7 Tips for Visiting Comerica Park, Home of the Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park, home to the Detroit Tigers, really knows how to make a memorable fan experience. From the distinctive Tiger entrance gate, to the iconic Tiger Carousel, the whole stadium is a feast for the eyes. Read on to find out our top 7 family friendly tips for visiting Comerica Park!

Tip 1: Go Early & Walk around the Perimeter

The gates to Comerica Park open 90 minutes prior to the game start time. If you are running late, make sure you get a picture by Gate A. This gate can is very crowded with picture seekers, so I recommend going to Gate A before the gates open, and then taking a leisurely tour around the perimeter of the park to see all the gates. While Gate A has the “wow” factor, the other gates are so unique that you will want to see them all!

Tip 2: Know the Bag Policy

Comerica Park has adopted a stricter bag policy. When we entered the park, the gate attendant informed us that we couldn’t bring in our soft cooler backpack and questioned my camera kit as well.

Eventually, we were allowed in, due in part to the fact that our cooler was loaded with food for our son with nut allergies. But I’m not sure what we would have done if we were not allowed in with our bags.

Our advice is to keep your bags small, and bring multiple smaller soft coolers. You can see the bag policy by clicking here.

Tip 3: Walk around the Concourse

The Tigers have put some unique statues and memorabilia throughout the concourse. If you are a sucker for photo-ops like me, you can’t help yourself when confronted with the Mickey Mouse Detroit Tiger statue or the Cabrera Bobblehead in Big Cat Court. My kids were so over pictures by the time we made the loop, but I have no self control when it comes to kitschy moments.

Tip 4: You can’t miss the Carousel and Ferris Wheel

The Tigers are next level when it comes to their Carousel and Ferris Wheel. If you enter through the iconic Gate A and make a left (and get some of the awesome photo-ops I mentioned before), you will see the carnival for the eyes called Big Cat Court in Section 119. The star of this area is the Carousel featuring exclusively tigers, of course!

After leaving the Big Cat Court, if you head over to section 131 and take a ride on the Baseball Ferris Wheel! How cool is that?

INSIDER TIP: While the batting cage and pitching games seemed fun, these are similar to other areas at MLB parks that are free. We skipped these attractions at this park.

Tip 5: Pay Attention to the Scoreboard & Chevrolet Water Fountain

The Tigers have an amazing scoreboard! Not only is it huge with lots of stats, there are also tigers perched on top of the scoreboard. When the Detroit Tigers score a run, the scoreboard tiger eye’s will light up and fans will hear a ferocious growl. My kids loved it, although I will say that during a sunny day game, it is impossible to see the eyes light up.

Unfortunately, the Tigers did not hit any homers or make any outstanding plays during our day game, but if this does happen the Chevrolet Fountain will shoot off “liquid” fireworks. I wish we could have seen this!

INSIDER TIP: This day game was sunny and hot, and the stadium only has a few shaded seats. If you are going to a Tigers game during the day, consider getting seats in the last few rows of upper tier. Click here to see some great seating tips from Rate Your Seats.

Tip 6: Don’t miss the Chevrolet Mascot Race

Move over Hot Dogs & Presidents, my kids loved the Chevrolet Mascot Race! With witty names and colorful costumes, this was a favorite Tigers inning break for my kids!

Tip 7: Visit the Tiger Legends in Left Field

If you go to left field, you will walk through statues of Tiger legends. Our favorite was the great Al Kaline, who was actually born and raised in our hometown of Baltimore!

INSIDER TIP: We actually went to the statues after the game ended, so there were no crowds and incredible photo ops.

We loved how Comerica Park made sure that a visit to their stadium was unique and special. At every turn there is something amusing for the eye, and as I will share with you in a future post, Detroit is an amazing city with a lot to offer families during your visit!