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Detroit set for sports frenzy as Lions, Tigers play simultaneous home games Sunday

It’s rare for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers to be in playoff contention in the same season. Sunday, they’ll be battling for the postseason across the street from each other at the same time. That means huge crowds, battles over parking and long waits at bars and restaurants.

The Lions and Tigers both have home games on Sunday for the first time since Oct. 2, 2022.

For fans traveling to Detroit for either game, here's a guide to make the experience easy and fun.

Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers start time

  • When: Sunday, 1 p.m.

  • Where: Ford Field, Detroit,

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles start time

  • When: Sunday, 12:10 p.m.

  • Where: Comerica Park, Detroit.

Transportation

Detroit has multiple public transport options to get around downtown. The city has a streetcar, bike share, and bus system to get you where you need to go.

The QLINE, which runs along Woodward Avenue from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, stops at Harper Ave., 116 Lothrop St., 6540 Cass Ave., John R & Piquette, and 6230 John R St.

Parking

Street parking is free on Sundays at Park Detroit locations and private parking is available throughout the city. There is also a collection of private parking lots in District Detroit that are open on a first-come, first-served basis.

For a shorter walk, fans can book a spot through the Ford Field or Comerica Park website through their partner, ParkWhiz.

Bag Policy

Comerica Park attendees may bring a single-compartment bag, wallet or clutch smaller than 4" x 6" x 1.5" with or without a handle or strap. Bags, purses, and clutches larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” are prohibited.

Ford Field says fans must have bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium.

Where to tailgate

Eastern Market will be the place to be to tailgate this Sunday. A traditional tailgating site, visitors often find fans dancing to music, playing games, sharing a mix of prepared and fresh-cooked meals, and bonding over their love of Detroit sports teams.

Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St.

Places to watch the game

Don't have tickets for the game but still want to be in on the action? Downtown Detroit has a collection of sports bars. Here are a few places to catch the game:

  • Sweetwater Tavern: Known for its wings that soak in a 24-hour marinade. it's located in one of Detroit's oldest buildings at 400 E. Congress St.

  • Elwood Bar & Grill: The bar and grill sandwiched across the street from both stadiums has a full bar, dining menu, and iconic architecture. It's located at 300 E. Adams St.

  • Hockeytown Cafe: As if 30 flat-screen TVs aren't enough, it's the perfect convening space for fans who want to watch both games back-to-back. It's located at 2301 Woodward Ave.

Arrive early, stay late

If you plan on attending either game, get downtown early to beat the Tigers' traffic and leave late to avoid the Lions' traffic.

What to watch in Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Look for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to get more involved in the passing game, said Free Press Lions reporter Dave Birkett. St. Brown had an uncharacteristically quiet performance Sunday, catching three passes for 13 yards.

Lions: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown on lack of catches vs. Rams: 'A win is a win'

What to watch in Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles

As the Tigers make a playoff push this late in the season, look for young stars to continue to develop. The Tigers won four games in a row before losing to the Colorado Rockies Thursday and are 3.5 games behind in the American League wild-card race.

Jeff Seidel: For young Detroit Tigers team — everything is fun. In playoff push, that's an advantage

Jalen Williams is a reporting intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers, Lions play at home Sunday: Parking, bag policy, more