Detroit Lions Home Opener: Cheerleaders, 8 Other Things to Know

DETROIT, MI — For the first time in decades, the Detroit Lions will have a full squad to 28 cheerleaders will make their debut at Ford Field at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Lions had been among a handful of NFL teams that didn’t have cheerleaders until this season, other than for about a decade in the 1960s and 1970s.

Now there are only six NFL teams without cheerleaders — the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills, though the Buffalo Jills roused up the crowd for about 40 years before the cheer team disbanded in a 2014 lawsuit.

“The Ford Family is unwavering in their commitment to improving the Detroit Lions fan experience on and off the field,” team president Ron Wood said in a statement earlier this summer that explained the team owners’ decision to reinstate cheerleaders. “After thorough consideration and receiving input from our fans through season ticket member surveys and focus groups, we believe that this is an opportunity to elevate our game day entertainment.”

The cheerleaders will perform a pre-game show at 12:30 p.m.

1. TV Schedule

If you’re not going, you can watch the game on CBS. If you are attending, you’ll find plenty of other new additions at Ford Field and the area surrounding the stadium.

2. Zippity Doo Dah

Pre-game activities have been updated. A 30-foot high, 200-foot zip line outside the stadium on Adams Street will get your adrenalin zooming as it descends to 10 feet. “It’s a pretty exciting activity,” Zach Wells, manager of SuperGames, the company managing the line, told the Detroit Free Press. “It’s intense.”

3. Security Less Stressful

Long security lines have been shortened. The Lions spent about $500,000 to add more than 100 high-tech, walk through metal detectors called magnetometers to shorten lines and help get fans into the stadium more quickly. In the past, hand-held devices caused frustratingly long lines.

4. What to Eat

Eat your heart out and feast on a football helmet-sized blue doughnut. The 4 pound, 9-inch Michigan Cider Mill Donut is stuffed with Michigan apple filling, costs $15 and is topped with Honolulu Blue icing. It even has its own hashtag — #BigBlueDonut.

5. Uber Stands and Shuttles

It’ll be easier than ever to get to and from Ford Field. The Lions have added a couple of Uber stands, one off Woodward, and the other along the East Fisher service drive. Click here for a list of shuttle services.

6. Brighter Lights, Crisper Sound

The stadium itself has gotten a facelift. LED lights are 15 percent brighter, the sound system is crisper, the roof has been restored and the end zones are Honolulu blue.

7. Parking

If you’re going to the game, parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field and Comerica Park are available during games and events on a first come, first served basis. Access to parking facilities is generally three hours prior to kick-off. More information about parking is available here.

8. Tailgating

Tailgating is allowed in Lots 1, 2 and 5. Click here for the parking map. The Eastern Market also offers tailgating. Grilling may not be allowed in all areas. Tailgating is not allowed in deck parking areas.

Photo by A Healthier Michigan via Flickr Commons