DETROIT (WWJ) — After a long offseason following last season’s loss in the NFC Championship Game, a new dawn is upon us. The Lions kick off a new season Sunday night with expectations teetering on “Super Bowl or bust.”
The city is gearing up for a big party atmosphere that will match that of two home playoff games last winter — minus the sub-zero temperatures, of course — with a sold out Ford Field crowd of nearly 70,000 and thousands more headed downtown just to take it all in.
As Detroit police are preparing to manage those large crowds, they’re reminding fans to “come down here with a plan” — from where you’re parking or tailgating, to how you’re getting home.
“Be responsible. Understand if you’re having too much to drink, get a (rideshare). Respect the community. And we’re here to support everyone. We want everyone to come down here and have fun, but be responsible at all times,” DPD Commander Matthew Fulgenzi said at a press conference Friday.
With an 8:20 p.m. kickoff, city officials are expecting heavy traffic to begin around 2 p.m., which is when tailgating lots at Eastern Market open. The city expects backups at the I-75 Grand River Exit and the I-375 Madison Avenue exit.
Due to those backups, officials are encouraging traffic to use M-10 to access downtown.
While the Detroit People Mover is closed until mid-November as it undergoes track replacement, the QLine will be running along Woodward Avenue until midnight on Sunday.
The QLINE will be offering $5 Park and Rides from Lot 12 at Wayne State between Woodward and Harper (6050 Woodward Ave) by the QLine Amsterdam stop.
Those heading downtown can also make reservations for many downtown lots and garages ahead of time using the ParkDetroit app.
Tailgaters are encouraged to make reservations in advance with the lot they are planning to be in, so they can be sure they have their spot secured, though officials say Eastern Market has already sold out entirely.
Tailgating and drinking are not permitted in the street.
On-street parking is allowed only in designated metered zones (although enforcement does not take place on Sundays), or on un-metered streets that may allow parking (bike lanes are not parking lanes). Vehicles parked on the street that block access to crosswalks, driveways, alleys, bus stops or fire hydrants may be ticketed and towed.
In addition to Sunday’s game, the Lions are hosting a Saturday night drone show, scheduled to begin at 8:45 p.m.
The following road closures will be in place on Saturday:
• 1:00p Adams between Brush & Witherell (tentatively reopens at midnight)
• 7:30p Brush between Beacon and Montcalm
• 7:30p Witherell between Montcalm and Adams
• 7:30p John R between Adams and Madison
There will be no shortage of tailgates and parties to kick off the season on Sunday. Second Best — a popular game day bar off Woodward and Watson — will be hosting a party featuring a mega-sized projector, cocktail specials and chefs who will be grilling backyard burgers, wings and hot dogs.
Owner Joe Giacomino told WWJ’s Taylor Dietz they're prepared for the big day, having ramped up their orders in anticipation of seeing double the amount of people that they can fit inside the bar.
“Last year through all the success of the Lions really cemented ourselves as some peoples’ staple bar to come watch the games and stuff. Last year, especially during that playoff run, you couldn’t even move in that bar, so we know the excitement around this team and all the expectations. So for the kickoff that’s why we’re taking over the parking lot adjacent to Second Best and throwing this big kickoff party,” Giacomino said.
Sunday's game will be broadcast live on 97.1 The Ticket. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
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