What You Need to Know About Lions Tailgating, Ford Field

Permitted/Prohibited items

The Lions will have a clear bag policy in place for the 2025 season. Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12"x6"x12", a one-gallon clear freezer bag or a small cloth bag, camera or binocular case that does not exceed 4.5"x6.5" with or without a strap.

Other items that are permitted for entry include necessary medical items including insulin, oxygen and other medication. Small radios are allowed, as are portable chargers if approved after inspection. Signs and posters are allowed, as long as they are event-related and not blocking other fans view.

Fans are also allowed to wear football helmets, so long as they are not altered with spikes or other things that could be used as a weapon.

Prohibited items include bags that do not fit the requirements, outside food and/or drink, animals that are not certified service animals for guests with disabilities, balloons and balls including beach balls and footballs.

Additionally, drones, illegal substances, noise makers, selfie sticks and objects that could be used as missiles or projectiles such as bats, poles and frisbees are also not permitted.

A full list of permitted and prohibited items is available here.

Cashless venue

Ford Field remains cashless for the 2025 NFL season. Payment options include credit/debit cards and mobile devices with touch options such as Apple Pay.

Last season, the stadium unveiled multiple kiosks that are self-serve and also implemented touchless point-of-sale concession options according to the team website.

Eastern Market tailgating

One of the more popular areas to tailgate for Lions games is at Eastern Market, which will be open at 8 a.m. for Sunday's game. However, there have been some changes to the rules for tailgating that stemmed from a shooting that occurred during a tailgate last season.

Tailgate tickets must be purchased online in advance at Eastern Market's website. The tailgate and parking lots open at 8 a.m. for 1 p.m. games, 11 a.m. for 4 p.m. games and 3 p.m. for 8 p.m. games. Early access is not permitted.

Ticket packages are available from as little as 10 wristbands to as many as 20, with wristbands to be color coded for each game and non-transferable for Detroit's schedule of home games.

Double space purchases will receive a hang tag and 10 wristbands, and one vehicle and a tent are allowed in the space. For quadrant purchases, a hang tag and 20 wristbands will be provided and two vehicles and two tents are allowed.

Overnight parking is not permitted, nor are tents larger than 10x10. Tailgate setups must be contained within space, and tailgating in drive lanes is not permitted. As far as grills, only state-approved gas or propane grills with fuel shut-offs and self contained charcoal grills are permitted.

No lighter fluid will be permitted on the premises, nor will deep fryers and cooking oil due to damage to the concrete and drains.