- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- Address: 2100 Woodward Avenue
- Capacity: 41,255
- Preceded By: Tiger Stadium
- Year Opened: 2000
- Occupants: Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers played their first game in 1901 at Bennett Field in downtown Detroit in front of a crowd of 8,500 enthusiastic fans. After 10 years in the tiny venue, the Tigers moved into their very own stadium, Tigers Stadium, which is one of the most hallowed venues in sports history. Though it had its fair share of problems like obstructed views and an overhang in right field that led to some very questionable home runs, Tigers fans formed a strong bond with the ballpark that continued until it closed in 1999. In 2000, the spectacular Comerica Park opened in downtown Detroit with spectacular amenities that helped fans move on from Tigers Stadium.
With a capacity of 40,950, Comerica Park is a bit smaller than its predecessor but boasts an array of modern amenities that few ballparks can match. The venue is located in downtown Detroit and is within easy access of major highways and public transportation systems. Upon entering the stadium grounds, fans are greeted by the Comerica Carousel. Featuring 30 hand-painted tigers, the ride is the jewel of the food court area and is surrounded by small memorabilia shops, bars, and restaurants. On the other side of the stadium, fans can enjoy the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, a 50-foot structure with cars that are shaped like baseballs. Each car can seat up to five fans and is also wheelchair accessible.
Stadium planners also incorporated "liquid fireworks " into the centerfield wall. These colorful visual displays can be synchronized to music and are meant to celebrate home runs and other pivotal plays. Unlike Tigers Stadium, Comerica Park is jam-packed with luxury boxes, air-conditioned lounges, and even an authentic Beer Hall featuring a 70-foot long bar and dozens of domestic and international beers on tap. Additionally, fans can take pictures with one of six unique statues around the stadium of Tigers greats Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, Willie Horton, Ty Cobb, Hal Newhouser, and Al Kaline.
While there are certainly plenty of things to do in and around the stadium, the real treat on game days is seeing the Tigers take the field. Energized by their appearance in the World Series in 2006 and their most recent division championship in 2011, the Detroit Tigers have quickly built themselves into one of the American League's biggest contenders for the World Series crown.