Detroit Lions Playoff Game Events and Specials

Find out how the Motor City is celebrating the start of the Detroit Lions 2024-25 playoff run.
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Detroit Lions // Photo: IStock
Photograph from iStock

The Detroit Lions, the National Football Conference’s number 1 seed, will host the Washington Commanders in a division round game at Ford Field this Saturday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. — and the Motor City is gearing up for it … literally!

From displays filled with Honolulu Blue to food specials, watch parties, ticket giveaways, and more, here’s how Detroit and the suburbs are supporting their football team this weekend.

Events & Displays

Honolulu Blue Day

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Jan. 18 at Honolulu Blue Day in Michigan and encourages all Michiganders to wear their best Lions gear or Honolulu Blue to support the team. “GRIT lies at the heart of the Michigan spirit and drives the foundation of the Detroit Lions, fueling us to dig deeper, push harder, rise above any challenge, and outplay any opponent, no matter their size or strength,” she said in a release. “Today, the people of Michigan are called to huddle together, proudly unite in Honolulu Blue, and show the world that our roar is louder than ever as the Lions embark on their postseason march to the Super Bowl;” Michigan.gov.

All Roads Lead to Detroit: Celebration of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show is hosting a special event featuring a live concert by Detroit-native and Grammy-nominated artist Mike Posner the Friday ahead of the game. In addition to the music, which closes out the Auto Show’s Racing Day, this event will include appearances from Lions’ alumni including Herman Moore, Joique Bell, Cory Schlesinger, Eddie Murray, and TJ Lang. Jan. 17. $10 admission, registration required. Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; detroitautoshow.com.

Defend the Den Lions Bar Crawl

Wear Honolulu Blue and head to the Exodus Lounge to kick off this bar crawl, which makes stops at Delux Bar and Lounge, Bar Humbug Christmas Bar, Olive Country Bar, and Bakalikon. Each bar will have TVs broadcasting the game. Fried food is on the menu. Ages 21+ only. $15 per person. Various locations in Detroit; Eventbrite.com. 

NFL Trivia

Put your NFL knowledge to the test for a shot at free Lions’ swag. There will be two rounds of trivia, one on Friday at 7 p.m. and the other on Saturday during halftime. There’s a wide variety of both prizes both nights. Gilly’s Clubhouse, 1550 Woodward Ave., Detroit; facebook.com.  

Amon-Ra St. Brown Cake Display

A life-sized cake depicting Amon-Ra St. Brown’s iconic post-touchdown handstand celebration is on display at The Home Bakery in Rochester through the weekend, which coincides with the city’s annual Frost Festival. Head to the festival when you’re not watching the game for more displays dedicated to the Lions including ice sculptures of several players’ jerseys including St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jared Goff, and David Montgomery. Downtown Rochester area; downtownrochestermi.com.

Food & Specials

Dandy Lion Dipsy Doozy at Mister Dips

The beloved burger and shake spot Mister Dips has created a sweet treat available through the Lions’ playoff run. Dubbed the “Dandy Lion Dipsy Doozy,” the limited-time shake is made with Honolulu Blue custard, Victory Whip, and Detroit Grit Sprinkles. Mister Dips, 19 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; misterdips.com.  

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar Honolulu Blue Pizzas

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar is having some fun with its pies ahead of the game, creating two pizzas that incorporate the Lions’ iconic Honolulu Blue. The spot’s “Honolulu Blue Pizza” comes with NYC pizza sauce, mozzarella, ham, bacon, and blue-dyed pineapple while the “Spicy Honolulu Blue Pizza” features mozzarella, fire chicken, jalepenos, banana peppers, blue-dyed pineapple, red onion, and fire barbecue sauce. A dollar from each sale goes to support the Detroit Lions Foundation. They run $29.50 each. Mootz Pizzeria + Bar, 1230 Library St., Detroit; facebook.com.

Villa Bakery’s Detroit Lions Desserts

Get your fill of Lions’ inspired desserts ahead of the game. Find Honolulu Blu cannolis, bumpy cake, donuts, cookies, and more for your gameday party snacking. Villa’s Bakery, 6237 Middlebelt Rd., Garden City; facebook.com.

Detroit Lions Bagels

In honor of the back-to-back NFC Champions, Eastside Bagel is preparing Honolulu Blue bagels to keep you satiated all weekend. These bagels will be available all day this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in plain or cinnamon sugar. Eastside Bagel, 21601 Harper Ave., Detroit; facebook.com.  

Motor City Blend at Meijer

On gameday, Jan. 18, former Detroit Lions linebacker and the founder of Circle House Coffee, Stephen Tulloch, stops at the Meijer store on S. Lapeer Road in Lake Orion at 11 a.m. and the Meijer on Van Dyke in Sterling Heights at 1 p.m. to extend the availability of his “Motor City Blend” coffee through the Lions’ playoff run. The limited-edition blend is “a bold, full-bodied dark roast featuring rich notes of cherry, nut, and herbs, and is sold in a 12oz bag designed by Tulloch himself. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag will be donated back to The Stephen Tulloch Foundation, which funds children’s initiatives in metro Detroit. Find it at select Meijer stores; circlehousecoffee.com.

Get Yourself Some Lions’ Gear

Several downtown shops will be offering Lions merch for purchase including custom hats at Greyson Clothiers, and a limited-release Runwell 41 mm watch at Shinola. The shops along the 1200-1500 blocks of Woodward will also be offering swag such as pompoms, tiny footballs, necklaces, sunglasses, and more.

Wear Your Lions Gear for a Discount

Stop by Bon Bon Bon in Detroit from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on gameday while wearing your Lions gear to get 15% off your purchase. Other shops downtown offering discounts for shoppers in Lions gear include Dunkin’ (5% off), The Aroma Labs (10% off), and Roasting Plant (10% off). 

Watch Parties

Looking for a place to watch the game among other rabid Lions fans? Here’s a selection of bars and restaurants are planning pre-games and watch parties for the game on Saturday.