Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Travel Guide: Ford Field

How to Get There

• Flying In: The primary airport is Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW), which is heavily serviced by Delta Air Lines, with over half of the flights on that carrier.

• Airport Transit: The airport is located well outside the city, sitting about 21 miles from Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Renting a car or taking an Uber/Lyft is the quickest and best option to get downtown. Alternatively, you can hop on the SMART bus service for a cheap $2 fare, which takes a little under an hour to reach the city center.

Where to Stay

Because Ford Field is located right in the middle of downtown Detroit's sports district, staying downtown puts you within an easy walk of the gates, local restaurants, and public transit.

Budget Options

• Element Detroit at the Metropolitan: This informal, extended-stay hotel is located just a few blocks from Ford Field. Sleek and simple rooms feature wood flooring, fully equipped kitchens, and plenty of space to stretch out. Budget-conscious travelers can take full advantage of the complimentary daily breakfast and the weekday evening reception featuring snacks and drinks. There is also a modern restaurant and bar in the lobby.

• Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown: This cozy hotel sits in the heart of downtown Detroit, just a quarter-mile walk from Ford Field. The rooms are compact but comfortable, and the property offers a few spacious suite options with separate living areas. You have two on-site dining choices: a simple grill serving American breakfast favorites, and a dinner bar and grill serving burgers, steaks, and beers with a true local Detroit feel.

Higher-End Options

• The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit: Housed in a beautifully fully renovated 1920s high-rise, this upscale luxury hotel provides a historic and relaxing space. Rooms are highly comfortable with plush bedding, luxury bathrooms, ergonomic work areas, and picturesque city views from the higher floors. On-site amenities include a state-of-the-art workout studio, a heated indoor pool, and a full-service spa. It stands as a great point-redemption option at 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Detroit Foundation Hotel: This unique boutique hotel is built inside a beautifully restored former fire department building. The rooms offer an elegant, historic feel with exposed brick, earthy wood tones, plush couches, and spacious bathrooms. The property embraces local flavor, featuring iron door handles, leather trays, custom bottle openers, and minibars fully stocked with drinks from local Detroit vendors.

Nearby Activities

• The Downtown Sports Complex: Ford Field sits right next to Comerica Park (home of the Tigers) and is just a short walk away from Little Caesars Arena (home of the Red Wings and Pistons). Walking around this compact, three-stadium district is a must-do for any sports fan.

Pregame Food and Drink

• The Legendary Sports Bars: Head directly across the street from Ford Field to Hockeytown Cafe. This massive Detroit sports bar features dozens of large TVs and is completely covered in historic Red Wings memorabilia, making it an incredibly vibrant environment before kickoff. Right next door is Elwood Bar & Grill, a classic 1930s Art Moderne diner that serves traditional American diner food before and after the game.

• Local Microbreweries: Walk just south of the stadium to Detroit Beer Co.. This spacious, two-story brewhouse features ample bar seating and pours 7 to 9 different house craft beers daily alongside a full pub menu.

• Quick Local Bites: If you want a fast, casual meal, visit Bucharest Grill. This small, laid-back Mediterranean restaurant is wildly popular with locals for its simple, incredibly delicious menu.

Getting to the Event

• Walking: Because the stadium is located in the absolute heart of downtown, walking is the easiest way to arrive if you are staying in a central hotel. While parts of Detroit require you to be aware of your surroundings, the immediate stadium footprint is highly urban, active, and crowded with thousands of fans on game days.

• Public Transit: Detroit features a highly efficient light rail transit loop connecting downtown. The Montcalm Station sits directly across the street from Ford Field, making it the absolute closest and most convenient stop to catch the train.

Where to Sit at Ford Field

• The Best Lower Bowl Views: Look for tickets in Sections 125-129 directly behind the visitor's sideline. Sticking to rows 30-42 gives you the absolute best viewpoint of the entire field and keeps you close to the entry tunnels located at the top of the sections.

• The Corner Value: Lower-level corner seating is incredibly popular among fans. Snagging seats in row 30 or higher in the corners keeps your sightlines clear while being significantly cheaper than the standard sideline tickets.

• The Club Lounges: Sideline sections in the 200-level offer plush club seating and exclusive access to specialty lounges. Section 200 is a special all-you-can-eat club level that bundles unlimited stadium food and two beers with every ticket. If you want club access on a smaller budget, buy rows 1-5 in midfield Sections 330-332; fans in these specific rows get full access to all club level amenities.

• The Budget Move: Look for tickets in Sections 323-325 in the upper corner. These are some of the cheapest tickets in the building and place you directly in front of a social Miller Lite bar area complete with tables and open space to hang out.