In the heart of the Midwest, Detroit is emerging as a championship city for NFL enthusiasts in 2023, with a vibrant atmosphere and fan-focused culture leading the league. At least according to a survey that went beyond the stadiums themselves.

The ultimate NFL fan experience

Detroit as the number one city for visiting NFL fans? The city's blend of enthusiastic football culture, fan-friendly amenities, and the iconic Ford Field stadium has placed it at the forefront of the NFL fan experience. A recent survey conducted by BonusFinder.com has positioned Detroit as the premier destination for football aficionados, outshining other cities with its unique offerings that cater to every aspect of the game day ritual.

Ford Field, the home of the Detroit Lions, stands out as a beacon for the sport's lovers, ranking fifth in the category of iconic stadiums. This isn't just a nod to its architectural grandeur or modern facilities; it's a testament to the stadium's ambiance, which resonates with the spirit of the city. With nearly 100,000 Instagram hashtags to its name, the stadium isn't just a place to watch a game. The Lions' den, which opened its gates in 2002, has become synonymous with Detroit's undying love for football, reflected in the 4.4/5 average rating from numerous review websites. Other NFL stadiums also get high marks, including those in places like Chicago, Las Vegas and New York. Fans greatly appreciate cities where they can enjoy other entertainment besides the match, such as the fact that there are events in the Madison Square Garden almost every day.

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Detroit's full-spectrum fanfare

The survey didn't stop at stadium splendor; it delved into the holistic experience of a football fan. Detroit's triumph in the rankings is also attributed to its impressive array of bars and eateries within a one-mile radius of Ford Field—129 to be exact—offering fans a plethora of options to celebrate or commiserate, depending on the game's outcome. The city's sports bar scene is also formidable, boasting 36 within a five-mile stretch, ensuring that the pre-game and post-game festivities are as memorable as the touchdowns.

But it's not just about the number of bars or the stadium's grandeur; Detroit's football heritage plays a pivotal role. Celebrating 95 years of the Lions' legacy, the city's football history is as storied as its automotive lineage. BonusFinder.com's Managing Director, Fintan Costello, acknowledges this, highlighting the study's aim to encapsulate the spirit of football through a fusion of sports, culture, and entertainment. With the Lions gearing up to host the Las Vegas Raiders after an away game against the Baltimore Ravens, the city is buzzing with anticipation, ready to showcase why it's the best NFL city for fans nationwide.

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More than 20 years of Ford Field

In 1996, the NFL Detroit Lions team announced plans to build a new, fully enclosed stadium in the city centre. Covered from the outside in simple brick, the stadium blends in with the dense development of the surrounding streets, distinguished only by a huge light-coloured roof supported by massive trusses.

Construction work began in late 1999. With a capacity of 65,000 spectators, the stadium opened on August 24, 2002. In addition to American football matches, spectators have been able to watch basketball games at Ford Field (during which the capacity reaches almost 80,000), wrestling competitions and musical performances.

The stadium was built on the site of the old Hudson's department store. The complex combines elements of sport and entertainment. It contains banquet halls, restaurants and office space, among other things. Thanks to the stadium's unusual design, fans have the best field of view of any NFL stadium that existed prior to the opening of Ford Field. This was achieved by building the boxes on only one side of the field, which lowered the upper level of the stands.

The name was bought out for two decades by one of Detroit's three automotive giants, Ford. At the same time, the stadium stands aligned with the headquarters of its rival, General Motors, and on its eastern side runs a highway christened after the third tycoon, Chrysler. Ford Field's immediate neighbour is the Tigers club baseball stadium.