The Detroit Tigers will open the 2021 season with a home game against the Cleveland Indians on April 1st at 1:10 PM and opening day in the D has never looked quite like this. With COVID protocols still in place, baseball fans are looking for ways to celebrate Tiger’s first pitch of the 2021 season safely.
A true Detroit tradition, Tigers Opening Day is usually laced with bar crawls, restaurants at capacity, and a sea of orange and blue coating the streets of downtown. However, Detroit Tigers canceled the 2020 season due to the pandemic. While this season is seeing less severe restrictions, COVID is still causing party-goers to reconsider their typical Opening Day plans.
Despite restrictions, some baseball fans are keeping the tradition alive. While the Detroit police force has banned all tailgating in the downtown area, some bars and restaurants will offer limited capacity for fans looking to get out and enjoy what will hopefully be the Tigers’ first win of the season.
The Tin Roof, a downtown staple for baseball lovers, will hold an Opening Day celebration complete with three DJs beginning at 9 a.m.; the bar’s website lists a full breakdown of the day’s events with the festivities wrapping up at 11 p.m., the city’s curfew per the State of Michigan.
Also opening at 9 a.m. is Elwood Bar & Grill. Located on Adams, walking distance from the stadium, the trendy spot will welcome baseball enthusiasts at a limited capacity. Hosting live from the restaurant, radio station WCSX, there will be an outdoor space available to allow more room and social distancing.
For those looking to get in on the action but steer clear of the hustle and bustle of the areas surrounding the stadium, Tex-Mex restaurant Calexico located on Woodward in the heart of downtown Detroit is accepting fans for the home opener. On the restaurant’s Facebook page, Opening Day celebrations will include tacos, margaritas, and loads of baseball.
The Anchor Bar on Fort Street opened its doors again just in time for the Opening Day celebrations. Advertising its reopening date for late March, the bar will be ready just in time to serve up $2 hot dogs and $3 shots. The bar will also have a live DJ and additional specials. There will also be limited seating and availability to adhere to COVID guidelines. The Anchor Bar will open at 10 a.m.
The Greektown Entertainment Complex will host a massive party in its entertainment district. With three nightclubs, two restaurants, and over 12 DJs slated to participating, the multi-block long party will require just one ticket but will allow you to access all events in that space. At each of the participating venues, Loco’s Tex-Mex Grille, Niki’s Pizza, The Gold Room, Niki’s Lounge, The Champagne Room, Dream Nightclub, and Bouzouki Nightclub, COVID protocols will be enforced with each venue having a maximum capacity. Complete with a host of food and drink options and specials, the Greektown complex is sure to keep Detroit Tigers fans in full swing.
The Detroit Police Department will be on hand to ensure bars and restaurants are enforcing COVID protocols and regulations, including wearing masks, while maintaining their maximum capacities. Foot Patrol will work to disperse crowds as gathering near or around the stadium will be strictly forbidden.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued directives that will allow for a 50 percent reduction in restaurant capacities with a limit of 100 people, and outdoor events will be maxed at 300 occupants.
Pitching the first game of the 2021 season against the Cleveland Indians, the Tigers will welcome 8,200 fans into Comerica Park. At just 20 percent of its total capacity, patrons will be adequately spaced apart, and COVID guidelines will be strictly enforced. In addition to social distancing measures, the stadium will also implement touchless mobile tickets and cashless transactions for food and beverage.
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