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Break out your baseball hats and gloves. It’s batter-up time.
Baseball season is upon us, and the annual Detroit Tigers holiday-ish Opening Day is Friday.
On Friday, the Detroit Tigers are back in town for their 2025 season opener against the Chicago White Sox.
Opening Day is a unique celebration that brings droves of fans to downtown Detroit to celebrate the crack of the bat at Comerica Park — now in its 25th season.
No ticket to the game? No problem. Celebrations are also happening nearby at pre- and post-game home opener parties, local bars, and restaurants.
Fans know Opening Day in Detroit is a big deal, like a holiday big deal. Businesses around downtown and nearby Comerica Park are ready to welcome fans.
Here’s a sampling of Opening Day events around downtown. Unless noted, all events take place on Friday.
440 Madison St.This event is billed as Detroit's “Largest Opening Day Party." Doors open at 9 a.m. with the event at the corner of Madison and Brush streets. There will be heated tents, including beer tents, a full bar and special menus. Local food vendors include Bart's Pizza, Fat Axe Grill, The Fry Guy and Cinnabon. The outdoor party features two stages of entertainment and more than 15 Detroit DJs. There are also bands, entertainment, food and games. Private reserved cabanas with a dedicated entry offer festival passes, private restrooms, and other items like premium spirits and beer. Tickets start at $20 per person and go up for VIP tickets and ticket packages that include some drink tickets. A portion of the proceeds benefits Angel's Share, according to its website.For info: 248-671-4151 or detroithomeopener.com
1526 Broadway
On the grounds of the Detroit Opera House, doors open at 9 a.m. for the Opening Day party. There will be heated tents, DJs, beer tents, food trucks, a full bar, music, games and big screens for game-watching. Woodward Sports hosts a live pre-game broadcast. Food trucks on-site are Torta Express Taco Truck, Bro's Burger Joint and Smoke, Rattle, Roll BBQ. Tickets start at $30 plus fees for general admission. VIP tickets are $100 and include four drink tokens, hospitality tent access w/ burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, sides, chips and more by Vintage House, and other amenities.For info:grandslamdetroit.com
Multiple locations
This event takes place a few minutes’ walk from Comerica and is sponsored by three downtown venues at 24 Adams St. For one admission price of $30, you can enter The Annex, Brass Rail and Love & Tequila. This annual event is hosted by Jay Mahfouz, DJ Godfather, DJ Chrome, Andrus McDonald, and Elevate. Expect a full bar and full food menus (prices vary) available, music by 15 Detroit DJs, and multiple TVs. Doors open at 9 a.m. Friday.
For info: 313-687-4350.
Grand Circus Park
Downtown Detroit Partnership free event, now in its third year, takes place at Grand Circus Park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Festivities include food options from a half dozen food trucks, a Miller Lite beer tent, DJ entertainment and giant TV screens to watch the game. There will also be giveaways of tickets, swag and memorabilia. The food truck lineup includes Andiamo’s. Busta Dawgs, Junkyard Pit Crew, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Sonnys Hamburgers and This-N-That Café. Absopure water is $3, and beer prices range from $7 to $10.
Presented by Miller Lite, the free pregame block parties are set to take place throughout Opening Day weekend on Witherell in front of Comerica Park. Block parties open at 9 a.m. Friday and through the end of the game, 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. until the first pitch. There will be local food trucks, including Little Caesars Pizza, Bert’s BBQ and drinks from the Molson Coors Draft Trailer and Happy Thursday Bar for fans 21 years and older. There’s a 97.1 FM the Ticket preshow, local DJs and artists, merchandise, photo and video opportunities, interactive games including cornhole, giant Jenga, Plinko and speed pitching stations.
1400 Porter St.
In Corktown, Batch Brewing Co.’s Detroit Baseball Opening Day party is from 10 a.m-11:45 p.m. According to its website, there will be food and drink specials, including lagers and ales. There are four Opening Day hot dog specials: Detroit Coney, Seattle Dog, Texas Coney and the Chicago Dog.
For info:batchbrewingcompany.com.
1265 Washington Blvd.
Several eateries at the Book Tower have special hours, menus and offers for Opening Day.
2208 Cass Ave.
The annual Opening Day party, now in its 16th year, has all-day festivities. Located a few blocks from Comerica Park, doors open at 7 a.m. There will be DJs indoors and outdoors, food and drink specials, and a heated tent. Its rooftop seating will also be open. A limited menu will feature burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and chips
For info: 313-962-0319 or bookiesbar.com
JoJo’s ShakeBAR doors open at 9 a.m. There will be brunch offerings, creative cocktails and Biggie Shakes along with activities. Sahara Restaurant and Grill will feature game day bites and drinks, including draft beers. It's patio will also be open.
1001 Maple (Eastern Market district)
The makers of small-batch artisanal whiskey, gin, and vodka is hosting an Opening Day tailgate party from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Detroit City Distillery’s Whiskey Factory just off Gratiot Avenue in the Eastern market district. The tailgate party will feature on-site activities, including cornhole, ladder ball, baseball toss, music and cocktails available at the DCD’s Airstream Bar. Those who park at The Whiskey Factory receive $2 off their first cocktail.
For info:detroitcitydistillery.com
300 E. Adams
Doors open at 9 a.m. at the Elwood Bar & Grill, just steps from Comerica Park. Entertainment includes DJs, 94.7 WCSX broadcasting, and Killer Flamingos performing.
For info: elwoodgrill.com
419 Monroe St.
The 8th Annual Tiger’s Opening Day Tent Party features giant screens for game-watching, Pablo’s Tacos and Bowlder’s Burgers food trucks, and tailgate games. Doors open at 9 a.m. You will need a ticket ($25 plus fees) to enter that gets you in the tent and inside.
For info:firebirdtavern.com.
2301 Woodward Ave.
With a heated rooftop and views of Comerica Park, the doors open at 10 a.m., with the festivities lasting all day. Per its Hockeytown Facebook page, a game day menu plus drinks specials are planned. There will be a tent and outdoor patio areas, live band, DJ on the third floor, photo booth, giveaways, swag, and games.For info:hockeytowncafe.com.
400 Monroe St.Bar opens at 9 a.m. and a game-day breakfast is offered until 11 a.m.
For info:fishbonesusa.com
51 W. Forest Ave.
At the Detroit Midtown location, the Blue House Margaritas are $7 all day long, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
For info:mezcaldetroit.com.
313 Park Ave., Detroit
A few minute walk from Comerica Park, the Statler, a French-American bistro, celebrates Opening Day with its Tailgating Patio Party from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a game day menu from the grill including chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and burgers. Drink specials include $2 draft beer. Until 1 p.m. there will be DJ entertainment. At 4 p.m., the Statler's regular Friday happy hour specials at the bar start and its full dinner menu will be available.
For info:thestatlerdetroit.com
47 E. Adams
Next to Comerica Park, Tin Roof has three levels plus a rooftop seating area. It's a $5 cover at the door. There will be multiple live bands, DJ's and plenty of food and drink. On the menu, Tin Roof is known for its Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. Its buttermilk fried chicken is rubbed with cayenne and served on Texas toast with ranch potato salad and pickles, according to its menu.
For info:tinroofdetroit.com
2131 Woodward Ave.
On Woodward, the multi-level Union Assembly opens at 8 a.m. They will have DJ Superhero creating soundtracks. A feature is buy one get one free on all Tin Can Cocktails and Jobbie Nooner Vodka Sodas. The offer is at all Union Joints locations, Friday-Sunday. On Opening Day, Union Assembly will host a Jobbie Nooner tasting event.
For info: unionassembly.com
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Opening Day parties at restaurants, bars and more
Continue reading...
Baseball season is upon us, and the annual Detroit Tigers holiday-ish Opening Day is Friday.
On Friday, the Detroit Tigers are back in town for their 2025 season opener against the Chicago White Sox.
Opening Day is a unique celebration that brings droves of fans to downtown Detroit to celebrate the crack of the bat at Comerica Park — now in its 25th season.
No ticket to the game? No problem. Celebrations are also happening nearby at pre- and post-game home opener parties, local bars, and restaurants.
Fans know Opening Day in Detroit is a big deal, like a holiday big deal. Businesses around downtown and nearby Comerica Park are ready to welcome fans.
Here’s a sampling of Opening Day events around downtown. Unless noted, all events take place on Friday.
Detroit Home Opener Festival
440 Madison St.This event is billed as Detroit's “Largest Opening Day Party." Doors open at 9 a.m. with the event at the corner of Madison and Brush streets. There will be heated tents, including beer tents, a full bar and special menus. Local food vendors include Bart's Pizza, Fat Axe Grill, The Fry Guy and Cinnabon. The outdoor party features two stages of entertainment and more than 15 Detroit DJs. There are also bands, entertainment, food and games. Private reserved cabanas with a dedicated entry offer festival passes, private restrooms, and other items like premium spirits and beer. Tickets start at $20 per person and go up for VIP tickets and ticket packages that include some drink tickets. A portion of the proceeds benefits Angel's Share, according to its website.For info: 248-671-4151 or detroithomeopener.com
Grand Slam Detroit Festival
1526 Broadway
On the grounds of the Detroit Opera House, doors open at 9 a.m. for the Opening Day party. There will be heated tents, DJs, beer tents, food trucks, a full bar, music, games and big screens for game-watching. Woodward Sports hosts a live pre-game broadcast. Food trucks on-site are Torta Express Taco Truck, Bro's Burger Joint and Smoke, Rattle, Roll BBQ. Tickets start at $30 plus fees for general admission. VIP tickets are $100 and include four drink tokens, hospitality tent access w/ burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, sides, chips and more by Vintage House, and other amenities.For info:grandslamdetroit.com
Opening Day Block Party
Multiple locations
This event takes place a few minutes’ walk from Comerica and is sponsored by three downtown venues at 24 Adams St. For one admission price of $30, you can enter The Annex, Brass Rail and Love & Tequila. This annual event is hosted by Jay Mahfouz, DJ Godfather, DJ Chrome, Andrus McDonald, and Elevate. Expect a full bar and full food menus (prices vary) available, music by 15 Detroit DJs, and multiple TVs. Doors open at 9 a.m. Friday.
For info: 313-687-4350.
Opening Day Tailgate Party
Grand Circus Park
Downtown Detroit Partnership free event, now in its third year, takes place at Grand Circus Park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Festivities include food options from a half dozen food trucks, a Miller Lite beer tent, DJ entertainment and giant TV screens to watch the game. There will also be giveaways of tickets, swag and memorabilia. The food truck lineup includes Andiamo’s. Busta Dawgs, Junkyard Pit Crew, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Sonnys Hamburgers and This-N-That Café. Absopure water is $3, and beer prices range from $7 to $10.
Opening Weekend Block Party
Presented by Miller Lite, the free pregame block parties are set to take place throughout Opening Day weekend on Witherell in front of Comerica Park. Block parties open at 9 a.m. Friday and through the end of the game, 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. until the first pitch. There will be local food trucks, including Little Caesars Pizza, Bert’s BBQ and drinks from the Molson Coors Draft Trailer and Happy Thursday Bar for fans 21 years and older. There’s a 97.1 FM the Ticket preshow, local DJs and artists, merchandise, photo and video opportunities, interactive games including cornhole, giant Jenga, Plinko and speed pitching stations.
Batch Brewing
1400 Porter St.
In Corktown, Batch Brewing Co.’s Detroit Baseball Opening Day party is from 10 a.m-11:45 p.m. According to its website, there will be food and drink specials, including lagers and ales. There are four Opening Day hot dog specials: Detroit Coney, Seattle Dog, Texas Coney and the Chicago Dog.
For info:batchbrewingcompany.com.
Book Tower
1265 Washington Blvd.
Several eateries at the Book Tower have special hours, menus and offers for Opening Day.
- Le Suprême opens at 10 a.m., offering their full brunch menu and a few specials, including the croissant Monsieur and Bloody Maria, with jalapeño-infused tequila. Weather permitting, its patio will be open. For info:lesupremedetroit.com
- Sakazuki opens at 11 a.m. for a “tailgate” event featuring a hot dog “cart” with both Japanese and French fare (from Sakazuki and Le Suprême, respectively). Food specials feature the wagyu hot dog for $10 and wings for $4 each. A beer special is the Asahi Super Dry Draft ($8 pint, or $25 for a 60-ounce pitcher. For info:sakazukidetroit.com
- Bar Rotunda opens at 7 a.m. with a new menu, beer, and shot specials, and free popcorn. For info: barrotunda.com
- Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge: Opening at 11 a.m. Specials include the $12 Spanish-style hot dog and chips, beer, and shot specials. For info: kampersrooftop.com
Bookie's Bar & Grille
2208 Cass Ave.
The annual Opening Day party, now in its 16th year, has all-day festivities. Located a few blocks from Comerica Park, doors open at 7 a.m. There will be DJs indoors and outdoors, food and drink specials, and a heated tent. Its rooftop seating will also be open. A limited menu will feature burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and chips
For info: 313-962-0319 or bookiesbar.com
Columbia Street (District Detroit)
JoJo’s ShakeBAR doors open at 9 a.m. There will be brunch offerings, creative cocktails and Biggie Shakes along with activities. Sahara Restaurant and Grill will feature game day bites and drinks, including draft beers. It's patio will also be open.
Detroit City Distillery
1001 Maple (Eastern Market district)
The makers of small-batch artisanal whiskey, gin, and vodka is hosting an Opening Day tailgate party from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Detroit City Distillery’s Whiskey Factory just off Gratiot Avenue in the Eastern market district. The tailgate party will feature on-site activities, including cornhole, ladder ball, baseball toss, music and cocktails available at the DCD’s Airstream Bar. Those who park at The Whiskey Factory receive $2 off their first cocktail.
For info:detroitcitydistillery.com
Elwood Bar & Grill
300 E. Adams
Doors open at 9 a.m. at the Elwood Bar & Grill, just steps from Comerica Park. Entertainment includes DJs, 94.7 WCSX broadcasting, and Killer Flamingos performing.
For info: elwoodgrill.com
Firebird Tavern
419 Monroe St.
The 8th Annual Tiger’s Opening Day Tent Party features giant screens for game-watching, Pablo’s Tacos and Bowlder’s Burgers food trucks, and tailgate games. Doors open at 9 a.m. You will need a ticket ($25 plus fees) to enter that gets you in the tent and inside.
For info:firebirdtavern.com.
Hockeytown Café
2301 Woodward Ave.
With a heated rooftop and views of Comerica Park, the doors open at 10 a.m., with the festivities lasting all day. Per its Hockeytown Facebook page, a game day menu plus drinks specials are planned. There will be a tent and outdoor patio areas, live band, DJ on the third floor, photo booth, giveaways, swag, and games.For info:hockeytowncafe.com.
Fishbones Greektown Detroit
400 Monroe St.Bar opens at 9 a.m. and a game-day breakfast is offered until 11 a.m.
For info:fishbonesusa.com
Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
51 W. Forest Ave.
At the Detroit Midtown location, the Blue House Margaritas are $7 all day long, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
For info:mezcaldetroit.com.
The Statler
313 Park Ave., Detroit
A few minute walk from Comerica Park, the Statler, a French-American bistro, celebrates Opening Day with its Tailgating Patio Party from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a game day menu from the grill including chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and burgers. Drink specials include $2 draft beer. Until 1 p.m. there will be DJ entertainment. At 4 p.m., the Statler's regular Friday happy hour specials at the bar start and its full dinner menu will be available.
For info:thestatlerdetroit.com
Tin Roof
47 E. Adams
Next to Comerica Park, Tin Roof has three levels plus a rooftop seating area. It's a $5 cover at the door. There will be multiple live bands, DJ's and plenty of food and drink. On the menu, Tin Roof is known for its Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. Its buttermilk fried chicken is rubbed with cayenne and served on Texas toast with ranch potato salad and pickles, according to its menu.
For info:tinroofdetroit.com
Union Assembly
2131 Woodward Ave.
On Woodward, the multi-level Union Assembly opens at 8 a.m. They will have DJ Superhero creating soundtracks. A feature is buy one get one free on all Tin Can Cocktails and Jobbie Nooner Vodka Sodas. The offer is at all Union Joints locations, Friday-Sunday. On Opening Day, Union Assembly will host a Jobbie Nooner tasting event.
For info: unionassembly.com
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers Opening Day parties at restaurants, bars and more
Continue reading...
