Comprised of approximately 1.85 million square feet and boasting some of the best sightlines of any football stadium in the United States, Ford Field is the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions, UFL's Michigan Panthers, MAC Football Championship Game and Quick Lane Bowl. After a $100 million renovation in 2017, the stadium now boasts new video boards, a new sound system, updated suites and the renovation of multiple restaurants, clubs and bars on the property. If you and your pride are making a visit to Ford Field, here's everything you need to know about this historic stadium.
"ford field" by meeshypants is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Overview of Ford Field
Formerly a Hudson's Warehouse, Ford Field now allows for a seating arrangement that's unique among NFL football stadiums. Additionally, unlike most other domed stadiums, Ford Field allows a large amount of natural light to reach the field due to immense skylights and large glass windows at the open corners. This one-of-a-kind stadium has hosted multiple large-scale shows and events since its opening in 2002, such as Super Bowl XL, the 2009 NCAA Final Four, the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour. You can also catch soccer games, bull riding competitions, monster truck races, professional wrestling events and much more there!
Location of Ford Field
Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush Street in the heart of downtown Detroit, MI. It's surrounded by fantastic restaurants, bars, shopping, hotels, nightlife, theaters, clubs and Comerica Park (the home of MLB's Detroit Tigers) and is conveniently accessible from major highways such as I-75 (Fisher Freeway) and I-375.
If you prefer not to drive, Detroit offers various public transportation options to get you to and around the downtown area. The Detroit People Mover is a 2.9-mile automated light rail system that encircles downtown. The nearest People Mover station to the stadium is the Broadway station. At only $0.75 per ride, it's a wallet-friendly way to get close to the stadium, and from there, it's just a short walk to the gates.
Another transit option is the QLINE, a complimentary streetcar system that runs along Woodward Avenue from Downtown to the New Center area. The closest stop to the stadium is the Grand Circus station. The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) both offer bus services that can get you in the vicinity of Ford Field. Both systems have multiple routes that pass near the stadium, so be sure to check their respective websites for route maps, schedules and fare information.
Parking at Ford Field
Parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field are available during games and events on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking facilities are accessible generally four hours before kick-off. Vehicles will be directed into spaces. Tailgating and re-entry access, as well as reserving spaces, are prohibited in parking facilities adjacent to the stadium. Check the Parking Map for suggested lots. Prepaid parking is also available to reserve via ParkWhiz.
All Ford Field Parking Facilities are ADA-compliant. The reserved disabled spaces are available for use by guests who have the appropriate disabled permit and a state-issued license plate or placard. Additional disabled parking areas are available for game days in Lot 4 (located just north of Ford Field, east of Brush and south of Montcalm) and the Ford Field Parking Deck (located just east of Ford Field on St Antoine). These areas are available for guests with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seating at Ford Field
"2022 Quick Lane Bowl Ford Field" by Stephen Ferguson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
When it comes to sporting events, the best seats are located closest to the 50-yard line in sections 105-107 and 126-128. If you're sitting along the sideline, you'll want to make sure you sit above row 10, as this will give you enough height to see the plays develop from all spots on the field. Tickets near midfield in the 200 level are also a great option — but if you're choosing these, you'll want to be as close to row one as possible.
For concerts, the best seats are on the main level on the floor. These seats provide an immersive experience, putting you closer to the artist and giving you top-notch sound quality. Buying tickets to the side of the stage can also be a great option as these seats offer a unique view of the performer and the production and crew behind the scenes, as well as a better view of any large screens or visuals used during the concert.
Wherever you decide to sit, be sure to purchase your tickets to concerts and sports at Ford Field through Undercover Tourist. Offering awesome deals and savings on live events and a 100% buyer guarantee, Undercover Tourist has been a trusted ticket seller for over 20 years.
What to Know Before You Go
Here are a few tips and tidbits you should know before visiting Ford Field:
- The only bags, packages and containers permitted to be carried by fans are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and don't exceed 12" x 6" x 12", one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar) and small clutch bags and camera and binocular cases that don't exceed 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap. Exceptions can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
- Ford Field is now cashless. Guests can convert their cash into a pre-paid debit card for concession and retail location purchases at Section 100 Gate A Ticket Office Window #3, Section 127 Gate D, Section 112/113 Gate G, Section 231 and South Club Level 3. Please note there is a $5 minimum for each machine.
- Ford Field partners with local farmers, butchers and restaurants to capitalize on the amazing food culture in the Detroit area. Savor epic eats, such as pulled pork nachos, burgers, egg rolls and loaded tater tots. Celebrate your team with specialty cocktails and featured craft beer. Save some green with a value meal. Explore the wide variety of healthy, gluten-free and vegan options.
Upcoming Events at Ford Field
From Lions and Panthers games to Zach Bryan and Zac Brown Band concerts, here's a look at some of the upcoming events you'll find at Ford Field:
- Detroit Lions - Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, 1:00pm
- Detroit Bowl - Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, 2:00pm
- AMA Supercross Championship - Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, 2:30pm
- Monster Jam - Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 5:00pm
- Billy Joel - Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025, 7:00pm
Have you visited Ford Field before? Are you planning on attending an event there in the future? Share with us in the comments below!
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