the seats prior to purchase. Click here to view Detroit Lions tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).