DETROIT — As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2023 NFL season, Ford Field is set to tantalize fans with an impressive lineup of new culinary offerings. This year, the stadium will feature everything from stacked Bloody Marys to loaded fries, sweet treats, and even wearable frozen cocktails, enhancing the game day experience for attendees.
On Wednesday, the Lions, in partnership with hospitality provider Levy, showcased these new and returning food items to local food and sports media. Executive chef Matt Coleman expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of the Food Passport, a new initiative that encourages fans to sample various dishes and mark them off on a scorecard. Participants will have the chance to win Lions merchandise and autographed memorabilia, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
"We’re building on the success of our Drink of the Game Passport from previous seasons," Coleman noted, now entering his fourth season as the chef at Ford Field. "This year, we’re introducing the Food Passport, which highlights the diverse neighborhoods of Detroit through food. We’ve curated about eight different neighborhoods that reflect the city’s rich culinary culture."
Among the exciting new dishes are Greektown loaded falafel tots, Corktown corned beef nachos, and Poletown mini kielbasa hoagies, alongside Dearborn loaded shawarma fries. These selections celebrate the vibrant food scene in Detroit, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity.
Ford Field is also partnering with local restaurants to bring even more flavor to the stadium. Xav's Jammin Caribbean Fusion, located in Section 135, will offer jerk chicken wings and a variety of loaded fries topped with shrimp, jerk chicken, or a vegan black bean option. Owner and chef Xavier Jaramillo emphasized the fusion of Jamaican and Latin flavors in their offerings, including jerk chicken empanadas and gluten-free options.
Paradise Street Eats & Biryani, another local favorite, will be serving flavorful butter chicken tacos, which feature tender meat, crunchy slaw, and a soft roti-style taco shell. Fans can find this culinary delight in Section 235 and at the Fifth Third Gridiron Club on Level 3.
For those with a sweet tooth, Berkley’s Bombshell Treat Bar in Section 124 will offer a loaded sweet and salty ice cream bar, featuring chocolate-dipped ice cream topped with caramel, pretzels, and potato chips, perfect for indulging during the game.
In keeping with the spirit of affordability, Ford Field aims to provide concessions at reasonable prices. A $12.99 kids meal includes a choice of a turkey and cheddar sandwich or two chicken tenders, along with chips, a cookie, and a drink. Adults can enjoy the F-150 Tailgate Combo, which includes an Italian sausage or bratwurst with chips, also priced at $12.99. These value meals can be found at the newly introduced "Deals in the Den Marketplaces" located in sections 227 and 242.
For fans looking to splurge, the bar will feature a unique souvenir cup shaped like the Lions logo, dubbed the "frozen wearable," priced at $49.99 plus the cost of the frozen alcoholic beverage. There’s also a "cooler cup" resembling a large barrel water cooler available for an additional $19.99 with any alcoholic drink purchase.
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