Detroit sports fans know that game day is about so much more than cheering on our favorite teams. It’s about washing down salty ballpark concessions with a refreshing fountain drink, snagging photos with the mascots and participating in iconic Detroit sports traditions.
The next time you visit one of these sporting arenas, be sure to check these exciting game day activities off your family’s bucket list.
Chant “JARED GOFF”
It’s a bit early for this to qualify as a tradition, but a new chant is trending in the Detroit sports world — and not just at Detroit Lions games. In honor of the team’s beloved, two-time Pro Bowler quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit sports fans everywhere have resorted to chanting “JAR-ED-GOFF” at every sporting event — including the Detroit Free Press Marathon!
@detroitlions Anytime and anywhere 🔊 #NFL #DetroitLions #OnePride #JaredGoff
Catch a thrilling half-time show at a Detroit Pistons game
The excitement doesn’t stop when you attend a Detroit Pistons game — even when the players leave the court! The Pistons are known for their show-stopping half-time shows, from incredible performances by the dance team to jaw-dropping stunts by acrobatic dunkers!
Check out our Detroit Pistons family guide to discover more kid-friendly game day activities at Little Caesars Arena.
See an octopus on the ice at a Detroit Red Wings game
While we don’t encourage you to partake in this tradition yourself (it’s definitely against the rules and can result in a fine and ejection from the game) the Legend of the Octopus is a quirky Red Wings tradition that entails throwing a dead octopus onto the ice after a win. Occasionally, fans will get to witness this when a rule breaker sneaks an octopus into the game, especially around playoff season.
For parent-approved fun at a Detroit Red Wings game (no octopi involved), check out our family guide.
Ride the tiger carousel at a Detroit Tigers game
Take a spin on an all-tiger carousel. The carousel at Big Cat Court features thirty hand-painted tigers. Rides are just $2 per person, and free for kids 14 and under on Sundays.
Discover helpful tips for attending a game at Comerica Park with kids in our Detroit Tigers family guide.
Attend a theme game at a minor league baseball park
There are four minor league teams in metro Detroit, and even more minor league ballparks worth the drive in Michigan! Each one offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, from fun food and drink specials and mascot meet-and-greets to kids’ zones with inflatables, face painting, games and so much more. For an unforgettable game day experience, grab tickets to a fun themed game.
Find a minor league team near you and discover the best family game day deals with this ultimate guide to minor league baseball teams in metro Detroit.
Visit Pride Plaza before a Detroit Lions game
Build game day anticipation at Pride Plaza, a free, family-friendly tailgate before every home game. Fuel up for the game with food trucks and grown up beverages, and enjoy football-themed games and activations, photo stations, a drumline performance and more.
Find even more kid-approved fun and tips for visiting Ford Field with kids in our Detroit Lions family guide.
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