Detroit has roared back to life, and there's no better time to experience the Motor City than during a Detroit Lions football weekend. The energy throughout downtown on game day is electric, fueled by a passionate fan base that creates one of the NFL's most unique atmospheres. Ford Field, nestled in the heart of downtown Detroit, offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable guys weekend combining hard-hitting football action with the city's revitalized food, drink, and entertainment scene.
- Book accommodations early: Downtown hotels fill quickly on Lions home game weekends, especially if the team is performing well. Reserve rooms at least 2-3 months in advance.
- Consider public transportation: Parking near Ford Field can be expensive ($40-80). Utilize the Detroit People Mover or the QLINE to navigate downtown on game day.
- Security protocols: Ford Field has a clear bag policy similar to other NFL stadiums. Bring only NFL-approved clear bags (12" x 6" x 12") or small clutches to avoid being turned away at security.
- Eastern Market planning: If you plan to tailgate at Eastern Market, arrive early (7-8 a.m. for the best spots). Tailgating spaces can be reserved in advance to guarantee your spot.
- Temperature considerations: While Ford Field is an indoor stadium, Detroit weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and dress in layers as you'll be going between heated indoor spaces and potentially cold outdoor areas.
Here's your ultimate three-day itinerary for a legendary guys weekend in Detroit, Michigan built around a Lions game at Ford Field.
Day 1: Arrival & Pre-Game Preparations
Morning: Check Into Your Downtown Base Camp
Begin your Detroit football adventure by checking into the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan. This well-appointed hotel sits in an ideal location within walking distance of Ford Field and offers modern accommodations in a beautifully restored historic building. The Metropolitan features a stylish lobby bar perfect for nightcaps after the game and spacious rooms where your crew can spread out.
For an upscale accommodation option in downtown Detroit, consider the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Situated at 1114 Washington Boulevard, this historic hotel seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern amenities. Originally opened in 1924 and meticulously restored, it offers luxurious rooms and suites equipped with the signature Westin Heavenly Beds and Baths. Guests can enjoy on-site dining, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and convenient access to Detroit's top attractions, including Ford Field, which is within walking distance.
After checking in, head to breakfast at The Hudson Cafe (1241 Woodward Ave) for a hearty meal to start your day. Open daily from 8am-3pm, this local favorite is known for their generous portions and creative breakfast options like red velvet pancakes and various benedicts, providing the fuel needed for a full day of exploration.
Afternoon: Ford Field Tour
After breakfast, make your way to the Ford Field area to get acquainted with the stadium surroundings before game day. While public tours of Ford Field may not be regularly scheduled (check the official Ford Field website or call 313-262-2000 for current tour availability), you can still explore the stadium exterior and surrounding entertainment district.
Take time to appreciate the stadium's unique design that incorporated the historic Hudson's Warehouse, creating a blend of Detroit's industrial past and modern architecture. Capturing photos outside the stadium will provide an excellent orientation before the game-day chaos.
Following the tour, walk a few blocks to the Detroit Beer Company for lunch. This brewpub offers a great selection of house-made craft beers and elevated pub fare. Try their loaded nachos or one of their signature burgers while sampling their rotating selection of brews.
Evening: Downtown Detroit Exploration
As evening sets in, immerse yourself in the energy of Detroit's unofficial "Detroit Sports Bar District"—the area surrounding Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena. While it’s not a formal district, this part of downtown is packed with great spots where Detroit sports fans gather year-round. Whether there’s a game happening or not, you’ll find plenty of action and camaraderie.
Check out these must-visit sports bars for a guys night out in Detroit:
- Nemo’s Bar – A legendary Corktown institution known for its burgers, shuttle service to the stadiums, and walls lined with Detroit Tigers nostalgia.
- Harry’s Detroit Bar & Grill – Just steps from Little Caesars Arena, this spot offers rooftop vibes, strong drinks, and solid bar fare in a game-day atmosphere.
- Bookie’s Bar & Grille – A multi-level sports bar near Comerica Park with big screens, cold beer, and a rooftop patio perfect for warmer nights.
For dinner, head to Hockeytown Cafe, a sports-themed restaurant in the heart of Detroit's entertainment district.
Despite the hockey name, this establishment embraces all Detroit sports and is a popular pre-game destination for Lions fans. The menu features classic American fare, and the walls are covered with Detroit sports memorabilia.
After dinner, check out The Old Shillelagh, an iconic three-story Irish pub that has been a Detroit institution for decades. Known for its lively atmosphere and rooftop bar with views of the city, it's the perfect spot to toast to the weekend ahead.
Day 2: Game Day Experience
Morning: Breakfast
Game day has arrived! Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Hudson Café on Woodward Avenue, just a short walk from the stadiums. This popular downtown spot is known for its generous portions and game-day crowd. Try their steak and eggs, breakfast sliders, or stuffed French toast if you're in the mood for something indulgent. It’s the perfect place to load up before heading to the tailgate lot with your crew.
Afternoon: Motor City Tailgating
After breakfast, it's time to gear up for one of Detroit's most cherished traditions: tailgating. For the full experience, head to the historic Eastern Market - just a short walk from Ford Field - where expansive parking lots transform into a sea of Honolulu blue and silver. This is ground zero for Lions fans, complete with grills, music, games, and the unmistakable aroma of Detroit-style barbecue. Arrive early to claim a good spot and immerse yourself in the high-energy pre-game atmosphere.
If you prefer to stay closer to the stadium, stop by Pride Plaza on Brush Street right outside Ford Field. This free, official Lions tailgate features food trucks, beverage tents, interactive games, and performances by the "Honolulu Boom," the Lions' energetic drumline.
Evening: Lions Football at Ford Field
About an hour before kickoff, make your way into Ford Field to experience the full pre-game spectacle. The 65,000-seat indoor stadium offers excellent sightlines from every section, but consider splurging on lower bowl seats between the 30-yard lines for the best views of the action.
Ford Field is known for its lively atmosphere and dedication to showcasing Detroit's unique culture. The stadium features an impressive array of local food and beverage options, including Slows BBQ at section 115 and the Michigan Craft Beer Garden on the main concourse.
Be sure to arrive early enough to take advantage of "Power Hour" - the first 90 minutes after gates open when Ford Field offers discounted food and beverages, including $3.99 beers, $2.99 sodas, and $3.49 hot dogs at select concession stands.
After the game (hopefully celebrating a Lions victory), head to Tin Roof across from Comerica Park. This lively bar features live music before and after Lions games, making it the perfect spot to relive the game's highlights with fellow fans. With multiple floors, plenty of TVs, and a great food menu, you can continue the party well into the evening.
Day 3: Motor City Exploration
Morning: Recovery Brunch
After an exhilarating game day, start your final day with a recovery brunch at Parker's Alley Brunch Bar, located behind the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. This trendy spot offers a stylish setting and a creative brunch menu with options like chicken and waffles, loaded breakfast burritos, and craft cocktails. Whether you're in need of strong coffee or a mimosa to rally, it's a perfect spot to regroup before diving into more Motor City exploration.
Afternoon: Detroit's Automotive Heritage
No trip to the Motor City would be complete without paying homage to its automotive roots. Take a short drive to Dearborn to visit The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. This world-class museum showcases America's greatest inventions and innovations, with special emphasis on automotive history. You can see the presidential limousine that carried JFK in Dallas, the bus where Rosa Parks took her historic stand, and countless historic vehicles that shaped American culture.
For the ultimate automotive experience, add on a Ford Rouge Factory Tour to see modern F-150 trucks being built on the assembly line. The combination of historical exhibits and watching contemporary production provides a fascinating perspective on Detroit's past and present.
Evening: Final Night in the D
For your final evening in Detroit, experience one of the city's premier dining destinations. Pegasus Taverna in Greektown offers authentic Greek cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Share a family-style feast of saganaki (flaming cheese), gyros, and other Mediterranean classics while reflecting on your Detroit guys weekend.
After dinner, check out Cliff Bell's, a restored 1930s jazz club that represents Detroit's sophisticated side. With its art deco interior, craft cocktails, and live music, it's the perfect upscale finale to your sports-centric weekend.
For a more casual option, visit Batch Brewing Company in Corktown, a neighborhood nanobrewery with an excellent rotating selection of craft beers and a menu featuring elevated bar food.
Beyond Football: Great Guys Getaway Things To Do In Detroit
While the Lions game anchors your Detroit boys weekend, the city offers plenty of additional activities to round out your guys trip:
- Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts to see Diego Rivera's famous Detroit Industry Murals
- Experience Detroit's musical legacy at the Motown Museum (Hitsville USA)
- Try your luck at one of Detroit's three casinos: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, or Hollywood Casino at Greektown
- Take a Detroit City Tour to see the city's fascinating blend of historic architecture and urban renewal
- Sample Detroit's craft beverage scene on the Detroit Brew Trail
From the roar of the crowd at Ford Field to the rev of engines that built America, Detroit offers a unique blend of sporting passion and industrial heritage. The city's ongoing renaissance has created an energetic urban destination with world-class dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions that complement the thrilling Lions game-day experience. So gather your crew, don your Honolulu blue, and prepare for a weekend of football, friendship, and Motor City memories that will last long after the final whistle.
