If you've never been to Detroit during the Tigers' first home game of the season, you probably don't understand what the big deal is. Head to the city on Monday, April 6, and you'll encounter swarms of metro Detroiters drunkenly partying in bars, under tents, or in the streets. Most of them never even make it to the game.
Here's a short list of some parties that are happening in metro Detroit this Opening Day. No ticket required.
Grand Trunk Pub
Looking to be a little removed from the craziness of Foxtown? Head to Grand Trunk Pub where New Holland Brewing Co. is presenting their Opening Day party. They'll have Full Circle, White Hatter, Poet, Monkey King, Sundog, Black Tulip, and Night Tripper on draft, plus their spirits will be available in the form of a beermosa, bloody mary, hoparita, and Detroit daiquiri. Buy raffle tickets for the chance to win something every time the Tigers score; all proceeds benefit the Detroit Firemen's Fund Association.
Starts at 10 a.m.; 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-3043; grandtrunkpub.com; cover is $5.
97.1 Block Party
You don't have to be a sports fan to attend this free block party at Grand Circus Park, but you might want to pick this shindig if you happen to actually enjoy the game. You'll be right across the street from Comerica Park, and likely be in the company of sports lovers just like yourself.
Start at 10 a.m.; Grand Circus Park, Detroit; detroit.cbslocal.com; admission is free.
Exodos
Enjoy "Que and Brew" at this second-story party spot in Greektown. It's located above the Golden Fleece, in case you've missed it during your drunken strolls down Monroe Street. DJ Captn20 will be spinning.
Doors open at 9 a.m.; 529 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-962-1300; exodosrooftop.com.
SPSC Detroit Party Bus
Want to party and play on Opening Day but don't want to drive? Catch a bus ride with SPSC Detroit and get an all inclusive package that comes with breakfast at Rosie O'Grady's, Jell-O and pudding shots on the bus, and a wristband to Town Pump Tavern's enormous outdoor party.
Breakfast starts 8 a.m. at Rosie O'Grady's in Ferndale; the bus leaves for Detroit at 10 a.m.; departs from Town Pump Tavern at 5:30 p.m.; 279 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; spscdetroit.com; tickets are $35.
Hockeytown Café
You won't get much closer to Comerica Park and the actual game than Hockeytown Café. Located across the street from the park, this is a great pick if you're planning on hitting the game and don't want to be too far away. You can party inside or head to their heated tent where a DJ will be spinning "all the hits."
Starts at 8 a.m.; 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3400; hockeytowncafe.com.
Old Shillelagh
Sure, there will be free shuttles to Comerica Park throughout the day, but chances are you aren't going to escape this three-story funhouse of inebriation if you happen to step foot inside. Don't want to stay inside? They'll also have a huge heated tent, plus plenty of live music both indoors and out.
Doors open at 7 a.m.; 349 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-0007; oldshillelagh.com.
