Ford Field Tailgating
Detroit Lions · Detroit, MI
Tailgating at a Lions game is a question of which lot, and the split is unusually sharp: it is prohibited in the parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field, along with re-entry, but permitted in Lot 5 and across all the Olympia Development surface lots. That makes the walk longer for anyone who wants a tailgate and shorter for anyone who does not. You do not choose your space either — vehicles are directed into them and reserving a space is not allowed — so a group arriving separately will be parked separately.
Tips & Fan Reports
Walk around outside the stadium if it's nice weather - so many people tailgating who are usually pretty generous with food and drinks. That's the real Detroit game day experience.
Accessible parking is in Lot 4 and the Ford Field Parking Deck specifically.
You are directed into a space rather than picking one, so a convoy needs to arrive together to end up together.
If you want to tailgate, do not park adjacent to the stadium — those facilities prohibit it. Lot 5 or an Olympia Development surface lot is the answer.
The adjacent facilities also bar re-entry, so parking close means committing to going straight in.
Where to Tailgate
Lot 5
One of the lots where tailgating is permitted, as marked on Ford Field's own parking maps, rather than the adjacent facilities where it is not.
Known for Tailgating permitted · Marked on the parking map
Olympia Development surface lots
The surface lots around the district north of the stadium, all of which permit tailgating. The broader option once Lot 5 is full, and the reason a Detroit tailgate tends to sit a few blocks out.
Known for All permit tailgating · Surface lots · A few blocks out
The facilities adjacent to Ford Field
The garages and lots immediately beside the stadium, where tailgating is prohibited and so is re-entry — once you leave the facility you are not coming back to the car and returning.
Known for No tailgating · No re-entry · Closest to the gates
Lot 4 and the Ford Field Parking Deck
Where accessible parking sits on game days: Lot 4 and the stadium parking deck. All Ford Field parking facilities are ADA compliant.
Known for Accessible parking · ADA compliant
Rules to Know
What Ford Field allows, and what it does not.
- Tailgating and re-entry access are prohibited in the parking facilities adjacent to Ford Field.
- Tailgating is allowed in Lot 5 and at all Olympia Development surface lots.
- Vehicles will be directed into spaces, and reserving spaces is not allowed.
- Accessible parking is available on game days in Lot 4 and the Ford Field Parking Deck, and all Ford Field parking facilities are ADA compliant.
- ParkWhiz can be used to compare prices at nearby garages and lots and to reserve a space online.
What to Bring
- A bag the gate will accept
Ford Field permits clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, one-gallon clear freezer bags, and clutches no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches.
- Only the outside food and drink the rule allows
Outside food, beverages, and liquids are prohibited at Ford Field.
- A card or a phone wallet
Ford Field uses cashless payment for concessions and supports major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Lions Loot, and the Lions UMCU debit card.
- Your tickets on a charged phone
Detroit Lions tickets and parking passes are digital and are accessed through the Lions app or Ticketmaster account.
- A coat for the walk in
January lows average 20°F between the lot and the door at Ford Field.
- A poncho for the walk in, not an umbrella
Umbrellas are on Ford Field's prohibited list, and September averages 3.1 inches of rain.
Tailgate Gear
Lots open with the permitted lots on game day.
- A space in Lot 5 or an Olympia Development surface lot — the adjacent facilities permit no tailgating
- Everything in one load, since you are directed into a space rather than choosing one
- A plan that does not rely on re-entry if you end up parked adjacent to the stadium
Detroit Lions Tailgate Gear
Canopies, grills, coolers, and official Detroit Lions gear for the ultimate tailgate.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Pregame
Ford Field official site, Plan Your Visit — Parking, and the published parking maps
- Venue policies
Current Ford Field accessibility, stadium, ticketing, parking, concessions, and 2026 Lions event guidance reviewed for every supportable structured venue-policy topic.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals