USAT: Lions Wire audio clip

USAT: Lions Wire

Mar 30, 2022

With the news that the Buffalo Bills are going forward with plans to construct a new stadium, the questions about the long-term viability of the home of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field, start getting louder. Ford Field opened in 2002, which might not seem like a long time. But in football stadium years, it’s now among the older venues. - The Chicago Bears are moving out of Soldier Field in the immediate future. Buffalo’s new stadium, when it opens, will push Detroit’s downtown stadium firmly into the older half of the league’s facilities. - When asked about the possibility of replacing an aging Ford Field or continuing to make upgrades and modifications to the existing stadium, Lions team president Rod Wood expressed confidence in Ford Field’s location and adaptability. - “We’ll probably have to do some additional updates along the way,” Wood said. “I think the location is hard to compete with.” - The biggest current issue? Parking, according to Wood. - “Parking is an issue sometimes, with being landlocked (in downtown Detroit). But with what’s going on downtown, we’re in a perfect spot.” - The Lions poured over $100 million into modernizing Ford Field in 2017, including a massive new state-of-the-art scoreboard, better sound system, upgraded club seating level and restaurants inside the stadium. Wood talked about some possible changes to help keep the aging venue feeling fresh and in step with the newer constructions going on around the league. - “There’s some discussion about what’s the right size for seating bowls now,” Wood explained. “A lot of teams are taking seats out … there might be some things to take seats out and create different viewing options. Those are all things that we’re thinking about.” - Wood was asked a follow-up question on the idea of removing seats. - “It could be some of the upper-bowl seats and creating party areas. We did that a little bit with the Miller Lite taproom when we did the (2017) renovation.” - Having an open-area standing room with high-top tables is something several newer stadiums have incorporated with very positive receptions, notably in AT&T Stadium in suburban Dallas and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. - As for 2022, Wood did hint at some “tweaks” to the concession options and the team store inside Ford Field. - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Lions Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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