Detroit Tigers Opening Day: Parties, festivities near Comerica Park

Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read

The Detroit Tigers take on the Boston Red Sox at 1:10 p.m. Thursday at Comerica Park, and loyal fans as well as tailgaters and casual revelers are gearing up for Opening Day festivities.

Mike Gabri, 32, of Lincoln, smokes ribs while tailgating in the parking lot, during Detroit Tigers' Opening Day at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 4, 2019.
Mike Gabri, 32, of Lincoln, smokes ribs while tailgating in the parking lot, during Detroit Tigers' Opening Day at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

Venues near the park will be opening early to offer music, drinks, food and more to gear up for the game. Here are a few to check out.

Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party

Presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, this event is open to the public and includes:

  • Appearances from the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad.

  • Appearances and autograph opportunities with Detroit Tigers alums.

  • Speed pitch, cornhole and interactive exhibits.

  • The Miller Lite Beer Tent.

  • Bally Sports Detroit 360 Experience.

  • Food trucks: Big Bo’s Grill, Curt Got Crabs, Great Greek, Poke Ur Way, Stix 7 Stone Pizza and Wing Snob.

  • Music.

  • Giveaways.

  • A video wall and TV screens to watch the game.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Grand Circus Park (near Comerica Park). Free.

Opening Day 2022 at Grand Circus Park.
Opening Day 2022 at Grand Circus Park.

Grand Slam Opening Day Festival

A huge heated tent and outdoor party one block from Comerica Park will include music by 15 Detroit DJs, beer tents, food trucks, a full bar, music, games and large LED screens. A live pregame broadcast hosted by Woodward Sports features Darren McCarty, Terry Foster and Braylon Edwards.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Music Hall Outdoor Amphitheater (corner of Madison & Randolph next to Music Hall, 350 Madison in Detroit). Ages 21 and up. Must have a valid ID. Tickets, $5, can be purchased at grandslamdetroit.com.

101 WRIF Opening Day

This annual event features Dave and Chuck the Freak from WRIF-FM (101.1) broadcasting live from 6 to 10:30 a.m. The event includes free coffee and doughnuts until 9 a.m. (while supplies last), live music from Sunset BLVD, prizes, lawn games and vendors. Revelers can watch the game on a 40-by-20 movie screen. Beverages, snacks and hot dogs will be available to purchase.

7 a.m.-3 p.m., the Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward. Free.

The Statler - Patio Party

The Statler French American Bistro will open its patio to celebrate the start of Detroit baseball season. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy a live DJ, beer, cocktails and a special game-day menu. Regular dining services and a full menu will be available after 4 p.m.

313 Park Ave., Detroit. No cover charge.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. To subscribe, go to freep.com/specialoffer.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Opening Day: Where to eat, drink and be merry