Heading to a Detroit Lions game or another event at Ford Field can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to know your way around the stadium to make the most out of your visit. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Ford Field’s gates and entrance locations, so you can confidently navigate the stadium and not miss a minute of the action.
Ford Field has multiple entrance gates that cater to different seating sections, club areas, and suites. Understanding where these entrance gates are located and their corresponding sections helps ensure a smooth journey from the parking deck or transportation hubs directly to your seats.
Important Information: Gates and Timing
Gate Names and Locations
At Ford Field, there are several entrance gates for visitors, including:
- Gate E: Located on Montcalm near St. Antoine street, giving direct access to Sections 221-226, 321-326 on the Upper Level Concourse.
- Gate F: Found on St. Antoine street, providing entry to the Main Level Concourse with access to Sections 117-123, 221-226, 321-326.
- Gate G: Also situated on St. Antoine street, grants access to the Main Level Concourse close to Sections 106-116, 215-220, 315-320.
In addition, there is a separate Gate G Club, Suite & Media Entrance, and a Gate G Footbridge which allows direct access from the Ford Field Parking Deck to level 2, with nearby Sections 215-220, 315-320. This footbridge can also be used for South Club sections 200C-214C, South Suites 400-433, 500-532, 600-633, Comerica Gridiron Club Sections 227C-234C, 330C-332C, and Comerica Gridiron.
Hours of Operation
While you’re planning your visit to Ford Field, it’s essential to know when the gates open. Keep in mind that gates’ operating hours may differ depending on the event being held, so please always check the event details or Ford Field’s official website to confirm the opening times.
Details on Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessibility
At Ford Field, they prioritize everyone’s comfort and convenience during their visit. I found that Ford Field provides wheelchair accessible and companion seating for their guests. The drop-off and pick-up areas for wheelchair users are located on the corners of Montcalm and Brush near Gate B at Section 133, and Adams and John R outside of Gate A at Section 100. If you inform the parking directors, they will guide you to the designated areas.
Assisted Listening Devices
Ford Field ensures that all guests can enjoy their events by offering assisted listening devices. While I couldn’t find specific details on where to access these devices at the stadium, it’s common for venues to offer this service at their guest services or information center. It’s recommended to reach out to Ford Field directly or visit their guest services desk upon arrival for more information on utilizing assisted listening devices during your visit.
Security Measures at Ford Field
Bag Policy
At Ford Field, they have specific guidelines for the bags allowed inside the stadium. As a fan, you’ll need to follow these requirements to ensure a smooth entry. The permitted bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, like Ziploc bags or similar.
These measures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety, so please make sure to adhere to the bag policy to avoid any complications during your visit.
Prohibited Items
In addition to the bag policy, there are some items that you cannot bring inside Ford Field. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some common prohibited items:
- Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, and pepper spray
- Alcohol and Illegal drugs
- Glass bottles, cans, and thermoses
- Professional cameras and recording equipment
- Aerosol cans
- Drones or other remote-controlled devices
For a smooth entry, it’s best to leave these items at home. Make sure to check the official Detroit Lions website for a more comprehensive list of prohibited items and additional security procedures. Enjoy the game!
Ticket Information
As a visitor to Ford Field, it’s essential to understand the ticketing process. I’ll walk you through two vital topics concerning ticket purchasing: Will Call and Mobile Ticketing.
Will Call
If you plan to pick up tickets at the venue, Ford Field features a Will Call area located at the Gate G Ticket Office, on street level off of St. Antoine Street. However, it’s always a good idea to check the event schedule and Ford Field’s website for any changes in the operating hours.
Mobile Ticketing
Nowadays, many events and stadiums are transitioning to mobile ticketing. Ford Field has also adopted this paperless approach for entry into games and events. Keep in mind to download your tickets to your smartphone before arriving at the venue. While entering, simply show the ticket barcode on your phone for scanning, and you’re good to go!
In summary, Ford Field offers hassle-free options for ticket purchasing and retrieval. So, whether you opt for Will Call or Mobile Ticketing, ensure you’re well-prepared before heading out to enjoy your event at Ford Field!
General Amenities
Restrooms
Ford Field offers clean and conveniently located restrooms throughout the stadium for all guests. In each restroom, you’ll find modern facilities, ample stalls, and accessibility features to accommodate all guests. As someone who appreciates a comfortable and well-maintained restroom during an event, I find Ford Field to be excellent in this regard.
ATMs
If you need to grab some cash during your time at Ford Field, don’t worry! There are several ATMs conveniently located around the stadium to cater to your financial needs. When I attend events at Ford Field, I find this useful for purchasing snacks or souvenirs—especially when not all vendors accept card payments.
Concessions
Ford Field offers a wide variety of food and beverage options to satisfy any cravings you might have during the game or event. From classic stadium fare like hot dogs and pretzels to more unique options like specialty sandwiches and craft beers, there’s something for everyone. My personal favorites are the delicious nachos and refreshing drinks, perfect for a day at the stadium. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never go hungry at Ford Field!
Parking Details
On-Site Parking
There are several parking options available at Ford Field for events. One of the main on-site parking facilities is the Ford Field Parking Deck, which is located just east of Ford Field on St Antoine. This parking deck is easily accessible and provides close access to Sections 215-220 and 315-320. It is also suitable for South Club sections, South Suites, Comerica Gridiron Club Sections, Comerica Gridiron Suites, and Plante Moran Terrace Suites.
For guests with disabilities, I recommend using Lot 4, which is located just north of Ford Field, east of Brush, and south of Montcalm. Disabled parking in Lot 4 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to Lot 4 can be gained from Montcalm.
Nearby Parking Options
In addition to on-site parking, there are several third-party parking lots located near Ford Field, which can be booked in advance. Some of these options include:
- Parking Lot: The Parking Lot located near the stadium offers convenient spaces for attendees. It’s a good alternative to secure a spot for your vehicle during the event.
- Free Parking: There might be some free parking spots available in Detroit, but I’d suggest arriving early to secure a spot, as they may fill up quickly.
I also encourage you to consider public transit options for attending events at Ford Field. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative and can save you time searching for parking.
Special Programs
When I attended a Detroit Lions game at Ford Field, I noticed some special programs they offer for guests to enhance their experience. Though I’m not able to provide a complete list, I would like to share a few outstanding ones that caught my attention.
One of the special programs offered at Ford Field is the Comerica Gridiron Club. Available for South Club sections 200C-214C, South Suites 400-433, 500-532, 600-633, this club provides a more premium seating experience. Members can enjoy exclusive access to the Comerica Gridiron Club Sections 227C-234C and 330C-332C, enhancing their game day experience. I remember the comfortable seating and delicious food options, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Another fantastic program at Ford Field is the Plante Moran Terrace Suites. These suites, numbered TS1-TS12, offer a luxurious option for those looking to elevate their event experience. I recall the fantastic views of the field that the terrace suites provided, along with top-notch food and beverage services. It’s great for hosting clients, coworkers, or just a group of friends who want to enjoy the event in style.
Lastly, Ford Field offers a variety of accessibility services for guests with disabilities or special needs. When I visited, I saw designated seating sections, along with dedicated entrances, like the Gate G Footbridge, which provides direct access to Level 2 from the Ford Field Parking Deck Upper Level Concourse. This ensured that all guests were able to have an enjoyable time at Ford Field without any hassles.
I was really impressed by these special programs, and it made visiting Ford Field an unforgettable experience.
Guest Services
As a visitor at Ford Field, I noticed that there are numerous guest services available to make the game day experience more enjoyable and comfortable. One such service is the Nursing Room, which is located by Section 133, across from the Gate B Guest Service desk. Guests in need of this service can check in at Gate B Guest Services for entry or assistance on game or event day.
In terms of parking, I found that parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field and Comerica Park are available during games and events on a first come, first serve basis. The Ford Field Parking Deck offers easy access to various sections of the stadium, including South Club sections 200C-214C, South Suites 400-433, 500-532, 600-633, Comerica Gridiron Club Sections 227C-234C, 330C-332C, and Comerica Gridiron Suites GS1-GS8, as well as Plante Moran Terrace Suites TS1-TS12.
It is essential for guests to remember that Ford Field is now a cashless facility. They won’t accept cash at any concessions, retail locations, or other service points. However, I discovered that guests can convert their cash into a pre-paid debit card at the following locations within the stadium:
- Section 100 Gate A Ticket Office Window #3: Across from Guest Services
- Section 127 Gate D: Next to the elevator
These options make transactions quick, easy, and efficient, ensuring that I can focus on enjoying the game with my friends and family.
Conclusion
As I explored Ford Field’s gate and entrance information, I found it essential for fans attending any event at this venue. With its eight entrance gates, there are plenty of options for getting through, especially with three of them having separate entrances for VIP, Club Members, and Suite Ticket holders. Additionally, Ford Field Gate G provides a convenient footbridge for those using the attached parking deck.
The different sections in Ford Field, such as South Club sections, South Suites, Comerica Gridiron Club Sections, and Comerica Gridiron Suites, are all easily accessible from the gates. These specific sections have separate entrances for a smoother and more efficient process of entering the stadium.
In my friendly tone, I just want to say that having a clear understanding of Ford Field’s gate and entrance layout greatly improves the experience for anyone attending events there. It reduces confusion and allows you to choose the most convenient entrance based on your seating and parking preferences.
I hope knowing this information has made it easier for you to plan your visit to Ford Field and enjoy a smooth entry experience. Happy event attending!
