The Personalities Of Lions Tailgating Parties
When it comes to tailgating before a Lions game in downtown Detroit, there are a few options for those who will be celebrating a bit before the contest. Two of the locations, Eastern Market and the Bud Light Tailgate outside of Ford Field, are purely commercial ventures. But at the Vietnam Veterans of America post, tailgating helps to raise funds for the different projects the VVA leads. Find which area suits your taste and join in the fun before the next game.
Eastern Market
2934 Russell St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 833-9300
www.detroiteasternmarket.com
This is the official lot for Lions tailgaters. Located only a few blocks from Ford Field, those who want to take part in the pre-game feasting can do so and then walk over to the stadium before game time. But Eastern Market provides other ways to get to Ford Field as well. A shuttle bus will take you there for only $5 round trip, and if you decide to just hang out at Eastern Market and eat at one of the local restaurants, many of them offer a shuttle bus pass so you get your meal and a ride to the game all for one price.
Prices vary depending upon the type of vehicle you are tailgating with and tickets must be purchased in advance. What you will find at the Eastern Market location is a guaranteed space to set up in, restrooms to use, food for sale at neighboring businesses and ash bins to dispose of charcoal from the grills when the cooking is done.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9
2951 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-6500
www.vva.org
Another location that is a bit less expensive than Eastern Market and which helps out a really worthy organization is over at the VVA Chapter on Woodward Avenue. Beginning at 8 a.m., tailgaters can get in gear at the VVA parking lot and all it costs is a suggested donation of $10. Unlike other areas that are for-profit business, the VVA uses every dollar it collects for the many programs it provides for veterans, from helping with the needs of aging Vietnam-era veterans to offering help to our modern-day vets who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
These are some of the best people you will ever meet and they have always deserved your support. Now is a chance for tailgaters to have some fun and offer a bit of help to the VVA and the good work the organization does.
Bud Light Tailgate
Just outside Gate A at Ford Field
Intersection of Brush and Beacon Sts.
If you want to tailgate but don't have the time to get everything together beforehand, head down to Ford Field to the Bud Light Tailgate located in the parking lot just outside Gate A. Entry into this area is free and there is food, beverages of all types and memorabilia available.
The fun begins at 11 a.m. and continues until game time at 1 p.m. There is live music to enjoy, activities for children and Lions alumni on hand to sign autographs. While you're there, don't forget to check out the Lions inflatables that are for sale because every Lions fan needs an inflatable.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
