The Lions are on the road for the first time during the 2024 NFL postseason, facing the 49ers in the NFC championship game at Levi’s Stadium for the right to go to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas.
Still, the city of Detroit showed up in full force to cheer on their team in the friendly facilities of Ford Field.
The Lions chose to host an NFC Championship Game watch party at Ford Field after Detroit won each of its first two games of the 2024 playoffs at the venue. Fox frequently showed the raucous party at the Lions’ indoor stadium during its coverage of the NFC championship game.
It certainly looked like the Lions faithful were having a good time as their team took an early lead in San Francisco.
FOLLOW LIVE: 49ers host Lions in 2024 NFC Championship Game
Here’s what you need to know about the Detroit watch party, including how many attended the fan event and some scenes from it.
Ford Field NFC Championship Viewing Party
Fans enthusiastically welcomed the Lions’ plans to host the NFC Championship Game watch party. Tickets for the event sold out just 12 hours after originally being available to season ticket holders, according to the detroit news.
Once they were available to the general public, they sold out within five hours.
As expected, Lions fans went all out to enjoy the party. Many were dressed in the suits and suits they would normally wear if the Lions had been on the field in front of them.
Cheers echoed through the stadium early and often even before the game began, shortly after 6:30 p.m. ET.
TALK TO THEM @FORDFIELD#AllValue pic.twitter.com/TcK4ZieJBT
– Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 28, 2024
Just arrived at Ford Field for the Detroit Lions/SF 49ers Watch Party! Come on! #GoLions pic.twitter.com/NbIp2kuQOR
—Anthony Bradley (@drantbradley) January 28, 2024
And once Jameson Williams scored the first touchdown to give the Lions a 7-0 lead, fans erupted in celebration.
Ford Field is at FULL THROTTLE ?
Fans erupt after Detroit Lions score opening touchdown in #NFCCChampionship game against the 49ers pic.twitter.com/w2zllO5t1K– Coy Wire (@CoyWire) January 28, 2024
It seemed like the entire bottom plate of the watch party was filled with Lions fans. The team did not open the upper deck to fans, but the cheers could still be easily heard from the stadium’s press box.
He @Lions Watch the party break out during Jameson Williams’ opening touchdown! #AllValue
?: @lilyalta pic.twitter.com/ZmII0bxyMY
– Detroit Free Press (@freep) January 28, 2024
The watch party gave Fox a good overview as the Lions took an early lead and controlled the first half of the game. The network frequently cut to the stadium to show Detroit’s elation over how the team was playing as it attempted to reach the Super Bowl for the first time.
Ford Field loves this start for the Lions! pic.twitter.com/I9AOU5kFoD
– FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 29, 2024
The Detroit faithful should only get more screen time as the Lions look to earn their first NFC championship game win.
Attendance at Ford Field today
The Lions have not officially announced an attendance figure for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game viewing party. However, based on ticket sales, the team expected “the crowd to easily exceed 20,000 fans.”
Based on photos and videos of the event, it appears the Lions’ estimate was accurate.
How many seats are there at Ford Field?
Ford Field can host between 65,000 and 70,000 fans for football-related events, depending on how the stadium is configured, according to official stadium website.
The stadium does not have capacity for its lower bowl, which appeared to be the only section open for the NFC championship game viewing party.
