‘Football is back’: Detroit Lions fans gather for tailgate party on Dundas Place

Detroit Lions fans gather for tailgate party on Dundas Place.

As the Detroit Lions drumline Honolulu Boom performed, and cheerleaders lead a dance party, hundreds of football fans enjoyed the tailgate party on Dundas Place.

It’s the second annual Lions watch party, but instead of December, this time they came for the season opener.

Fans then poured into Canada Life Place to watch the Lions take on the Green Bay Packers.

“I’ve been a Lions fan since the 1970s when they weren’t that good,” said Brad Erskine of London, who attended the tailgate party. “There wasn’t many of us walking around wearing these jerseys, but now it’s great to see all the fans wearing the gear.”

The lineup to get a photo with the mascot Roary was long and nearby fans threw cornhole bags and footballs into a target net.

“We’re from Sarnia, so it was very easy to be able to come up here and to enjoy the day and to the atmosphere with everybody and to just have a good time and celebrate the Lions,” said Tonya Furtado.

Her husband Nelson was excited to support his team with fellow fans.

“You think you’re the only one and being where we are,” said Nelson. “It’s nice to hang out with other people and support the team and have a good time.”

The Lions have been trying to expand their reach into Canada.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day,” said Ellen Trudell, senior manager of corporate employee communication for the Lions. “There were people here before the tailgate even opened. When we rolled up to see people with their Lions gear head to toe, we’ve even got some super fans in the crowd that are dressed up in costumes. The line for it to visit our Mascot is like wrapped around, and this this makes it feel like football is back.”