A sure sign of spring is the home opener for the Detroit Tigers. An unofficial local holiday, the game will bring tens of thousands to the city to enjoy the town and celebrate the team.

Whether it's the controversy over the giant LED Tigers sign over the video board being removed and replaced with "Comerica Park," the removal of the "keyhole" between home plate and the pitcher's mound, or the addition of a luxury heated (and cooled) seating section, this year has a number of changes at the ballpark.

But let's talk about home opening day itself — April 4, 2025 with game time at 1:10pm against the Chicago White Sox. Actor and Comedian Keegan-Michael Key will throw out the first pitch.

Me and Devon O'Reilly talked about all of this on our Friday podcast, but here's a rundown of some key things to know. First, three kind of "evergreen" things and second, specific events.

This is a morning and day event. Yes, a few stick around for dinner and drinks afterward, but the bulk of the action is going to be from say 9am-1pm. This year opening day is on a Friday, so there might be a few more who say longer, but generally the party is during the day.

Earlier the better when it comes to your parking (and party) spot. Depending on the weather, parking will become harder and more expensive the closer it is to game time.

If you want to save some bucks, use your Chevrolegs and walk. When it comes to parties, stuff will fill up fast. As Devon said in our podcast episode — he's been to every opening day since he was 21 — try and get to your final landing spot around 10am.

Please respect the downtown neighborhood like your own. I'm guessing most of you, dear readers, wouldn't trash your own front yards — so don't trash ours.

None of the events below are sponsored, they're just what we've found and were sent by our Daily Detroit podcast listeners.

Tigers Opening Day events

Grand Circus Park will be turned into a large block party and tailgate. There will be food trucks including Little Caesars Pizza, Bert’s BBQ, and others. Plus:

• Drinks from the Molson Coors Draft Trailer and Happy Thursday Bar (Fans ages 21+)
• 97.1 The Ticket pregame show
• Performances from local DJs and artists
• Games including cornhole, giant Jenga, Plinko and speed pitching stations

Opening Day Tailgate at the Whiskey Factory. Detroit City Distillery (DCD) will open the gates of their Whiskey Factory just off Gratiot Avenue in Eastern Market to host a special tailgate party. 

If you go and park there, you'll get a $2 discount off your first cocktail. Stuff to do includes cornhole, ladder ball, baseball toss, music and cocktails served from DCD’s Airstream Bar. This runs from 9am to 1pm, and you can find it at 1000 Maple Street in Detroit.

Might have to stop by just for the Airstream, TBH.  

Firebird Tavern in Greektown is bringing back their tent party. This one runs from 9am to 9pm if you're looking for something after the game. Plus, they've got a pair of giant screens if you don't have a ticket. Food from Pablo's Tacos and Bro's Burger Joint, and of course, the drinks. 419 Monroe. Only a few tickets are left.

The Brakeman & Penny Red's are opening at 9am. They say they'll have craft beer, seasonal cocktails, and food from Penny Red's (chicken). This will be another place you can watch the game on screens if you don't have a ticket and will be open afterward, as well. 22 John R., Detroit.

Parlay has a boatload of big TVs (more than 25, they say). I went there for the first time the other day, and between their bar in the center, the long Broadway-style sports news ticker, and lots of seats — I see why some of my friends have been saying good things about it. I did not count the number of TVs, though. They'll be open from 9am 'til 2am on Washington Boulevard, across from the Book Tower. [Instagram]

Get an Eye of the Tiger sundae at Mister Dips. This has a Tigers orange shell, sprinkles, and served up in a keepsake baseball helmet. Mister Dips is in Parker's Alley, just off Grand River behind the Shinola Hotel. Not gonna lie, I might end up doing this. I am a sucker for novelty ice cream.

Pure Michigan has opened a new 24/7 store called Corktown Place in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's Concourse A.

The store was developed in partnership with Paradies Lagardère (they're behind branded shops like the Today and CNBC stores you'll find at airports) and the Wayne County Airport Authority.

Corktown Place offers travelers a Michigan-made brands like Cherry Republic, The Mitten State, Murdick's Fudge, and Stormy Kromer, along with Detroit-based products from City Bird, McClures, and Hell Fire Detroit, the store aims to give visitors an authentic taste of the Great Lakes State.

....if you've ever wanted an artisanal pickle at 1am after a long flight, you're now covered.

One more thing

Awhile back I had the distinct pleasure of talking with cocktail slingers Allison Everitt and Jonny Brill on the podcast.

Well, they've moved on and are doing some of their own collabs now. Tomorrow night (Sunday, March 30) is a pop-up called "Fast Friends" that will be at The Upright. That's the underground bar beneath Oak and Reel at 2921 East Grand Boulevard, a few blocks off Woodward. Starts at 5pm and runs 'til 11pm. [Link]

The Fast Friends concept is interesting, as it's a bartender-driven pop-up with the idea that the best hospitality experiences are created by professionals, not profiteers.

That ties into something I've learned over the years. For the best experiences — follow the talent.

Our 2025 Spring Survey has wrapped up and we had some very interesting and useful responses. I'll share more details in a future, dedicated note — but I am humbled by the kind words and will continue to honor the responsibility of your trust to call'em how I see'em without fear or favor.

Here's our feedback form if you've got specific ideas, constructive feedback, or things you'd like us to cover.

For now, thanks for reading. Remember that you are somebody, and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer