Opening Day 2017: Everything you need to know

Update: April 6, 1 p.m. This has been updated with street closures and info about the People Mover and parking. Have any more tips? Let us know in the comments or on the tip line.

The boys of summer are back in Detroit this week, and whether you’re a baseball fan or not, if you’re in Detroit you know that Opening Day is a national holiday. If you’re heading downtown Friday, either for the game, celebrating, or work (so sorry), here’s what you need to know. We’ll update with more info throughout the week.

Game Info

Time: Friday, April 7 at 1:10 p.m.

The Team: You’ll see a lot of familiar faces this year. Check in with Bless You Boys for all you need to know (and more) about the 2017 Detroit Tigers.

Opponent: The Boston Red Sox

Weather: Not great. Right now it looks like it will be in the 40s and grey.

Food: Yes, there’s a coney pizza. You don’t have to eat it, but it is an option. Here’s a rundown of the new options inside the park.

Parking: Going to the game or not, plan out where you’ll park ahead of time. We have a handy map. Many of the lots behind Fox Theater are a little torn up right now. There are also parking garages around - the city lists their municipal lots and garages, ranging from $10-30, here. The Tigers have also announced a partnership with Uber. There will be a drop-off, pick-up zone located on the northbound side of the I-75 service drive, between John R and Brush Street. More info can be found here.

Tickets/Ballpark Questions: Go! Have fun! Enjoy the game and find all the info you need here.

The Scene

While Opening Day welcomes springtime to Detroit, it often brings out the worst in people. Many parties will start as early as 8 a.m 7 a.m. You’ll see big parties in Corktown, downtown, and Eastern Market. Stay safe, stay smart. Call a cab or an Uber or a Lyft. Take the People Mover. Hydrate. Eat. Throw your trash in a proper receptacle.

Road Closures

Streets that will be closed around Comerica Park include:

• Brush from Madison to Montcalm
• Montcalm from Brush to Woodward
• Witherell from Montcalm to Adams
• Adams from Witherell to Brush

Taking the People Mover?

The closest stops to Comerica Park are Grand Circus Park and Broadway. It still costs $0.75 to ride.

What’s changed downtown since last season?

If you haven’t been downtown since the Tigers made a weak playoff run last September, you’ll notice quite a few changes near the park and elsewhere.

The QLINE

You’re likely to see a flashy red and white streetcar make its way up and down Woodward. The QLINE is currently in test mode, and it won’t open to the public until May 12. But you’ll see it, and it’s pretty great. You’ll also notice the stations, which are honestly looking pretty great.

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

FYI, DO NOT PARK ON THE RAILS! Seriously, we cannot say this enough. You do not want to get towed and/or a $650 ticket. Don’t park there. Seriously, we have a map. You’ll find parking.

The Little Caesars Arena

The Red Wings are about to play their last game at the Joe, and the Little Caesars Arena will be hot & ready for the 2017 season. It looks a lot different than it did last fall. It’s starting to look like a real arena. You’ll see a lot of construction there and around the area.

Directly across from Comerica Park, the Little Caesars World Headquarters is going up.

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

Feeling Nostalgic?

The old Tiger Stadium in Corktown is now completely torn up and will soon be the new headquarters for the Detroit Police Athletic League and youth baseball field, with residential rising around the area. It doesn’t look like the old ball field anymore. Keep it in your memories.

In Closing...

Have fun, stay safe, and eat ‘em up, Tigers. This could be our year.