Roar of Ford Field

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

For years the Detroit Lions have been a punch line when it comes to the NFL. When Barry Sanders retired unexpectedly in 1999, there wasn't much to draw Lions fans to a game at the Pontiac Silverdome. But when Ford Field opened in 2002, fans had something new to get excited about - a new and modern stadium for their team.

Unfortunately mediocrity in good years, and the worst season in NFL history in 2008 (0 wins and 16 losses), have done little to turn the page on the lackluster history of the Detroit Lions.

In 2011, things seems to be looking up. A feeling of hope, combined with a lovely indoor facility makes for a very exciting Sunday afternoon in the Motor City.

Food & Beverage    5

The selection is great as you walk through the concourse on the first level. This is important to note, because if you are headed to the second level for your seat, you will find your options to be far fewer. So, plan to grab your grub on the first level and take it up with you.

There are a couple of options that draw on significant ethnicities in the city. You may want to try a gyro ($8) from Greek Town Taverna (2 small carts on the first level). Another excellent choice (and my recommendation) is the kielbasa ($8) from Poletown Sausage.

Other highlights include the hot dog emporium known as Extreme Dogs, which offers up several variations of loaded hot dogs for $7.50 each. Big Boy restaurants are located in a few separate locations offering the classic Big Boy Original, a double decker burger ($6).

You can also find BBQ at Charlie Sanders', pizza from Hungry Howie's ($9), and deli sandwiches, amongst all of the typical stadium food you would expect.

Gluten-free options can be found (although I only saw those on the first level), most notably at the Street Eats of Detroit concession or the entirely gluten free stand near section 119.

Draft beers will cost you $8.75, or $11 if you want it in a souvenir cup- they're the same size so you are purely paying for the cup in this case, not any extra beverage. Twenty-ounce bottles of Budweiser, Bud Light, or LaBatt's can be found for $8. If you stop at any of the Turf Taverns throughout the stadium you can buy the typical "specialty" beers including New Castle, Dos Equis, Stella Artois, Guinness, and Magic Hat for $8.

A bottomless soda in a souvenir cup goes for $6.50, which I suppose may be considered a deal if you polish off 3 or more, but then you'll spend most of the game making trips to the bathroom I would imagine.

Atmosphere    3

I love that the Lions decided to move their stadium into downtown Detroit. It really makes a difference in the atmosphere even before you enter the building. Like all NFL games, there is quite a bit of security to enter the building, so expect to get a pat down, and you may need to allow extra time to get in, especially as you creep closer to kickoff.

There's a bit of a mall feel inside Ford Field as you walk the concourse. The mall shops are replaced by concession stands, and there's also a very large team store for your shopping pleasure.

I sat in the upper section, 5 rows from the top, and thought that I still had an excellent view of all of the action. I have found over the years that sitting up high for football games lacks a little of the sound excitement offered in better seats, but gives you a better perspective of the game (and at a much more affordable price). Ford Field offers above average leg room in its seats, all of which are blue plastic with cup holders. You should be fairly comfortable throughout the game.

There is almost no sense of history within Ford Field. There are no banners hanging (because there isn't much to hang), and very little to remind fans of the long history of this franchise, dating back to 1934, and the fact that they won the NFL Championship in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957. It almost makes you feel like you are at a home game of a new expansion team, with as little they acknowledge their past.

In 2009, the Lions organization honored former greats by adding a Pride of the Lions display. There are twelve names and their former numbers up on the wall near the south luxury suites. The players are Lem Barney, Yale Lary, Charlie Sanders, Joe Schmidt, Dutch Clark, Alex Wojciechowicz, Jack Christiansen, Lou Creekmur, Dick Lane, Bobby Layne, Doak Walker, and Barry Sanders.

Lions fans seem to have a specialty affinity for Ndamukong Suh, and in many ways Ford Field has become a defensive haven. In the tradition of other great Detroit players like Lou Whitaker and Joe Dumars, Suh is greeted with loud chants of "SUUUUUUUHHH!" when he is introduced and any time he makes a tackle or sack.

Fans also take pleasure in singing the Detroit Lions fight song, a joyous tune known as "Gridiron Heroes."

Neighborhood    3

This is a neighborhood which has certainly seen a resurgence with the additions of Ford Field and its next door neighbor, Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. There are very rare occasions where you may be able to do a Tigers/Lions doubleheader, most likely if the Tigers are able to make a deep playoff push. Later in the season you may be able to find a doubleheader with the Detroit Red Wings, who play just a couple of miles away at Joe Louis Arena.

Elwood Bar & Grill is directly across the street from Ford Field, and is packed several hours before Lions games.

Old Shillelagh is also a good option, and they offer a shuttle bus from their establish to Lions games, so it is a good way to simplify your life. They also have a decent menu.

Cheli's Chili Bar, owned by former Red Wing Chris Chelios, is a good place to get some inexpensive food amongst some hockey memorabilia. Hockeytown Cafe is also a very popular choice, and has received many accolades as being the best sports bar in Detroit.

Fans    3

It is certainly human nature for a fan base that has endured what Lions fans have endured to be down on their team. There is no doubt though, that a new aura of hope is almost tangible as you walk through Ford Field, and sit in the stands amongst the loyal supporters.

Fans don Lions jerseys more often than not, and they can get very, very loud when they want to. Still, this is a group that seems to responsive to the noise meter on the scoreboard than any instinctual reaction to the play on the field. The Lions still have trouble selling out many games. Again, this is understandable given the lack of success year after year.

It will be interesting to see if the Lions can begin to produce consistent winners with the young core of talent they have assembled. You can certainly feel the optimism in the air, but for now, this fan base seems so-so compared to many others.

Access    4

Parking definitely can get expensive when you attend a Lions game at Ford Field. For the most part, you can expect to pay $20 for any parking within a 1/2 mile or so from the stadium. The garage directly next door will cost you $40. It can get a bit congested before, and especially after the game, but for a downtown location, the traffic moves pretty well. It helps that there is access to freeways in many different directions, and overall, this really is a smart place for these stadiums to have been built.

Concourses feel a bit narrow in parts, even walking around an hour before kickoff I found it a little cramped, but it's certainly manageable and doesn't really detract from the overall experience.

There are over 100 restrooms inside Ford Field, so you shouldn't have to wait in line or walk very far. If you do encounter a line, my suggestion would be to keep walking to the next bathroom. Some are quite a bit smaller than others.

Return on Investment    3

Upper level seats cost $50 for a game, or you can upgrade to all-you-can-eat seats for $65 per game, which is a pretty good value if you plan on sticking to the more basic staples of stadium food. There is also one section (section 315) which is reserved as the family section, and there is no alcohol or profanity allowed, a nice option for families. With ticketmaster fees, the cheapest ticket you'll get on the team site is over $57, although you should be able to find less expensive seats from many ticket resellers like ScoreBig.

Plan on spending $20 for parking, and $20 for something to eat and drink, and you're looking at a minimum of $100 for one person's experience. By NFL standards, this is fairly reasonable, but still sort of a tough pill to swallow for many fans.

Extras    3

One extra point for the signs along the concourse for each section, which also tell you what street you are on if you were outside. This really helps people who can easily get disoriented in a large stadium. Although, the sections could use better signage once in the seats, as I saw a lot of confused fans who sat in the wrong section, and then there's the long discussion and ticket comparison when the rightful ticket holder arrives.

I also liked that the fans have come to appreciate their defense. Cheering their loudest for defensive stars and stops.

The third extra point goes to someone who kicks extra points. I was fortunate to be in the building for Jason Hanson's 297th game with the team, setting a record for most games played with one organization, something the fans appreciated and commemorated with a standing ovation for #4.

Final Thoughts

Detroit offers above average sports experiences for fans, and Ford Field is certainly a major upgrade over their previous home. Some fans will complain that the indoor facility takes away those outdoor elements that can make football tough and interesting, but from a comfort perspective, I would much rather see the Lions in December indoors than outdoors.

Time will tell if the Lions can become contenders, and if they do, then this could easily become a raucous stadium to watch the NFL. Do yourself a favor and visit Ford Field in the near future. Better yet, spend your Thanksgiving at Ford Field, an NFL tradition going back to 1934 when the Lions moved from Portsmouth, Ohio to the Motor City.