About Ford Field
Ford Field sits in the heart of downtown Detroit — a 65,000-seat domed stadium that is home to the Detroit Lions and one of the most architecturally distinctive venues in the NFL. Built around a 1920s Hudson’s Department Store warehouse, the stadium blends industrial Detroit history with modern sports architecture in a way no other NFL building can match.
The Lions play here on fall Sundays, but Ford Field earns national attention during championship season. The stadium has hosted Super Bowl XL, the 2009 NCAA Final Four, WrestleMania 23, the 2024 NFL Draft, and will host the 2027 Final Four. Adjacent to Comerica Park (Tigers) and a short walk from Little Caesars Arena (Red Wings, Pistons), Ford Field anchors one of the most concentrated sports districts in America.
Designed by a team led by Rossetti Associates and SmithGroup, the $500 million stadium opened on August 24, 2002. The permanent dome features frosted glass windows and skylights inspired by Detroit’s automotive factory heritage — allowing natural light to flood the field in a way most domed stadiums cannot. The FieldTurf playing surface has been the home field for the Lions since opening day.
Detroit’s sports renaissance has been building for years, and the Lions’ run to the NFC Championship Game in January 2025 — their deepest playoff push since 1991 — made Ford Field the center of a city-wide celebration. The 2024 NFL Draft, held across downtown with Ford Field as the hub, drew an estimated 775,000 visitors over three days and showcased Detroit to a national audience.
Getting to Ford Field
Public Transit
Ford Field is in downtown Detroit with multiple transit options within walking distance.
→ Via QLINE Streetcar: The QLINE runs a free 6.6-mile loop along Woodward Avenue from downtown through Midtown. Exit at the Grand Circus stop — a 5-minute walk to the stadium.
→ Via Detroit People Mover: The automated rail loops downtown with 13 stations. Exit at Grand Circus Park station, directly adjacent to Ford Field. Fare: $0.75.
→ Via DDOT/SMART Bus: Multiple bus routes serve downtown Detroit. SMART route 261 connects Detroit Metropolitan Airport to downtown for $2.
On game days, DDOT adds special event service to Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena.
Driving + Parking
The stadium address is 2000 Brush Street, Detroit, MI 48226. I-75, I-375, and I-94 all provide access to downtown.
→ From Ann Arbor (~45 mi): I-94 East to I-75 South into downtown Detroit. About 50 minutes.
→ From Toledo (~60 mi): I-75 North directly to downtown Detroit. About 1 hour.
→ From Chicago (~280 mi): I-94 East across Michigan to I-75 South. About 4.5 hours.
Ford Field has no dedicated surface lots. Downtown garages and lots cost $20–$40 on game days. The Eastern Market area (about a 15-minute walk) offers cheaper options at $10–$20. Tailgating happens informally in surface lots east of the stadium. Pre-purchase parking through SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are widely available in downtown Detroit. Drop-off is along Brush Street and Adams Street near the main entrance. Post-game pickup zones shift — check the Ford Field app for real-time locations. From downtown hotels, expect $6–$12. Surge pricing after Lions games is moderate — walk to Greektown or Brush Street and wait 10–15 minutes for rates to settle.
From the Airport
→ Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW): 21 miles southwest of the stadium, about 25–35 minutes by car. Major hub for Delta Air Lines with extensive domestic and international service. Rideshare runs $35–$50. SMART bus route 261 connects DTW to downtown for $2 (about 40 minutes).
→ Flint Bishop International (FNT): 70 miles north, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Smaller airport with budget options on Allegiant and American.
History of Ford Field
Ford Field was built to replace the Pontiac Silverdome, which had served the Lions since 1975 in suburban Pontiac — 30 miles from downtown Detroit. In 1996, Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. announced plans for a new domed stadium in the city center. The $500 million project — funded roughly 51% publicly and 49% privately — broke ground on November 16, 1999, and was designed around the preserved 1920s Hudson’s Department Store warehouse on the east side.
Grand Opening (August 24, 2002): Ford Field opened with a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The first regular-season game came on September 22, a 37–31 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Super Bowl XL (February 5, 2006): The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10 before 68,206 fans. The Rolling Stones headlined the halftime show.
WrestleMania 23 (April 1, 2007): WWE’s flagship event drew 80,103 fans — Ford Field’s all-time attendance record — headlined by John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels.
NCAA Final Four (April 2009): North Carolina defeated Michigan State 89–72 in the championship game before 72,922 fans.
NFL Draft (April 2024): Detroit hosted the NFL Draft for the first time, with Ford Field as the centerpiece. An estimated 775,000 visitors attended over three days, showcasing Detroit’s revival to a national audience.
Upcoming: 2027 NCAA Final Four: Ford Field will host the men’s basketball championship tournament, continuing Detroit’s tradition as one of the country’s premier event cities.
Ford Field’s integration of the Hudson’s warehouse gives it a character that no other NFL stadium can replicate. The old brick and concrete of 1920s Detroit stands alongside modern glass and steel — a building that literally carries the city’s industrial past into its sporting future.
Photo Gallery
Fun Facts
Ford Field's design incorporates a 1920s Hudson's Department Store warehouse — one of the few NFL stadiums built around a preserved historic structure.
WrestleMania 23 in April 2007 drew 80,103 fans to Ford Field — still the stadium's all-time attendance record, surpassing any football game ever played there.
Detroit hosted the 2024 NFL Draft at Ford Field and across downtown, drawing an estimated 775,000 visitors over three days — the second-largest Draft attendance ever.
Stadium Location
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the seating capacity of Ford Field?
- Ford Field seats 65,000 for NFL games. Capacity can expand to approximately 70,000 for special events. The all-time attendance record is 80,103, set during WrestleMania 23 in April 2007.
- Where is Ford Field located?
- Ford Field is at 2000 Brush Street in downtown Detroit, Michigan 48226. It sits adjacent to Comerica Park and within walking distance of Greektown, the Fox Theatre, and the Detroit Riverwalk.
- Does Ford Field have a roof?
- Yes, Ford Field has a permanent domed roof. Unlike traditional domes, the design features large skylights and frosted glass windows inspired by Detroit's automotive factory heritage, allowing natural light to reach the field.
- How do I get to Ford Field by public transit?
- Take the QLINE streetcar (free) to the Grand Circus stop — a 5-minute walk to the stadium. The Detroit People Mover automated rail stops at Grand Circus Park station, also a short walk. DDOT and SMART buses serve the area on game days. Fare for the People Mover is $0.75.
- Is there parking at Ford Field?
- Ford Field does not have its own dedicated surface lots. Dozens of garages and lots are available throughout downtown Detroit, typically $20–$40 on game days. The Eastern Market area offers cheaper lots with a short walk. Pre-purchase through SpotHero for best rates.
- What major events has Ford Field hosted?
- Super Bowl XL (2006, Steelers 21–Seahawks 10), WrestleMania 23 (2007, record 80,103 attendance), NCAA Final Four (2009), the 2024 NFL Draft, and the upcoming 2027 NCAA Final Four. Concerts from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Eminem have also filled the stadium.
- What is the historic warehouse at Ford Field?
- Ford Field was built around the former Hudson's Department Store warehouse from the 1920s. The six-story warehouse structure was preserved and integrated into the stadium's east side, housing premium clubs, suites, retail, and office space. It gives the stadium a unique architectural character.
- How far is Ford Field from the airport?
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is approximately 21 miles southwest of the stadium, about 25–35 minutes by car. SMART bus route 261 connects the airport to downtown for $2. Rideshare from DTW runs $35–$50.
Last updated: 2026-03-04
