Detroit Tigers fans, it's Opening Day!
Whether you're planning to come to downtown Detroit for the baseball game or just to hang out with fellow fans in public and private spaces, Detroit police and fire representatives say they are prepared to keep the area — and your experience — a safe one.
Hundreds of thousands of people, including some from other states, are expected to be in and around Comerica Park, with folks starting to file in as early as 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Friday for the annual tradition, authorities say.
Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, said last year there was a 4% increase in attendance for Opening Day over 2023, and he believes that number will be exceeded this year.
While it's hard to put a direct economic impact number on Opening Day, he said, events such as the Detroit Grand Prix, a three-day event, has about $75 million of economic impact and $135 million of regional economic impact. Plus, there is repeat business to bars and restaurants, adding "it's hundreds of millions of dollars that these events represent to our local community, to our small businesses and to those who are investing in the city."
Detroit Assistant Police Chief Franklin Hayes said Thursday that authorities have a comprehensive safety plan that will be "highly visual" and have officers present throughout the city, including in neighborhoods, as well as with "members that you cannot see, just to ensure the safety of all."
"We will have more than enough first responders out here in these public spaces to ensure that everyone has a great day, a great Opening Day," he said during a news conference in Grand Circus Park, the site of Detroit's official Opening Day party, just steps away from the ...
