While this year’s Detroit Tigers Opening Day isn’t technically the team’s first since 2019, for fans it may as well be.
2020’s game, postponed amid the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, was ultimately held in July with no fans in the stands. In 2021, a limited number of spectators were permitted into the stadium for the team’s home opener, but festivities were tamed by spiking cases and a vaccination effort still in its infancy.
Friday’s event (which also almost didn’t happen) marks an apparent return to “normal”: Comerica Park will allow full stadium capacity and will not require masking; parties, tailgates and barbecues will again fill the city’s streets and bars.
Planning to head downtown for the return of Detroit’s favorite unofficial holiday? Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Tigers Opening Day?
When: 1:10 p.m. Friday April 8.
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit.
TV/radio: Bally Sports, WXYT-FM (97.1; other radio affiliates).
Starting pitchers: Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodríguez (9-3, 3.61 ERA last year) vs. White Sox RHP Lucas Giolito (11-9, 3.53 ERA).
Where to get Opening Day tickets
Although options are pretty picked over, tickets are still available through official vendor Tickets.com. Prices range from $60 for a standing room spot to $156 for a seat in the stadium’s plush Tiger Den.
Don’t see a seat you like? Additional tickets can be found on third-party resale sites, including StubHub, where prices range from $70 to more than $300.
Opening Day weather forecast
Veterans of Detroit’s past Opening Day games will be unsurprised to learn that Friday’s forecast calls for a coat and an umbrella.
A high temperature of 47 degrees is predicted, with cloudy skies throughout the day and possibly a light shower in the afternoon, according to the AccuWeather forecast. Chance of rain is at 55%.
2022 Detroit Tigers roster, news, more
Not acquainted with this year’s Tigers? You’re on the right website. Check out some of our spring training coverage:
• Why Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene are unlike any Detroit Tigers duo before them
• USA TODAY MLB 2022 win totals: Are Detroit Tigers serious playoff contenders?
• Tucker Barnhart may be the Detroit Tigers’ most important offseason addition
• Detroit Tigers SS Javier Baez brings tons of experience but never stops learning
• Jeff Seidel: Why I love the Detroit Tigers’ trade for Austin Meadows
Once you’re up to speed, stay in the know by subscribing to our Tigers Newsletter.
Detroit traffic information
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Plan to get to downtown Detroit early. In addition to Opening Day, Friday is part of the regular work week, meaning the roads won’t be packed just with fans but with daily commuters as well.
Gates at Comerica Park will open 90 minutes prior to the game. The park’s surrounding streets — including Brush, Montcalm, Witherell and Adams — will be closed off for pedestrian use only.
Looking to avoid driving altogether? Information about other transportation options, including Detroit’s SMART and DDOT bus systems, can be found here.
Opening Day parking pointers
Lots in District Detroit open two hours prior to the game, and parking is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Spots can also be reserved ahead of time via Comerica Park’s ParkWhiz app portal.
Parking nearest to the park runs a cool $47 per spot; but for those willing to walk a few blocks, prices range from $17 to $22.
Fans will have to park nearly a mile from the stadium in order to pay less than $10 for a reserved spot, but don’t forget: The QLine is offering free rides for the rest of the year.
Comerica Park policy changes
- Bag policy: With exceptions for diaper and medical bags, Comerica Park now prohibits visitors from bringing bags, purses and clutches into the park. Each attendee may bring a single-compartment wallet no larger than 5″ x 7″ x 1.5″.
- No coolers or outside food/drink: The park now prohibits guests from bringing coolers as well as outside food or drinks, with the exception of one factory-sealed water bottle per person, and sealed drink boxes for children.
- COVID-19: While Comerica Park does not currently employ any masking or vaccination requirements, the venue asks fans to stay home if they feel sick, seek a COVID-19 test prior to attendance, and to respect social distancing within the stadium. A complete health and safety handbook is available here.
- Cashless payment only: Comerica Park is now a cashless venue, meaning food, drinks, merchandise and other on-site amenities can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. For those who arrive without cashless payment methods, Comerica park has installed three Cash2Card kiosks, which instantly transfer cash currency onto a temporary Visa card. The kiosks are located in concourse sections 121, 138 and 328.
New food at Comerica Park
Comerica Park has announced several new food options arriving at concession stands this season. Here are the most notable:
- Pasties: the traditional, flaky Polish pastries will be available with a variety of fillings, ranging from classic combinations like potato with cheese and sausage with sauerkraut, to more inventive options like brisket mac ‘n cheese and Coney dog.
- Fresh Italian sausage: grilled and topped with marinara, peppers and onions.
- Milk ‘n cookies: a large chocolate chip cookie served with a half pint of local Guernsey Farms milk.
- The Notorious P.I.G.: served on an onion roll, this sandwich features smoked pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, onion straws, pickled jalapeño and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
- Fat Rooster chicken sandwich: spicy fried chicken, homemade pickles, slaw and honey mayonnaise on a Hawaiian-style roll.
- Impossible Burger: the famed plant-based burger patty is topped with lettuce, tomato and onion.
- Gyro nacho: gyro meat, romaine lettuce, chopped tomato, onions and creamy tzatziki sauce on top of crispy pita chips.
- Beer braised brat: grilled and simmered in beer and butter, then topped with sauerkraut and served on a pretzel bun.
Here more from Carlos Monarrez on the new food options, including the one you must try.
Iconic downtown Anchor Bar to reopen ahead of Detroit Tigers Opening Day
Other Comerica Park updates
- Gift for first 10,000 guests: Throughout the season, Comerica Park will offer a free gift to the first 10,000 fans to arrive on select game nights. On Opening Day, early birds can snag a 2022 season schedule magnet.
- New & improved Chevrolet Pavilion: Located in left field, the pavilion has been updated with a new, field-facing bar and fresh Atwater Brewery branding.
Things to do in Detroit
It’ll be hard to move around downtown Detroit without bumping into a party or two on Friday.
The Opening Day Block Party, hosted by The Annex nightclub and Brass Rail restaurant, is one of the biggest bashes making a comeback this year. Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, attendees can enjoy live beats by more than a dozen of the city’s best DJs, along with VIP bottle service, a full food menu and plenty of projector screens for keeping tabs on the game. Tickets start at $20.
The Music Hall will host the Grand Slam Opening Day Festival in its outdoor amphitheater, which will be furnished with heated tents to keep fans warm and dry. The event features live DJs, games, food trucks and more. Ticket prices range from $10 to $30.
Of course, you also can check in on your favorite bars, restaurants and venues on social media to see if they have anything planned for Opening Day — or to at least find their hours of operation that day.
Lauren Wethington is a breaking news reporter. You can email her at LGilpin@freepress.com or find her on Twitter at @laurenelizw1.