Lions vs. Commanders game guide: Tickets, parking, how to watch, and more

DETROIT (FOX 2) - The Detroit Lions are looking for a playoff win at home this weekend when they take on the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.

Here's everything to know about the game, regardless if you'll be in the stands at Ford Field or watching from your couch:

How to watch and stream the Lions game

Kickoff is at 8 p.m. but coverage starts well before that.

Timeline:

At 11 a.m., catch Lions: Inside the Pride, a weekly look at the Detroit Lions as they gear up for the game against Washington.

Then, at 11:30 a.m., watch First & North – a roundup of NFC North teams.

At 6 p.m., FOX 2 News returns but then we're getting you ready for the game.

At 6:30 p.m., a special Lions Gameday Live from Ford Field ahead of the kickoff.

Where to Watch:

The game will be on FOX 2.

If you don't have cable, you can get the channel via an antenna. 

Where to Stream:

The game will be streamed on the FOX Sports app for those with a TV provider login.

To stream it elsewhere, you can create a Fubo account and use a free trial to watch the game. 

Lions tickets

Ticket Prices:

Hoping to snag a seat at Ford Field for the game? Be prepared to shell out a big chunk of cash for resale tickets.

As of Friday morning, the cheapest single ticket for Saturday's match-up is $424, not including fees, which pushes the price above $500. Some single-seat tickets are currently available for more than $3,200.

If you want to sit with someone, a pair of tickets will cost you $820 before fees.

READ: Lions-Commanders playoff game estimated to have $64M impact

Where to Buy Tickets:

Verified resale tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Lions game parking in Detroit

Currently, parking lots closest to Ford Field on SpotHero, a website that allows drivers to book spots in advance, range from $100 to $150. Other spots in downtown are under $100, but still pricey – ranging from $50 to $90 in most areas.

Walking will get you a spot closer to $25, with some spots available for as cheap as $15 if you don't mind getting your steps in.

Bus rides to Detroit Lions game

SMART park and ride routes

SMART is offering park and ride bus routes from around Metro Detroit to downtown ahead of Saturday's 8 p.m. kickoff at Ford Field. 

Fares are $2 one-way, and DART passes will also be accepted.

Timeline:

Buses headed to Detroit will begin leaving at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 and continue every half hour. The last bus will depart at 7 p.m.

Return buses start leaving Detroit at 9 p.m. and will run every hour until midnight. 

Bus Routes:

Route 901: Downriver

• Southgate Meijer: Board shuttles at the signed SMART stop in the southeast corner of the east parking lot.
• Lincoln Park Community Center: Board shuttles at the SMART shelter along the southwest edge of the parking lot.

Route 902: Westland & Fairlane

• Westland Police Station: Board shuttles at the signed SMART stop on JF Kennedy Drive, east of the police station.
• Fairlane Town Center: Board shuttles at the SMART/DDOT island in the east parking lot, northeast of Macy’s.

Route 903: Oakland & Southfield

• OCC Orchard Ridge: Board shuttles at the SMART shelter in the east parking lot. Enter from Orchard Lake Road and turn right on Oakland Drive.
• Southfield Greyhound: Board shuttles in the parking lot just west of the station building.

Route 904: Great Lakes & Troy

• Great Lakes Crossing: Board shuttles at the shelter just west of T.J. Maxx. Enter from Baldwin Road.
• Troy Civic Center P&R: Board shuttles at the signed SMART stop in the parking lot at the southwest corner of Civic Center Drive and Town Center Drive.

Route 905: North River & Lakeside

• North River P&R: Board shuttles at the signed SMART stop in front of the Farmers’ Market barn.
• Lakeside Mall: Park in Lot 76, north of Macy’s. Board shuttles from Lakeside Circle on the north side of the parking lot. Look for temporary SMART signage. Note: Shuttles do not board at the old Sears stop or Southcove Drive.
• 16 / Van Dyke Meijer: Board shuttles on the access road near the northwest corner of the west parking lot, east of Sonic. Look for temporary SMART signage.

Route Map:

Detroit to Ann Arbor route

In addition to the SMART express routes for Saturday's game, the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA)'s D2A2 bus will have late-night service that day.

Timeline:

Beginning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, the bus will pick people up at the Blake Center in Ann Arbor and take them to Grand Circus Park in Detroit. 

Buses will head back to Ann Arbor at 11:55 p.m.

Cost:

The D2A2 fare is $8 one-way at the door or $6 when booked in advance, which is recommended.

Book your ride here by selecting the 11:55 p.m. departure time.

Ford Field bag policy

Bag rules

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags are allowed, though they cannot be larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.

One-gallon plastic freezer bags are also allowed.

The only non-clear bags allowed are clutches, binocular cases, and camera cases that are 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller.

Exceptions are made for medical items, such as insulin, portable oxygen, small soft-pack coolers, and breast pumps.

Items allowed inside Ford Field

• Medically necessary items including insulin, medication, portable oxygen, small so pack coolers and breast pumps
• Infant items in a clear bag (bottles, formula) are allowed with a child. Diaper bags are not allowed per the NFL Bag Policy.
• Small radios (must be used with an earpiece or headphones)
• Umbrellas, small compact only. Must be placed securely under the seat.
• Handheld posters & signs without poles or sticks. Must not block another guest’s view.
• Battery operated clothing or signs if approved aer thorough inspection. Loose batteries & wires are not allowed.
• Football helmets. Altered helmets equipped with spikes or any other item that can be used as a weapon are not permitted.
• Tablets (iPads, Kindles, etc.) Inappropriate subject matter should not be displayed and must not block another guest’s view
• Seat cushions not exceeding 15" x 15" and must not contain arm rests, zippers, pockets, flaps or metal backs

Items not allowed inside Ford Field

If you try to enter Ford Field with an item that is prohibited you may be asked to bring it back to your vehicle or have it confiscated. 

Prohibited items include:

• Non-Clear purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, non-clear backpacks, book bags, diaper bags, non-clear fanny packs, non-clear cinch bags, grocery and paper bags, duffle bags, computer bags or luggage of any kind.
• Aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, pepper spray, etc.)
• Animals (except certified service animals to aid guests with disabilities)
• Balloons (air or helium)
• Balls (beach balls, footballs, etc.)
• Banners or large flags
• Cameras with lenses longer than five inches
• Chairs including folding chairs or stools
• Decals, stickers, confetti or glitter
• Drones and/or remote controlled aircraft
• Electronic equipment including laptop computers, video recorders, tripods and wearable video cameras including Go Pros.
• Fireworks
• Flashlights
• Food, beverages or liquids (cans, bottles, water bottles, flasks, cups, boxes, popcorn buckets, etc.)
• Handouts, items or goods intended for unauthorized sale, promotion, exchange or giveaway
• Illegal substances
• Knives, pocket knives, box cutters, scissors, etc.
• Laser pointers
• Marijuana, including medically prescribed, electronic accessories or paraphernalia associated with marijuana or illegal narcotics use.
• Markers (permanent) and/or paint
• Noisemaking devices (bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, etc.)
• Objects that can be used as missiles or projectiles (sticks, poles, bats, clubs, Frisbees, etc.)
• Offensive, profane, political or commercial messages or images on signs and clothing that are distasteful or indecent
• Selfie sticks
• Strollers and infant car seats or carriers
• Umbrellas (large size)
• Weapons including handguns, tasers, chemical sprays, brass knuckles, etc.
• Wrapped gifts

Saturday weather forecast

Planning to tailgate?

Temperatures are forecasted to be just a bit above freezing during the day, but they will drop into the 20s as night approaches. 

There is a mix of snow and rain in the forecast, but that is expected to end earlier in the day. 

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