Fans are finding ways to celebrate the Lions ahead of the game despite the tailgate being canceled

DETROIT (WXYZ) — In an empty parking lot in downtown Detroit, Jacob Leinke and his friend Phillip Schumann fired up a barbecue before a Lions game.

The team will face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, the first Monday home game of the season.

Leinke and Schumann say they have been fans since they could walk and have had season tickets for several seasons.

“We are season ticket holders. Whenever we have a night game, we get here as early as possible. We also try to get up quite early for morning matches.” Schumann said.

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The two were the first to arrive Monday morning, driving into town all the way from Genesee County.

“Growing up, my sisters wore cheerleading uniforms, I wore Lion uniforms. I had pillows, teddy bears, you name it.” Leinke said.

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Even though the Midtown party got off to an early start, the usual venue for the event, the Eastern Market, will look a little different on game day. After a fatal shooting a few weeks ago, Detroit police and Eastern Market decided to cancel Monday’s tailgate.

“We’re not expecting terribly large crowds. We have heard from many people that they respect our requests not to close the trunk today and that they express great support for this decision. So we think people will go out and hang out like a normal Saturday night and celebrate the lions.” – said Katy Trudeau, president of the Eastern Market Partnership.

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Detroit police and Eastern Market are currently working to develop a safety plan to restore the tradition of tailgating. In the meantime, fans can expect to see more plainclothes and uniformed officers in and around downtown Detroit during Monday’s game.

Eastern Market employees say there’s still work to be done with a VIP tailgate opening Monday afternoon at Shed 5 and area bars like Eastern Market Brewing Co. still planning noise and promotions.

“We’re usually not open on Mondays. Tonight we’re making an exception. So we will be open today from 4 p.m. and we will have $19 pitchers of Brand New Lager.” said Pauline Prueter of Eastern Market Brewery.

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Prueter says trivia will also be held at their downtown location, Elephant and Co. Detroit, where the game will also be played.

“People don’t really realize how many bars and breweries there are in Eastern Market, and they’re all within walking distance,” Prueter said. “You can still come to the area where tailgating usually takes place, but maybe this time you can actually visit some of the local businesses.”

Fans say that no matter what the pre-game celebrations look like, one pride will be there in full force.

“Ford Field will be roaring like it always has,” Leinke said.

Eastern Market says it hopes to bring back the tailgate tradition with improved safety measures for the Oct. 27 home game.

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