Lions fans find alternative tailgates after Eastern Market event canceled

DETROIT (WXYZ) — With the Eastern Market partially closed before the Detroit Lions game Monday night, crowds are expected to increase downtown.

Eastern Market is partially closed after two men were killed in a shooting during a tailgating event inside Eastern Market’s Hangar 6. Eastern Market has canceled the tailgate for Monday. However, there are other ways to celebrate, like the VIP Tailgate which also takes place at Eastern Market.

“They’re going to find a place to be, maybe at home, but they’re going to find a place here to party,” said longtime Lions fan Tyrell Brown.

While Brown has to work, Natalie Lambert, who lives near Ford Field, wonders if she’ll join the fans downtown.

“I think I’m excited for some weekday craziness,” Lambert said. “I think on the weekend it can catch you off guard a little bit. I think I’m looking forward to seeing the action and the livelihoods. I think the city deserves more disruptions like that. It might be a little hectic, but I’m sure it will be worth it in the end.”

The Lions hype train is still going strong in Detroit. You can expect to feel all the Lions hype for the next home game.

“There’s always been that spirit, but it’s definitely stepped up this season,” Lambert said. “I just see the mass of people all in their Honolulu Blue heading towards Ford Field.”

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Eastern Market is a popular spot in downtown Detroit where hundreds of tailgaters like Marlene McFadden have set up shop for years.

“Which is a shame,” McFadden said. “I’ve been coming here for 17 years.”

Eastern Market has made the decision to cancel the upcoming tailgate out of respect for the victims’ families and to develop a new security strategy with the Detroit Police Department.

Crowds will now move outside the area, heading toward downtown venues and away from East Market businesses like Vivio’s, which have historically relied on the busiest game days.

“It’s unfortunate that they’re making changes, but I understand them. But I want people to know that we’re open. We’re running two shuttles to the game, we’re going to do our normal football business,” he said. David said. Zarkin, who works at Vivio.

Detroit Police Cmdr. Matthew Fulgenz says as they expect larger crowds downtown, people will likely see more officers in the area Monday evening.

“We are ready. We will have additional staff downtown. This is a tiered approach to our anti-crime strategy,” Fulgenz said.

With officers inside Ford Field and downtown in uniform and plainclothes, they encourage people to come.

“Downtown is extremely safe. There is no need to mix alcohol and guns. We are here, we are here to support the community. Also be responsible when it comes to parking. Don’t leave your unattended firearms,” Fulgenz said.

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There will be a lot of traffic, but DPD is confident it will be a safe one.