Ford Field Parking Tips for a Detroit Lions Game

Ford Field is the home venue for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. It is right beside Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play. Given the huge capacity of this modern stadium, it’s important to know where you will park to beat the crowds and enjoy your day. 

This detailed Ford Field parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Ford Field parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Ford Field you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Detroit
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Detroit Lions events
• Other valuable Ford Field parking tips to save time and money

By the end of this page, you should understand your various parking options and which one might be the best fit for your needs. Let’s get started!

Official Ford Field Parking Lots

Unlike most other venues across the National Football League, Ford Field does not offer its own official parking lots. While there is plenty of parking in the area to use you can’t buy the parking directly from Ford Field or the Detroit Lions. 

Main Parking Lots 

While there isn’t official parking, there are some main lots that you’ll want to be aware of as you plan your outing. Knowing where you might be able to find good parking, and considering looking for that parking in advance of heading to the stadium, can make your day more enjoyable. 

As you can see from the parking map below, there are a variety of parking vendors that operate lots near to the stadium. Specifically, Lots 4, 5, and 6 provide great access to the venue and are operated by ABM Parking Services.

You may wish to contact that parking vendor directly for more information about these lots if you want to park very close to the entrances. 

Some of these parking lots and facilities use ParkWhiz to sell spots before events like Detroit Lions games. The Lions link directly to ParkWhiz from their website, so this is one place to look if you want to make a reservation and not risk finding yourself out of luck on the day of the game. 

EV Parking at State Farm Stadium

Charging stations in the immediate area around Ford Field are hard to come by. There are some chargers in the downtown area to the south of the stadium, including a ChargePoint Charging Station and a Tesla Destination Charger, but you probably don’t want to rely on getting one of these spots when you come to an event.

With so many people descending on the area for an event, it’s better to just charge ahead of time and park in a regular spot when you arrive. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

Check in advance with the parking facilities you might use to confirm that they have accessible spaces available. Of course, ADA compliance requires that parking lots include at least a minimum number of such spaces, but it’s always good to know what to expect. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Ford Field

With no official parking to rely on, third-party parking is the way to go at Ford Field. As mentioned above, some of the vendors in the area use ParkWhiz to sell spots, but many others are available on SpotHero.

Using the widget below, you can easily find a spot to reserve for whatever day you attend.

One of the best values in the area is the garage at 35 State Street. This isn’t the closest location to Ford Field – it will be a little more than a 10-minute walk. Making that walk can save you $20 or more compared to parking closer to the venue. 

The 1001 Brush Street Garage is another option that offers good value, with fair pricing and a walk of only around 10 minutes. To get closer, look at the Harmonie Park Lot at 1468 Randolph Street. You’ll pay more here, but the walk will be just a few minutes. 

Free Parking at Ford Field

You won’t find free parking anywhere near Ford Field on the day of an event. NFL games and concerts are huge events with huge crowds in attendance. This many people coming into the area means that any limited free parking will be taken up immediately.

To avoid paying for parking, look at the options in the next two sections – public transportation or ridesharing. 

Public Transportation to Ford Field 

Consider using public transportation to make your journey to and from the stadium as smooth as possible. This method is often more affordable than paying for parking or hailing rideshare, and it can add to the overall experience of attending a game.

Detroit Bus Lines

Several bus lines are servicing the area near Ford Field, making them a convenient option for reaching the stadium. Key lines include 1, 261, 3, 31, 4, 530, and 6. These routes offer a wide range of access points throughout Detroit, allowing you to easily access Ford Field from various locations.

However, do note that most Lions games are held on Sundays, and bus schedules may differ on weekends compared to weekdays. It is thus crucial to carefully check the respective bus schedules in advance to ensure your chosen bus line can cater to your needs on game day.

QLINE Detroit

The QLINE is an excellent option for those already in the general vicinity of Ford Field. The line features 12 total stops, spanning from Downtown to Grand Boulevard, and the service is free of charge.

Two QLINE stations, Grand Circus and Montcalm Street Stations, are located conveniently for Ford Field access. From either station, you will have only a short walk to the stadium entrance. Riding the QLINE offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to get to the game without the worries of parking or navigating traffic.

Ridesharing to Ford Field

To avoid driving, hailing a ride with a rideshare service is a convenient solution. All you need to do is use the appropriate pick-up and drop-off location around the stadium, and you’ll be all set.

The designated area for services like Uber and Lyft is a short walk away to the north. Find East Fisher Service Drive between John R Street and Brush Street to meet up with your driver and be on your way. 

Ford Field Events

Football games might be the primary reason to come to this venue, but those games are far from the only thing that happens here throughout the year. Check out the table we’ve included below to find tickets to many upcoming events.

Tailgating near Ford Field

While tailgating is a beloved tradition in many NFL cities, it doesn’t hold quite the same in Detroit as in other places. That doesn’t mean there aren’t tailgating events to be found, but they do change yearly. You won’t find the active tailgating scene right outside the stadium like you see in other places. 

If you want to find an enjoyable pregame scene to attend before going into Ford Field, consider The Lions VIP Tailgate. This event is put on at the Eastern Market, which is only a short walk from the stadium’s gates.

Even a free shuttle is included with your VIP Tailgate ticket if you don’t want to walk. You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket from your game ticket to attend this fun event, but you’ll find tasty food, cold drinks, and an enthusiastic atmosphere. 

Ford Field Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Everyone who attends big events has a horror story about a parking nightmare that caused them to miss the start of the game or concert. Or, if you got in on time, it might have taken you hours to leave after it was over. 

Let’s review some basic parking tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Ford Field.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Given the location of Ford Field in downtown Detroit, you can count on traffic playing a notable role in your journey to the stadium. Plan your day to get to the stadium early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Ford Field has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are tons of parking spaces available in the area around Ford Field. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture or your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Don’t Leave Things in Your Vehicle

With so many vehicles left unattended for hours, there is always the threat of criminal activity while an event is going on. To reduce the chances of theft, leave any valuable items at home, or at least tuck them away out of sight in your car or truck. And, of course, remember to lock up! 

Look At a Map

This might sound a little old school in the age of GPS, but looking at the map of the area around the stadium before you leave can help you understand where you’ll be going and how everything is laid out. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, parking at Ford Field can be challenging due to the stadium’s lack of official parking lots. However, this guide has provided valuable information on various parking options, including the best official and third-party parking lots near the venue.

Above, we discussed accessible parking spaces, public transportation routes, and ridesharing services for convenient travel to and from Ford Field. Additionally, tips such as arriving early, knowing the stadium’s policies, remembering your parking location, and being mindful of vehicle safety were shared to ensure a great outing.

By following these tips and planning ahead, visitors to Ford Field can beat the crowds, save time, and enjoy their events stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Ford Field (FAQs)