Football Weekend Advice - Sept 17 & 18 (Michigan & Lions Games)
Looking for advice for the Connecticut game on Saturday (Sept 17) and Lions game on Sunday (Sept 18). I'm taking my 11 yr old son to his first Michigan and Lions games. We fly in late on Friday to DTW. Looking at hotel options, it appears there's not much to choose from for Fri night.
Would we be best looking at staying closer to Ford Field and taking an Uber on Sat morn? Would staying closer to DTW Fri better and then Ford Field area Sat? Is renting a car a better option?
I'm hoping there's a bunch of people living outside the state that have successfully pulled off the back to back games and have some good advice on how to navigate the logistics. Also, any other advice on must do's, must see, etc. is welcomed.
I appreciate the help and advice!
August 9th, 2022 at 12:56 PM ^
Look in Canton, MI. Convenient to DTW, The Big House and Ford Field.
i am doing the same thing (though I have friends in the area who are nice enough to let me stay with them). About 12 people going to the M game and 18 or so going to the Lions game.
i was going to suggest stay in Detroit within walking distance of Ford/Comerica as there are a bunch of great bars ... but since you're bringing an 11 year old, i would suggest renting a car and staying near AA. there is a bunch of stuff to do, particularly with kids, in and around campus all day on gameday and all evening. just my 2 cents.
I would stay somewhere like Novi or Canton should be plenty of rooms available in those places.
Ann Arbor will likely be more fun with the pre- and post-game goings on. I'd stay as close to A2 as possible. You might have a bit more luck being close on Saturday night.
Enjoy the time with your son.
I also recommend staying in the AA area for the same reasons as above. Definitely get to the pre-game band show at Revelli Hall! It is superb. The pre-game do-ings at Pioneer (kitty corner from the stadium) are also lots of fun. If the weather is good, it's always fun to park at Golf & Outing or M Golf Course for the tailgate action; bring a frisbee! Plan to be in the stadium well ahead of time so your son can watch the teams practice and the band (and the crowd!). If you go to the band show, you can walk to the stadium with the band. Of course, wherever you park it will be expensive.
However, if you stay in the AA area, you must secure a room reservation immediately. Very difficult to get room reservations on game weekend nights. If not AA, try Brighton or another nearby location perhaps toward Detroit.
Enjoy! No doubt he will remember this occasion for the rest of his life, no matter the game outcome.
Advice: Don't encourage your son to be a Lions fan. It will be years of disappointment and gloom.
But, enjoy Saturday!
I have been actively promoting the Titans here, but my son's loyalty is strong and he wants to be a fan of his Dad's team. I'm legit torn because I love the passion, but hate to see him suffer like me and my Dad before me.
I have a good vibe about the Lions this year. Actually looking forward to Hard Knocks.
You know the poster "That Guy Charlie"? He is a Nashville dude. Good guy.
What part of Nashville do you live in? Unfortunately I have the same bad taste in NFL teams being a die hard Lions fan as well.
August 10th, 2022 at 9:06 AM ^
I'm down in the Nolensville/Arrington area. Moved out this way 7 years ago and very glad we did!
August 10th, 2022 at 9:42 AM ^
I am over in Knoxville, but make my way to Nashville every now and then. Try to catch the Wings when they are in town. It was great when they were in the same division as the preds.
Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
My advice is to catch the talented Lucas Stricagnoli on Friday the 16th in Livonia or Saturday the 17th in Lake Orion. He is really quite amazing:
I’d recommend staying near the airport. And renting a car. No backtracking that way. Drive R/T to Ann Arbor Saturday and R/T to Detroit on Sunday. And having a rental gives you freedom.
why not just take the regional train from detroit to ann arbor oh shit wait
edit: actually taking amtrak wouldn't be an awful idea! just need to get to/from the train stations, but could stay in downtown detroit and make it simple.
Get in town earlier Friday and catch the Tigers! Trificta!
Or assuming a noon kick-off, catch the Tigers Saturday night!
I saw the Tigers had Fri and Sat night games. We land around 8p, I may try to get over there, snag $18 tix and watch the 2nd half of the game. Or we'll hit the Sat night game. OR BOTH!
August 10th, 2022 at 9:47 AM ^
I did the Tigers Friday and Michigan Saturday a few years ago. There is a Hilton Garden Inn a couple blocks from Ford Field and Comarica park. Not sure the rates now but it was surprisingly cheap when I stayed.
August 10th, 2022 at 8:24 AM ^
Bazookis in Greek Town. Your son will appreciate it! Just joking, lol. If you try for a Tigers game Friday night, I would suggest staying in Downtown Detroit. Would prob be best to rent a car also.