Lions have newly-named practice facility: Meijer Performance Center

When the Lions open training camp Wednesday at their headquarters in Allen Park, they will do so at the newly-named Meijer Performance Center.

The branding of the Lions' practice facility, announced Tuesday, is part of the team's expanded partnership with the Michigan-based grocery store.

“We are excited to further solidify our partnership with Meijer by proudly displaying their name on our team training facility,” said Lions president Rod Wood. “As two organizations who are rooted in Michigan, it is an honor to partner on this building, which is integral to the growth and development of our football team."

The expanded partnership will include Meijer branding on the Lions' practice uniforms. It also makes Meijer the Lions' exclusive grocery partner and the first and only grocery retailer that has naming rights of an NFL club’s training facility.

Meijer was founded in 1934, the same year that the Lions moved to Detroit after existing for their first three seasons as the Portsmouth Spartans. Wood said that it "means something extra to know that since 1934 both the Lions and Meijer have been committed to Michigan and the ‘fans’ that we share across this state.”