ford field stadium tours

• Skip to content
• Accessibility
• Buy Tickets

Stadium Tours

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Additional menu

The Stadiums Guide

Ford Field: Home of the Detroit Lions

posted on April 8th 2023 by Charmaine Cortes // last updated on April 18th 2023

Welcome to Ford Field, the iconic home of the Detroit Lions, situated in the bustling heart of downtown Detroit.

This modern, state-of-the-art stadium has been a symbol of pride and resurgence for the city and its loyal fans since its inauguration.

Ford Field serves as the ultimate destination for Lions supporters and sports enthusiasts alike, providing a thrilling game-day experience that combines cutting-edge facilities, exhilarating energy, and an atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of this beloved football team.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Ford Field, exploring its fascinating history, impressive features, and insider tips to ensure your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.

Whether you’re a devoted Lions fan or a curious visitor, Ford Field promises an unforgettable experience that will have you eagerly anticipating your return.

So, put on your Honolulu blue and silver, and get ready to dive into the captivating world of Detroit Lions football!

Ford Field: Key Facts

Where is ford field located, the best way to get to ford field, parking near ford field, the best restaurants near ford field, the best bars near ford field, the best hotels near ford field, the history of ford field, where to get tickets for ford field, does ford field offer tours.

Ford Field is an enclosed and domed-off football stadium in Detroit. It is the biggest stadium in Detroit and home to the world-renowned Detroit Lions. 

A football team that has been in the NFL since 1929 when they were formed. Initially, they were called the Portsmouth Spartans of Portsmouth; later, in 1934, they were rebranded and repurposed as the Detroit Lions. The name was precisely chosen to symbolize the “King of the jungle,” the lion. 

They have won four NFL championships. First, one against the New York Giants in 1935, then against the Cleveland Browns in 1952, 1953, and 1957. Ever since their last win, they have been struggling to compete against other teams in the NFL.

They have had some very successful players, including Bobby Layne, Earl “Dutch” Clark, Doak Walker, Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and many more. They have overcome many challenges and had many career accomplishments with the Detroit Lions. 

Apart from the triumphant players, the Detroit Lions have many celebrities as their fans, including Bob Seger, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kid Rock.

Other facts

It has an impressive capacity of 65,000 seats which can be expanded to 70,000 for football games and 78,000 for basketball games. It was by many experts ranked in the top half of best stadiums in the U.S., coming in at 15th place. 

The stadium’s record-breaking seating attendance was 80,103 during the WrestleMania 23 event, which was held in 2007.

This stadium is the current home of the Detroit Lions; it was opened in 2002 and held its first football game on the 24th of August 2002 when they hosted the Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

The stadium comprises 1.85 million square feet of area, with four suites and a whole level for club seating—an entire level, the ground floor, reserved for restaurants, concessions, and retail.

Besides the football games, Ford Field hosts many other events, including the Quick Lane Bowl, concerts, banquets, trade shows, business meetings, and conventions. It boasts an average yearly attendance of an estimated 1.5 million.

Ford Field is located in the center of downtown Detroit, neighboring Comerica Park. Right on the border between the U.S. and Canada; technically inside the U.S., but a mere 10 minutes from entering Canada. 

To get to Canada, the neighboring city of Windsor, you can take the Detroit-Windsor tunnel highway system, which is no more than a five-minute drive from Ford Field. Besides Comerica Park, Ford Field is near the Detroit Opera House and Fox Theatre.

Additional information

No matter the location that you are at, you always have plenty of options for transport to Ford Field. Some of the best ones are:

Driving directions

Downtown detroit.

Suppose you are in downtown Detroit. From Monroe St., take a left to get to Randolph St., take the first right on Gratiot Ave., then left to get on Brush St., continue going forward, and you will see Ford Field on your right. 

Windsor, Canada

Suppose you are coming from Windsor, Canada. Take the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, which will directly lead you to Randolph St., where you want to continue forward for approximately 2,000 feet. 

Then turn right to get on Gratiot Ave., continuing from this point on by using the previous and above-mentioned points.

Fisher Freeway

Head northeast on I-75 N, merge toward downtown onto I-375 S, exit toward Lafayette Ave., turn right onto Macomb St., turn right again onto St Antoine, then continue forward for 2000 feet, where on your left, you will see Ford Field.

Gratiot Ave. or Eastern Market

Head southwest on Gratiot Ave. toward Brewster St., keep left on Gratiot Ave., then turn right onto Brust St. Going forward, you will see Ford Field on your right.

I-75 S to Ford Field

Continue going southeast on I-75 S, then forward on I-375 S. Here, use the left lane to take the Madison Ave. exit. Finally, turn right on St. Antoine, then continue forward for 2,000 feet, where you will see Ford Field on your left.

Public transport

Since it is very close, you have two options; bus and taxi. The better option is a taxi, which is way faster, but the cheaper one is a bus. 

To go by bus, take line 6 or 40 bus. There should be one every 20 minutes. The bus costs around $1-$3 and is usually a five-minute ride. Taking a taxi will take around two minutes of driving and cost around $4-$6.

The area of Eastern Market

Coming from the area of Eastern Market again, you only have three options—bus, taxi, and subway. You can take the Line 40 bus for $2 and an eight-minute ride or a taxi for $5-$6 and a drive of three minutes. 

The Subway 6 Gratiot will take you around four minutes, and it will cost $2. The subway will leave you off at Gratiot & St Antoine, then continue on St. Antoine, and you will reach Ford Field in less than five minutes of walking.

Woodbridge, Jeffries, or North Corktown

Suppose you are in Woodbridge, Jeffries, or North Corktown. You can take the 3 Grand River subway for $2. But be wary that you must walk for about 12 minutes from Grand River & Times Sq. to Ford Field. 

Moreover, you can take the line 3 bus, but again you will have to walk for about 15 minutes from Grand River & First to Ford Field for a price of $2 and a five-minute ride. A taxi is always an option which, in this case, seems like the best option to take you directly to Ford Field for a price of $7-$9 and a five-minute drive.

Because Ford Field is located next to Comerica Park, they share plenty of parking lots. You can visit their website to book your parking beforehand, which will redirect you to ParkWhiz.

Ford Field Parking Deck

The closest parking to Ford Field with around 1,000 spots, some of which are disabled spots. This parking garage allows for cash, cards, and even contactless payment. Access to the garage is generally open around four hours before an event or game.

McLaren Garage

Although the McLaren garage is closer to Comerica Park, it is within a three-minute walking distance from Ford Field. The garage is clean, and the spaces aren’t too narrow. On the way out, you can take a picture with the lion in front of Comerica Park. 

It has around 900 spots, some of which are disabled spots. It allows for a card or contactless payment. Flat rates for the garage are $8, and monthly rates are $135. 

Other options nearby

• Lot 4 , directly in front of Ford Field.
• Lot 5 , behind Lot 4 but extremely close to the entrances of Ford Field.
• The parking lot around Ford Field Parking Deck
• Tigers Parking Garage , next to McLaren Garage and in between Comerica Park and Ford Field.

Harbor House Detroit 

Harbor House Detroit is a seafood & steak restaurant based in a building circa 1905—brick walls with a classy interior design and unique mosaic chandeliers. 

Included inside is a bar with plenty of seating available, but unfortunately, there is no outside seating available. The ambiance is relaxing, and the cuisine is great. An all-around solid restaurant with a meat-based menu.

Vertical Detroit

Vertical Detroit is a formal restaurant located not too far from Ford Field. The restaurant offers an extensive wine and drink menu that complements the American small-plate dishes. 

This restaurant is decorated with a beautiful brick interior with an extensive wine cellar implemented in the wall. They allow for outside and inside seating, but delivery is not available.

Mom’s Spaghetti

One of the most unique and fabulous restaurants in Detroit just for its interior design. This restaurant does not boast a decadent menu nor rich or modern interior or exterior details. 

The entire restaurant is a tribute or somewhat of a museum for the world-renowned rapper Eminem. The restaurant is full of replicas and clothes he has worn, like a trip through his history. 

The menu mainly consists of spaghetti cuisine, hence the name and the famous Eminem lyrics.

Hockeytown Cafe

Hockeytown Cafe is a sports bar with Red Wings memorabilia. It is a high-energy bar with big screens that offers burgers and light meals. 

You will find an extensive drink menu and an exceptional interior design there. Classic motorbikes attached to walls, in displays, and in their rustic but tasteful interior design. Although this is a bar, they have a menu offering various meals and desserts.

Brass Rail Pizza Bar

Brass Rail Pizza Bar is a classic sports bar full of TV screens. Wooden interior with a menu full of pretty much every drink you can name and beer on tap. They have light meals, dishes, clever pies, burgers, and more. 

Friendly vibe with amiable staff and fast service. And, of course, many different types of pizzas.

Elwood Bar & Grill 

This bar is across the street from Ford Field and the perfect spot to stop before or after a game. You will regret not visiting this bar for its attractive interior and exterior design. It looks like it’s straight out of a kids’ cartoon. 

Delicious burgers and classic American fare coupled with a variety of drinks. Also, a relaxed atmosphere with friendly and welcoming staff.

Greektown Hotel

Greektown Hotel is a contemporary and modern 4-star hotel close to Ford Field and across the street from the above-mentioned Pegasus Taverna. 

A glass tower that overlooks most of the city skyline and offers one of the best views in Detroit. There you will find their casino and amenities such as a training center and gym, meeting, and business rooms, and, to go with it, all free Wi-Fi. 

You can find parking easily as they provide free parking in their private parking garage, which has more than 2,000 parking spots and is connected to the hotel. 

To enter the casino, guests have to go through a skywalk where they will find two restaurants, a bar, and plenty of casino games such as slots, tables, live poker, and much more.

Nearest to Ford Field, this hotel is one of the better options. It is well-priced and offers every amenity a hotel should. Customers are always left satisfied. For those coming in from out of town, this hotel provides an airport shuttle.

The Siren Hotel

A slightly more affordable hotel than the previous one is the Siren Hotel. It makes our list for its exciting and unusual interior design. Classy, vintage with picturesque colors put together tastefully.

You will find a retro cafe, a movie-like cocktail bar, and a high-end restaurant seating eight guests only. This hotel is pet-friendly and offers free Wi-Fi, while parking does have to be paid for. 

The location of this hotel is excellent; very close to the Opera House, downtown Detroit, Comerica Park, and Ford Field.

The history of Ford Field, although short, is plentiful. To play in their hometown, in 1996, intentions were expressed by the Lions to build their stadium and replace their then-home stadium, the Pontiac Silverdome. 

Construction began soon after, and the stadium was opened in August of 2002 when the first football game was held. The stadium’s first major concert was held in May, later that year, by the Rolling Stones. 

The stadium cost approximately $500 million or $753 million in 2021. The stadium had one major renovation in 2017, costing approximately $100 million.

This stadium has a rich history of hosting prestigious events. Concerning football, they hosted Super Bowl XL in 2006. In 2006 they hosted the then-largest crowd to attend a basketball game. 

An impressive number of 78,129 people watched a game of Basketball. Many other sports events have been held at Ford Field and hundreds of concerts with household-name singers or bands.

We cannot forget the Lions’ traditional game for Thanksgiving. A tradition that started in 1934 by their then owner George A. Richards. The Lions have played a football game every year on Thanksgiving day ever since.

Tickets for Ford Field can be acquired on their website or in person at the ticket office located next to the main entrance of Gate G on St. Antoine Street.

The ticket office opens at 10 a.m and closes at 6 p.m., and works Monday through Friday. But be wary that this timetable might not always be correct, so to ensure the working hours, you can contact them at 313.262.2008, fax at 313.262.2808, or email them at [email protected] .

For more ticket information, check out their website , detailing when to arrive and where not to park.

Ford Field offers three types of tours, which can be booked through either website or phone number (313) 262-2270 ).

Public Tour

Here, you will get a behind-the-scenes tour at a price of $10-$12 per person.

Private Groups Tour

A private behind-the-scenes tour at a price of $10-$12 per person. At least 25 people are required for this tour.

Take photos in a Luxury Suite and the Lions’ locker room.

Note: Be wary that most tours have very limited schedules. Contact information 313.262.2100, or email Chris Judd at [email protected]

As one of the older cities in the US, Detroit has a lot to offer. There is always something to see, do, try something new, and so on. Visiting is an experience worth having, and while there, you should always consider a Lions’ game. 

You might have the time of your life while there.

Charmaine Cortes

• Charmaine Cortes https://www.thestadiumsguide.com/author/charmaine/ How to Get to Smoothie King Center: A Comprehensive Yet Concise Navigation Guide
• Charmaine Cortes https://www.thestadiumsguide.com/author/charmaine/ How to Get to Paycom Center: A Quick Guide for Efficient Navigation
• Charmaine Cortes https://www.thestadiumsguide.com/author/charmaine/ How to Get to Wells Fargo Center: A Quick Guide for Efficient Navigation

Step Inside: Ford Field – Home of the Detroit Lions

• Copied to Clipboard

Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

Ford Field, home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions , sits in the heart of downtown Detroit across the street from Comerica Park, the home field of MLB’s Detroit Tigers, and near Little Caesars Arena, where both the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons play.

Ford Field opened in 2002 under the name of the team’s ownership family, as well as the automotive city’s flagship company. Its distinct domed structure is unique and the massive skylights and glass walls surrounding the stadium let abundant sunlight onto the field. The roof has provided crucial protection from the typical Midwestern elements, and has been used by NFL teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills as a substitute home field in the event of winter weather-related disruptions. The facility received a $100 million renovation in 2017.

Ford Field has been the site of numerous special events, including annual college football matchups like the Quick Lane Bowl and Mid-American Conference championship, Super Bowl XL in 2006 and Wrestlemania 23 in 2007, when the stadium reached a record capacity of 80,103 attendees. It has also hosted massive musical talents such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, U2 and Metallica.

Ford Field is located on 2000 Brush Street in downtown Detroit.

What events are coming up at Ford Field?

See upcoming events and  buy tickets for Ford Field  right here on Ticketmaster.

Loading Events

Ford Field History

Opened in 2002 and significantly renovated in 2017, Ford Field incorporates a former warehouse that was once the home to Detroit department store Hudson’s, which allows for a unique seating configuration at the stadium. Opened as part of the revitalization of downtown Detroit, Ford Stadium takes its name from Ford Motor Company, which has controlled ownership of the Lions franchise since 1961. The venue is home not only to NFL games, but a slew of concerts and other sporting events including United States Football League (USFL) games (as home to the Michigan Panthers), basketball games, wrestling championships, soccer matches and more.

In 2017, the $100-million stadium renovation featured an updated sound system for the entire venue, brand new video boards, upgraded suites and new concession stands.

Parking and Admission at Ford Field

Parking adjacent to Ford Field is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved in advance. Access to most parking facilities opens generally four hours before kickoff.

Ford Field Bag Policy

In accordance with the NFL’s clear bag policy, Ford Field allows guests to bring in one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12″ by x 6″ x 12″ or a one-gallon clear resealable bag as well as a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Seat cushions that are no bigger than 15″ x 15″ can be brought into the stadium, as can small umbrellas and medically necessary items. Backpacks, binocular and camera cases, fanny packs and diaper bags are not permitted, nor are strollers, drones, child seats, outside food and beverages of any kind or marijuana.

Ford Field Capacity & Seating Options

With a capacity of up to 70,000 people for football games, Ford Field offers an array of unique seating options. Because it houses the former Hudson warehouse, many of the suites are located inside the warehouse area. Most of the grandstand seats can be found along the northern sideline and both end-lines. Suites are also located on the upper deck of Ford Field’s northern sideline.

Ford Field also offers Soaring Eagle Dream Seats that include amenities such as views above the player’s tunnel, black leather recliners, personal HD LCD televisions, South Club access, complimentary food and drinks and more. Suite options include premium all-inclusive food and beverages, VIP parking and entrance, a dedicated service attendant and more. Suites are available for Lions games, concerts and other shows and special events.

Ford Field is one of the few NFL venues that has end zones in the east and the west.

What are the best seats at Ford Field?

The best seats at Ford Field vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Ford Field seating charts  and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Ford Field

For drink options, Coppercraft Distillery serves its unique brand of local, award-winning spirits and cocktails. And if you’re in a hurry, The Henry Ford Health System Concourse features a variety of quick stops for beer, cocktails and snacks located on the St. Antoine concourse.

• Step Inside the Venue

You Might Like

Arts & theatre, step inside: lena horne theatre, a venue worth losing your head over.

Divorced, beheaded, live! Home to the popular concert musical SIX, you’ll find the Lena Horne Theatre on the north end of Manhattan’s Theater District....

Step Inside: Great American Ball Park – Home of the Cincinnati Reds

Home of the Cincinnati Reds Great American Ball Park is a fitting name for one of MLB’s oldest franchises. It is the home of the Cincinnati Reds and offers f...

Step Inside: Coors Field – Home of the Colorado Rockies

Home of the Colorado Rockies Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies, is the ballpark venue most likely to take your breath. Located in Denver’s Lower Down...

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Ford Field Stadium Tour - Ford Field

• United States    
• Michigan (MI)    
• Detroit    
• Detroit - Things to Do    

Ford Field Stadium Tour

I went on the Ford Field stadium tour with very low expectations - after living in Detroit for most of my life, I didn't think I had much to learn. I was very wrong! The tour is fantastic, and gives a great history of not only the stadium, but also Comerica park and the city of Detroit itself. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgable, engaging, and approachable. We were able to see so much - including an explanation of the old J.L. Hudson warehouse which is still found within the confines of Ford Field, the media room, the party deck, game suites, press rooms, the coaches' box, the locker rooms, and (best of all) getting out onto the field itself. Very impressed, and great value at only $7. Would recommend to any Detroit or NFL fan!

Great facility. Seating is good and hard to find a "bad" seat. All different venues utilize the facility so you have ample chances of finding something that you like to bring you to Ford Field. I would never miss a chance to come to here for something that I like.

been here for a couple of games and rodeos . its amazing. its a nice stadium. who ever lives in detroit knows what i am talking about.

Ford Field is incredible! Blows away the Pontaic Silverdome, and there isn't a bad seat in the entire building.

Enough said. It's as good as it gets. I love the old stadiums like Fenway and Wrigley, but it's also nice to have climate control.

Overpriced food and beer was $7. Don't go hungry or thirsty.

• Getting Around
• Weather & Average Temperatures
• Detroit Travel Guide
• Newsletter Sign-Up
• Explore Detroit Pass
• International Visitors
• VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX

Detroit Auto Culture

• Arts & Culture
• Cruises & Tours
• Entertainment & Nightlife
• Spas & Wellness
• Itineraries
• Detroit Vibe Blog
• Annual Events
• Submit Your Event
• Downtown Detroit
• Windsor, Canada
• Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
• Eats in the D
• Where to Stay
• Digital Passes
• Meetings & Groups
• Partnership
• Media Resources

Ford Field Food Options

Ford Field 2000 Brush St. Detroit, Michigan 48226

Distance In Miles

• Detroit Metro Airport: 21
• Downtown Detroit: 7
• Include on Map
• Charge for Parking
• Live Entertainment
• Restaurant On Site

Virtual Tour

Michigan Panthers vs. Arlington Renegades

Come and cheer on the Michigan Panthers in the inaugural year of the UFL!The United Football League (UFL) is set…

Michigan Panthers vs. Memphis Showboats

Zach Bryan in concert at Ford Field.

George Strait & Chris Stapleton

Setting venue attendance records across seven stadium shows this summer, country music icon George Strait and eight-time GRAMMY winner Chris…

Kenny Chesney — Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour

KENNY CHESNEY SUN GOES DOWN 2024 TOUR - 18 Stadiums, Old Friends, New Friends, No Shoes Nation After his intimate…

We ask that you read the following terms of use, which constitutes a license that covers your use of this website and any transactions that you engage in through this website (“AGREEMENT”). Legal/Privacy Policy

The whole world knows it – Detroit is THE Motor City. From Henry Ford to…

Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown…

Cruises & Tours

Yacht cruises, pub crawls, home tours, bike rides and beyond. Set yourself up with hassle-free…

Bring the whole family to Detroit for an educational and fun vacation. Museums, zoos, parks…

Would you like to get the insider’s scoop on the best things to do and experience in Detroit? Take the first step and sign up for the Detroit Vibe emails.

Itinerant Fan

• Stadium Guides
• City Guides

By Edward de la Fuente

Our guide to Ford Field in Detroit includes information on events, tickets, parking, public transportation, nearby hotels and restaurants, seating and more. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your gameday experience.

When the Detroit Lions’ new, 65,000-seat Ford Field opened in 2002, joining its ballpark neighbor Comerica Park that debuted two years before, it brought a boon to downtown Detroit in the influx of hotels, restaurants and nightlife that came to the area along with the big-time events the stadium routinely hosts.

Part of the fun of attending a Lions game, or any other event at Ford Field, is seeing how the surrounding district comes to life on a game day. The opening of the two stadiums was meant to give a struggling central district a boost — and nearly two decades later, it seems to have done that quite well.

As for the Lions, they were able to move away from the quickly dilapidating Pontiac Silverdome (which, sadly, continued to dilapidate for years afterward) and into the downtown area. While the franchise has only experienced periodic success since the move, the stadium is thriving — in addition to Lions games, Ford Field hosts events such as the annual Quick Lane Bowl , and it was the home for Super Bowl XL in 2006.

Ford Field has also been the venue of choice for the NFL on two occasions in which other teams needed a new stadium on short notice.

Downtown Detroit’s development, particularly as a sports destination, continues to make leaps and bounds. But Ford Field has helped make it worth visiting for quite a while.

Looking for Ford Field event tickets? Search events on Ticketmaster .

Getting to the stadium

Ford Field’s downtown location makes it easily accessible from most parts of the Detroit metro area. Interstate 75 runs right past it before making a hard left turn and heading toward the northern suburbs.

Two major downtown streets, Woodward Avenue and Gratiot Avenue, run very close to the stadium, so if you’re driving from a hotel or another spot downtown, you’ll likely want to use one of these streets to get close by.

Walking is another alternative if you’re staying downtown in a hotel near Ford Field. Weather permitting, it’s a fairly simple walk from most major downtown hotels, though the closer you are to the Detroit River, the farther from Ford Field you’ll be.

The Detroit People Mover , an automated tram system that loops around downtown, can be used to cut out some of the walking on your way to a Ford Field event. The closest station to the venue is at Grand Circus Park , about five blocks away.

There’s also the QLine , a streetcar that runs up and down Woodward Avenue — get off at Grand Circus or Montcalm Street to get to the stadium.

Parking at Ford Field

Around the stadium site, you’ll find a number of parking lots close by, including a parking garage across the street on the east side, and more private lots scattered throughout the downtown area.

Note that Ford Field and Comerica Park share a small number of lots, which could create conflicts on the rare days that events are occurring at both venues.

Looking for parking at Ford Field?  Buy parking on SpotHero .

Detroit hotels near Ford Field

• Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown – 0.3 miles away • Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney – 0.3 miles away • The Siren Hotel – 0.3 miles away Search for more Detroit hotels on Booking.com .

Map of the surrounding area

Things to do around the stadium.

If you’ve never been to downtown Detroit, you might be surprised by just how much there is to do, see and eat there, and much of it is within walking distance of Ford Field. In terms of restaurants, an endless array of establishments are nearby and happy to cater to the sports-fan crowd.

Among your choices, there’s Greektown, home of several of Detroit’s most well-known restaurants as well as a casino ; there are a number of trendy and well-regarded establishments along Woodward Avenue, and there are the two famous dueling coney restaurants, American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island . (The coney is Detroit’s idea of a chili dog; the two restaurants, which stand next to each other, are fierce rivals in the battle for the best coney in the city.)

For slightly more off-the-beaten-path fare (in terms of proximity to the stadium, not accessibility), try cruising down Broadway, Woodward Avenue or Washington Avenue south of Grand Circus Park. All three streets are lined with restaurants and bars, many with a sports bar-type atmosphere.

For tailgating, most of the best action is on the surface lots surrounding Ford Field and Comerica Park. But if you don’t have a grill or a cooler, you can head to Brush Street (between the two stadiums), which gets closed off and renamed “Pride Plaza” for the Lions’ pregame party containing the usual elements — live music, games, food and drink and more.

For more on visiting Detroit, check out our Detroit sports travel guide .

Detroit restaurants near Ford Field

• Elwood Bar & Grill – American, 0.1 miles away • Vertical Detroit – American, 0.2 miles away • Detroit Beer Company – American, 0.2 miles away Search for more Detroit restaurants on Tripadvisor .

Watching a game at Ford Field

While not entirely obvious from the outside, Ford Field contains a number of interesting architectural features worth checking out.

An existing building known as the Hudson’s warehouse (indeed, it was once a warehouse for a department store called Hudson’s) was incorporated into the design of the stadium, and it currently houses office space as well as the stadium’s luxury suites.

As a result, Ford Field’s seating configuration features the suites stacked up on one sideline and the upper seating bowl wrapped around the other three sides. It’s not unlike the old warehouse building incorporated into San Diego’s Petco Park , only a little more subtle.

Perhaps because of the warehouse, the upper deck doesn’t feel too high up at all, and in fact if you look out from one of the pedestrian bridges that extend from the warehouse side, it doesn’t seem far down at all to the main concourse. Because of this, Ford Field doesn’t have quite the cavernous feel that a lot of other domed stadiums have, and sitting high up in the seating bowl doesn’t feel quite so far away.

Speaking of pedestrian bridges, they can be popular standing-room only spots if you’d like to get out of your seating area and stretch your legs — particularly the curved one in the Brush/Adams atrium, which essentially serves as the main entrance to Ford Field. You won’t be able to see the entire field, but it still offers a pretty good vantage point if you’d like to stretch your legs for a time.

Contained within the warehouse as well is a large atrium and concourse that contains full-service restaurants, food courts and more in what looks as much like a mall as a stadium.

The atrium, easily recognizable by the circular entryway at the intersection of Brush and Adams streets, is fitted with large glass windows through which patrons can view the downtown Detroit skyline (fans at certain seating areas within Ford Field can see this as well).

Despite the fact that Ford Field is a domed stadium, quite a bit of natural light comes in thanks to frosted windows that line the facility between the seating bowl and the roof.

These windows, combined with the large metal beams that support the roof and hover over the field, contribute to the factory feel that the designers were going for when the stadium was built.

Interested in a suite at Ford Field? Buy suite tickets on SuiteHop .

Food and drink at Ford Field

Ford Field’s concessions do a good job giving fans a taste of local cuisine. Favorite Detroit restaurants such as Slows Bar-B-Q, Pegasus Taverna (Greek food) and La Shish (Mediterranean cuisine) have stands on the main concourse, and former Lions great Billy Sims has lent his name to a barbecue stand serving ribs, sandwiches and more.

You can also find a stand dedicated to Michigan craft beer, with breweries like Rochester Mills, Dragonmead and Detroit Beer Company represented.

Original publish date:  February 4, 2016 Most recent update: September 1, 2023

More guides | View all

Hard Rock Stadium

Smoothie King Center

Cameron Indoor Stadium

The particulars.

Home Teams Detroit Lions

Address 2000 Brush St. Detroit, MI 48226

Year Opened 2002

Capacity 65,000

Upcoming Events All times local Michigan Panthers vs. Houston Roughnecks Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Michigan Panthers vs. Arlington Renegades Sunday, May 5, 2024 1:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Michigan Panthers vs. Memphis Showboats Saturday, May 18, 2024 4:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Zach Bryan Thursday, June 20, 2024 7:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » George Strait Saturday, July 13, 2024 5:45 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster »

See all events »

• Life At Home

Ford Field Stadium Tour – Detroit Michigan

We just recently got back from a fun-filled trip to Michigan, Adam’s home state! Adam is a life-long Detroit Lions fan so when I found out that they do Stadium Tours, I knew we had to go!  We re-arranged our schedule a bit to make it happen and I am SO glad we did!

The tour was fantastic!  We started on street level, where the old Hudson’s Department Store warehouse once stood.  Now, this California girl knows nothing about Detroit history, but apparently Hudson’s was an icon in Detroit since the 1920s.  The warehouse building was saved and and now makes up the South wall of the stadium! It houses restaurants and office space inside the stadium.  The brick paved “street” you walk down on the main level is actually made of bricks salvaged from the old Hudson’s Department Store building after it was demolished in 1998.  It was really amazing to see how they’ve incorporated this Detroit icon into the stadium

Next, we got to go into the Press Box area.  If you have to work on a Sunday, this is the place you want to be.  They treat those reporters VERY nice. Food, drinks, private bathrooms, personal TVs and phones…what a great job haha.  And the view from the seats was fantastic!

Next up were the suites!  They were definitely the nicest I’ve ever seen.  I think it has something to do with the fact that it’s an indoor stadium so everything is away from the elements.  NO metal chairs and concrete floors here!  It was all comfy leather seats and beautiful countertops.  Little A explored every inch haha

We also got to explore the MGM Grand Tunnel Club.  This is located on field level near the locker rooms.  It’s a VIP area where you can sit back, indulge in delicious food and drinks and watch the players enter and exit the field!  Like reach your hand out and get a high five close! I can tell you with 100% certainty that I will never be able to afford these seats (ha) so it was a really cool experience to be down there.

We were then taken to the both the Visitor and Lion’s locker rooms.  The visitor one was nice, but the Lion’s locker room was really special.  Adam must have taken 100 pictures in here.  The names of Lions legends are on the walls and we got to see Matt Patricia’s game day office. Adam may have sat in his chair and taken a picture!

Finally, we were taken to our last stop.  The best part! The thing we’d all been waiting for! THE FIELD!  Walking down the tunnel onto the field was so surreal.  We are a huge football loving family and seeing it in person was so fun.  Walking on the field and looking into the stands from below was unbelievable!  Adam was in football heaven!

We got to spend about 15 minutes on the field. At this point, Little A was absolutely dying to run around a bit and get the wiggles out.  So, we let her go!  She ran from end zone to end zone TWICE! haha  It was great!

The Ford Field Tour was amazing!  Definitely the best $20 we spent our whole trip.  We highly recommend you go!  It’s great for families and the perfect stop halfway through our very busy trip!  I loved learning about the stadium and how they really pay homage to Detroit and it’s people and history.  Even if you aren’t a Detroit Lions fan, stop by!  You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s some more fun pics we took! Happy Adventuring!

Cancel Reply

Follow Along

• Foodie Adventures

Recent Posts

• Easy Printable Lightsabre Craft
• Social Distancing with Kids – Amazon Resources
• Social Distancing Activities for Kids
• Disney x Roxy Girl Little Mermaid Launch Party
• Disneyland Princess Breakfast at Napa Rose – UPDATE
• Click Here to read our policies .

The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour

Detroit, mi, garth brooks leads largest concert crowd in ford field history, with over 74,000 in attendance, through “a supersized stadium singalong”.

Garth Brooks took the stage in front of the largest concert crowd in Detroit’s Ford Field history on Saturday, with over 74,000 in attendance, and led them “barreling through 30 songs—culled mostly from his untouchable string of ‘90s hits--that turned the entire evening into a supersized stadium singalong,” according to Adam Graham of The Detroit News.

Brian McCollum of the Detroit Free Press wrote, “Brooks was a hard-working, sweat-soaked dynamo, scampering across the stage and playing to all corners of the stadium. He was 30 minutes in before slowing things down, when the ballad ‘The River’ transformed the venue into an ocean of twinkling cell-phone lights.”  McCollum added that “Brooks’ songs have aged well. That musical durability served him well Saturday, whether on a 31-year-old ballad (‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’) or on dramatic set pieces such as ‘The Thunder Rolls.’”

Ford Field was the first stop on Brooks’ Stadium Tour in 2020, and it “found him performing in the round and debuting an impressive new stage — a 17,000-square-foot expanse with a cube of giant video screens overhead, supported by tall LED-lined columns,” according to McCollum.

McCollum continued, “This wasn’t an audience that needed much buttering up — tickets had sold out in 90 minutes — but Brooks helped his cause in the Detroit Lions’ house by donning a No. 20 Barry Sanders shirt. Chants of “Barry! Barry!” broke out across the stadium as he paused to explain the wardrobe choice.

’You guys got the greatest player in NFL history, in my opinion,’ he said of the retired running back.”

Graham observed Brooks’ connection with the crowd, noting, “He didn't just sing his songs, he pointed out audience members, acknowledged their signs and read them aloud, played to the back of the building, swapped hats with kids in the first row, beat his chest, stretched out his arms, wished ‘Happy Birthday’ to at least two audience members and left everything he had out there for all to see.” 

“Brooks is old school in that way, a pure entertainer and a big ol' ham,” remarked Graham. “He comes from a different era of superstars and was minted in the 1990s, when you didn't need to pay attention to country music to know every one of Brooks' hits. He was mega in a way that's nearly impossible to achieve now, which is why he's able to pack stadiums in 2020 even though the bulk of the material in his setlist is 20-plus years old. He made his bones as an over-the-top performer, and he's still playing with that same zeal.”

“The love was strong inside Ford Field on Saturday, from places high and low and everywhere in between,” Graham concluded. "’Michigan feels like home,’ Brooks said early in the night, and his big show certainly had the energy of a homecoming.”  

© COPYRIGHT 2023 G.COM, LLC  | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

... in his own words and in words of those, who knew him

Concert in Moscow 1993

Samvel Gasparov , a movie director, tells the story about MJ' show in Moscow in 1993:

'I heard about Michael Jackson for the first time back in the 70's. I even knew some of his songs, but I never was a fan. When I worked as a truck driver, I used to listen to Georgian music. Later, when I went to college, I grew to like Joe Dassin, Charles Aznavour, Tom Jones, and Engelbert Humperdinck. But I always knew about Jackson, and I knew that he was a good singer. In the early 90's my dream was to make a movie called "Run brother, run". American filmmakers expressed some interest in the script, and in 1992 I went to Romania where we rented a foundation. As it happened, Michael Jackson was giving a show in Bucharest at that time, and I was introduced to his producer Marcel Avram by one of our mutual friends. Marcel asked me to help them tape Michael's concert, and I did what I could. It was a pleasure. The performance left me stunned. Jackson impressed me very much – he was a genius, that's no question. I was personally introduced to him, and I remember shaking his cool pale hand. On the second day at dinner I told Avram about my wish to make a movie in the USA and my need for money. I already had an offer for five movies and lodging in the US by then. "I like you", Avram said. "If you want, we can bring Michael to Moscow. Then you can organize a show and make some money." I thought it would be cool, but I honestly didn't believe it was possible. But soon after that Avram sent his people to Moscow in order to check out Dessa, the company I headed at the time. It was one of the first Russian private companies created for the purpose of movie making, and I had some good folks on my team.

Suddenly the project came to life. Money was pushed to the background in my mind. I was full of enthusiasm, I wanted to bring that joyful event to people – after all, it was the first time a big Star was going to visit Russia. Since the visit of Avram's delegation and till September 1993 we were busy with preparations. It was my first experience in show business, and I couldn't imagine that it would be that hard and unpredictable. I thought that all showbiz "sharks" would support me and help me with that project, but it turned out the other way round – they threw obstacles in my way and tried to prevent the show from happening. We felt that our efforts were not appreciated. We even got phone calls with threats. And we got attacked by the media: they wrote that I was the king of the liquor industry and the head of the Chechen mafia. They said I was organizing the show in order to sell vodka on the stadium. It was a nightmare! They also wrote garbage about Jackson – that he was a pedophile, and that I was going to bring not him, but his impersonator who would lip synch to his songs. But all this crap only turned us on. We decided that we would make the show happen no matter what.

On September 15, 1993 Michael postpones his flight out of Moscow, Russia, and instead goes to visit a hospital for mentally challenged children there, who rejoice at seeing him and fight for his attention. One of his aides says that the singer has asked for one of the children to be flown to America for care and treatment which Jackson will pay for. The singer holds a few children in his arms and on his lap, comforts and plays with them and wishes to entertain them: “I’d like to sing with them. We all know a song together”, he says, visibly emotional. He also visits children in a nearby orphanage, who will sing a song to him in Russian, turning him – the ultimate performer, into an attentive spectator.

• Thoughts and ideas
• On the plane
• In Australia´s Hospital
• David Smithee
• Christmas Party For Orphans
• The Day I Met My Hero
• Restoration In Neverland
• Once Upon A Time
• Dinner With Michael
• Daniele Parisi
• Always Humble
• Michael In Oman
• Bela Farkas
• Angelic Eyes
• Driver Gokor
• Uri Geller about MJ
• In Search Of Neverland
• In Ormond Street Hospital
• Michael And Photography
• Michael as a Farmer
• David Pack about MJ
• Dance and Weddings
• Donna Ashlock
• Flight Over Brazilia
• One Day at Liseberg
• MJ & the Walters Family
• Craig & Michael Flemings
• Michael and the Dentist
• Magical Michael
• Tim´s Dinner with Michael
• Tabitha Messick meets MJ
• Michael and Mrs. Ma Family
• Sam Parity remembers MJ
• Stories from "The Wiz"
• Peacemaker at 30,000 feet
• Michael Jackson In India
• Nisha Kataria
• Two Michael Jacksons
• MJ in Netherlands
• David Sonnet
• Michael saved his sister´s husband from suicide
• Cascio Family
• MJ and Kim Jong Il
• Little Michael as a Babysitter
• A Major Moment
• Michael and China Airlines
• Bob Giraldi on directing "Beat It"
• You felt like God was within him
• Prasadam dinners
• MJ lifts a child with brain tumor
• Concert in Moscow
• Celine´s Art
• Remembering Michael
• My Brush With Badness
• An Evening With Michael
• South Africa´s Children Hospital
• Michael the Driver
• Journey of Wolf Family
• Amanda Porter
• Polish Girl Marielle
• The Effect of a Song
• MJ Dances at Bar Mitzvah
• Bucharest´s Orphanage
• Mediation of rappers
• Two Days With Michael
• Aboriginal College
• Homeless people
• Gessica´s meeting with MJ
• Mutual support
• Healing Tape
• Three Young Orphans
• Act of Thoughtfulness
• More About Michael

Search site

True Michael Jackson

kiwi@truemichaeljackson.com

Put-in tours

Original tour agency in moscow and st petersburg..

Onboard a Soviet van!

Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

In Saint Petersburg

We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

Follow us on Social Media...

Our partners

© Copyright 2021 - Put-in tours Designed by SD Marketing & Design

At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

© Copyright 2021 – Put-in tours

Design web: SD Marketing & Design

Home About us Videos Moscow Saint-Petersburg Contact Online booking Blog Disclaimer Privacy Policy

WhatsApp us

Luke Combs at American Family Field: Everything to know for Milwaukee stadium tour kickoff

Last year, American Family Field hosted the first two shows for one of the biggest tours of the year, with Morgan Wallen.

Now it's doing it again.

This time out, it will be another one of country music's biggest stars, Luke Combs, who will kick off his 25-date blockbuster "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old" 2024 stadium tour at the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark, for the first two shows April 12 and 13.

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

Here's everything you need to know for two of the biggest concerts of the year in Milwaukee — including the status of the Brewers' new parking system.

REQUIRED READING: Before Luke Combs plays in front of the 'best fans' for his Milwaukee concerts this week, he tours Miller Brewery and even shotguns a beer

When do the gates open for Luke Combs' American Family Field concerts, and when do they start?

The first opener for Combs' concerts April 12 and 13 will start at 5:45 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. each day. The parking lots will open at 3 p.m. April 12, and 2:30 p.m. April 13, and tailgating will be permitted. Just give yourself plenty of time to drive in, particularly on April 12, when there'll be Friday afternoon commuter traffic as well. Getting through security into the stadium will take some time, too, so plan accordingly.

How much is parking? Is the Brewers' new parking system in operation?

General parking is $25 in advance, or $40 for preferred parking, available at brewers.com/lukecombs . Day-of parking is $35 for general lots, or $50 for preferred lots, but the Brewers won't guarantee that parking will be available.

As for the new QR code-based payment system for parking , it's been temporarily suspended following connectivity issues on the Brewers' opening day . For the April 12-13 concerts, the Brewers will operate with the traditional on-site cashier system.

WHAT TO KNOW: Luke Combs concerts could cause delays on I-94 this weekend. Here's how to avoid traffic

Here's how to get to the concerts if you don't want to drive

Two Milwaukee County Transit System  routes drop people off within walking distance of the ballpark: the CONNECT1 on Wisconsin Avenue and Route 18 on National Avenue. Find the schedule, fare information and more at ridemcts.com .

The taxi pickup and drop off is outside Helfaer Field, while drop-off and pick-up for Uber and Lyft is in the Gantner parking lot. (Expect huge crowds for rideshares after the show.)

Also: Some of the bars and restaurants that send shuttles to Brewers games might be giving rides as well. See the "American Family Field" section of brewers.com .

Are there any tickets available for Luke Combs' concerts at American Family Field? How much are they?

Remaining first-hand tickets for the April 12 show are $109.50 to $229.50, and $80.50 to $229.50 for April 13, available at brewers.com/lukecombs .

LUKE COMBS IN MILWAUKEE: Country superstar introduces heartbreaking new baseball-tinged song at American Family Field

How can I access the pit and seats on the field?

Pit ticket holders must enter the third base gate only to get into the stadium to receive their wristband to get them access. Wristbands are also required for all seating on the field, sections A to P. They'll be available at the Associated Bank gate and wristband tables at the Left Field Guest Services Desk, the UScellular Power Playground in right field and at tables near Section 118.

Combs will have different openers each night — and a special tailgate pre-show April 13

Unlike Wallen — when he became the first artist to play two consecutive nights in a Wisconsin stadium — Combs will treat fans to different openers each night.

April 12 leans more into Combs' alt-country and traditional country tendencies with folk group the Wilder Blue up first, followed by singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin and then outlaw country artist Cody Jinks. The opener slate for April 13 leans a little more country pop, with (in order of appearance) Colby Acuff, Drew Parker, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis.

There also will be a "Bootleggers Tailgate Party" at 3 p.m. April 13 with two up-and-comers picked by Combs and Nashville-based up-and-comer concert series Whiskey Jam: Ryan Larkins and Graham Barham. It'll take place at the Third Base Plaza at American Family Field, and will be free to attend for Combs concert ticketholders, with food and drinks available to purchase on site.

CALENDAR: These are all of the arena, amphitheater and stadium concerts in Milwaukee in 2024

Luke Combs setlist: What is he expected to play?

Since these are the first two shows of Combs' tour, we can't wager what the setlist will be. But considering the tour is named after his most recent albums, "Growin' Up" and "Gettin' Old," expect several songs from those. And Combs' biggest hits are also likely, including "Forever After All," "The Kind of Love We Make," and, of course, his breakout cover of the Tracy Chapman classic "Fast Car."

Where can I get more information?

Ticketholders will get more need-to-know information via email a few days before the shows, but more logistical information about American Family Field can be found at brewers.com/ballpark .

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @pietlevy  or Facebook at  facebook.com/PietLevyMJS .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Luke Combs at American Family Field: Everything to know for Milwaukee stadium tour kickoff

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Torpedo Stadium: A living history of Soviet soccer

Renovation will open a new chapter in the history of Streltsov Stadium. For the fans, however, this place will always be linked with the one man who was and remains a legend of Soviet soccer, Eduard Streltsov. Source: Anton Denisov / RIA Novosti

Torpedo Stadium—Moscow’s oldest—will soon be closed for renovation. This field, which has been owned by businessman Mikhail Prokhorov ’s ONEXIM Group since 2007, is to be transformed into a modern sports complex where, in addition to a covered stadium, there are plans to build children’s sports schools and a museum of Russian soccer.

The building may not turn out to be as big as the Barclays Center in Brooklyn (which the Russian billionaire built for his NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets ), but Torpedo fans have already expressed their concerns about the new building. The original plan was to completely demolish the stadium and develop the site as exclusive housing; however, when thousands of supporters signed a petition against the demolition of the stadium, the owners decided to preserve the sports facility.

Streltsov , Russia’s Pelè in the gulag

Torpedo Stadium is unique, in a way. There are hardly any top-level spectacles here, as the home team plays in the second soccer division. Moreover, since August 2013, the Torpedo team has had to move: The club began playing its home games in the Moscow suburb of Ramenskoye, due to high rent.

Meanwhile, the stadium on Vostochnaya Street has become a favorite training ground for the Russian national soccer team, and, in August, the two best American football teams in Russia— Black Storm and the Moscow Patriots —played each other on the local field.

The Streltsov Torpedo Stadium is not located in the most picturesque of areas: Factory chimneys and brick walls stand alongside typical dismal Soviet-era buildings. It was here that, in 1924, the workers of the ZIL car factory started the Torpedo club.

Torpedo has always been a local soccer team. The car makers were nowhere near as popular as Spartak, which enjoyed national fame, and the black-and-whites could not boast of government patronage, as Dynamo could. In some ways, this is why the residents of Moscow’s Avtozavodsky District are so devoted to their club, despite the fact that, in the 2000s, the team did not experience the best of times.

Officials downplay panic over Russia’s soccer stadiums

Problems with finance mean the club has had to rely on young players it has developed itself, and Torpedo has not been able to get back into the Premier League for the last seven years. In a world of multi-million-dollar soccer transfers, Torpedo looks like a dinosaur that has somehow managed to survive.

Torpedo Stadium has never known the glory of Luzhniki, which served as the main stadium of the 1980 Olympics and the venue for the 2008 Champions League final. The field on Vostochnaya Street has never been Moscow’s main stadium, but, for Torpedo supporters, it is a shrine. This is where Eduard Streltsov—probably the best soccer players in Soviet history, if we leave aside the great Dynamo goalkeeper Lev Yashin—played and caught fans’ imagination.

Streltsov’s story is like a Hollywood film. At the age of 16, the wunderkind from a working-class suburb of Moscow became Torpedo’s main forward; at 17, he made a triumphant debut for the Soviet national team, scoring a hat trick in his first two games; at 18, he was the top goal-scorer in the Soviet league. Tall and strong, and with a broad grin, the young man caught everyone’s attention, on the field and off it.

His contemporaries recall that Streltsov played almost like a genius: His faultless technique, combined with his superb ability to read the game, enabled him to pull off real masterpieces of soccer, time and again. In 1956, the 19-year-old Streltsov was the key player on the Soviet team at the Melbourne Olympics, where the Soviet soccer players won gold for the first time in team history.

“He seemed to have the ball on a lead, and his ball control could get him past two or three defenders,” said defender Vladimir Ponomarev, Streltsov’s teammate on the Soviet national team, in an interview with Sovetsky Sport. “He had an exceptional soccer mind. He could anticipate and work out how the attack would develop, like a computer—several moves ahead, automatically, in an instant.”

The 1958 world championship should have been a golden moment for the Russian king of soccer, but Streltsov did not get to meet the other king of soccer—Brazil’s Pele—on the Swedish field. On June 15, while the Soviet team was losing 2-0 to Brazil, Streltsov was being interrogated by investigators at Moscow’s Butyrka prison. He had been arrested on May 27, on suspicion of rape during a party at a dacha not far from the Tarasovka sports center, where the Soviet team was preparing for the tournament. Streltsov was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Arguments about how just the court’s decision was continue to this day. Some say Streltsov’s imprisonment was revenge by the KGB for his refusal to transfer to the Dynamo club, which was under the control of the special services; others link the sportsman’s drama to his refusal to marry the daughter of the iron lady of the Soviet government, the influential Yekaterina Furtseva. Doubt has been cast on many of the circumstances of that fateful night. It is likely that the truth of this story will never be known, but, in spite of everything, Streltsov will always be an idol to Torpedo fans.

Rugby in Russia: Bringing the gentleman’s game to the people

Streltsov was given early release in 1963, and, after another two years, he was allowed to return to top-level soccer. At the age of 28, Streltsov took to the field again in a black-and-white Torpedo uniform. Even after six years in prison, there was no getting away from his talent: The powerful forward again became the leader of the Torpedo front line, taking his team to the championship in 1965.

The secret of Streltsov’s popularity was not just that he played like a genius. Supporters saw him as one of their own: While he was a professional sportsman, he continued to work at the factory and live in an ordinary apartment not far from the stadium. After Streltsov’s death (he died from lung cancer in 1990), officials decided to put up a monument to the soccer player by the entrance to the field; since 1997, the stadium itself has borne his name.

Renovation will open a new chapter in the history of Streltsov Stadium. Only time will tell to what extent it will preserve its inimitable atmosphere. For the fans, however, this place will always be linked with the one man who was and remains a legend of Soviet soccer.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

How Milwaukee Brewers' American Family Field became one of country's top concert stadiums

In 2023, American Family Field had its biggest year ever for concerts — and it was one of the top-grossing stadiums for concerts in the world.

It may be the new normal.

After hosting four concerts last year — including the first two-night stadium run ever in Milwaukee, with Morgan Wallen, and shows with George Strait and Pink that both broke attendance records — American Family Field is ready to host four more in 2024.

The first two are April 12 and 13, the stadium tour kickoff for country superstar Luke Combs. Kenny Chesney returns in June, this time with Zac Brown Band ; and Green Day is coming in August with the Smashing Pumpkins.

Going forward, depending on routing and the teams' schedule, the Brewers could book four to six major tours a year, predicted Jason Hartlund, who oversees concerts at the stadium as executive vice president — chief commercial officer for the Brewers.

“We’ve really bent over backwards for artists and production teams to be as hospitable and as easy a process (to stage a concert) as possible,” Hartlund said. “That reputation is starting to get out into the marketplace. It’s helped us.”

Last year, it helped 43,000-seat American Family Field become the 19th top-grossing stadium for concerts in the United States, and 35th in the world, according to concert trade magazine Pollstar, ranking prominently among football stadiums with larger seating capacities. The stadium sold 178,107 concert tickets, collectively grossing $35.4 million.

It's a remarkable development for a 23-year-old stadium in a market Milwaukee's size, especially since there are two stadiums in must-play Chicago — the Cubs' Wrigley Field and the Bears' home field (for now), Soldier Field — that routinely draw Milwaukee fans for shows.

But between the growth of the stadium tour sector of the concert industry — and the $500 million stadium funding bill signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers last December — American Family Field's future as a live music destination is promising.

"Philosophically, when we enter into an agreement with a sports team or stadium, we want to know that they want to be good partners," said Charlie Goldstone, co-president of Live Nation-backed Madison promoter FPC Live, which handled the Pink and Wallen concerts last year and is promoting Green Day's this year.

"It's more than just financial. Will they help promote the shows? Will the team be amenable to uses of the field and the locker rooms? When an artist gets there will they feel welcome? … With the Brewers, the answer is always yes."

More: These are all of the arena, amphitheater and stadium concerts in Milwaukee in 2024

More: Luke Combs at American Family Field: Everything to know for Milwaukee stadium tour kickoff

Years with few concerts at the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark

For much of the stadium's existence, a big concert each year wasn't a guarantee. After it opened in 2001, Miller Park (renamed American Family Field in 2021) nabbed a few tours its first few years, including Strait, *NSYNC and Bruce Springsteen.

But after 2003, the stadium went a decade without hosting tours, although there were some special events, including Farm Aid in 2010, and birthday bashes for Harley-Davidson and Miller Brewing.

Then in 2013, Kenny Chesney headlined a stadium tour stop at Miller Park for the first time, the beginning of what's become a fruitful relationship with one of the stadium's most reliable promoters, the Messina Touring Group.

In addition to Chesney's headlining shows at the Brewers ballpark in 2016, 2018, 2022 and now this year, Messina brought Ed Sheeran to the stadium in 2018. The promoter also was responsible for Eric Church's second stadium-headlining show ever in 2022, and for the Strait show last year — one of only eight dates the country legend did in 2023 with Chris Stapleton.

In an interview with the Journal Sentinel last year, Louis Messina, head of AEG-backed Messina Touring Group, said doing shows at the stadium was "comfortable" and that the venue itself was "fan-friendly."

"Some stadiums, it's like pulling teeth to do a show there. In Milwaukee, it's not like that," Messina said. "From the top with management all the way down to the groundskeepers, they work with us and make it easy for us to produce shows."

"We're not just another tenant in the building. … That's really important, not only to me and the artists but to my team, box office people, production people — everybody."

After Chesney broke the tour drought, Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter, put Paul McCartney and One Direction shows in the stadium, in 2013 and 2015.

A gamechanger for Wisconsin concerts in 2018

Then in 2018, Live Nation became a majority stakeholder of long-running Madison promoter Frank Productions, parent to FPC Live — and the Brewers took notice.

"The ballpark said they wanted to be in business, and it opened up a new level of shows that were not coming to the state," FPC Live co-president Scott Leslie said. By that time, touring was a rapidly growing business at other ballparks, Leslie noted, including Wrigley Field and Fenway Park in Boston.

"The Brewers saw that this was being done successfully among their peers, so why not them?" Leslie said.

FPC Live brought the only Billy Joel Midwestern concert of 2019 to American Family Field, and a Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett package to the ballpark in 2022. Aside from when the pandemic derailed the touring industry for most of 2020 and much of 2021, the ballpark has hosted at least one stadium tour every year since 2018, and nearly all of them have been at capacity.

"Success breeds success," Hartlund said. "Where artists may have been hesitant to come to the Milwaukee market in the past, we have a catalog of success that tours can play Chicago and Milwaukee. … And because we have had success with shows in the past people are getting more comfortable moving off weekends."

Last year's Pink show at American Family Field, for instance, was on a Monday — and it stopped at Wrigley Field the prior Saturday. But the Milwaukee date was still a smash, with Pink breaking an attendance record at the stadium, performing for 46,644 people.

Leslie suggests that Pink's past success in the market — her Fiserv Forum show in 2019 was the top-grossing concert at the arena that year — likely gave her team more confidence to book a show in the city's biggest venue.

"With Fiserv Forum, there's a brand-new arena with a high volume of really amazing shows that let the market open up in a bigger way," FPC Live's Goldstone said.

The $524 million Milwaukee Bucks arena opened in 2018, bringing more shows nearly every year than the Bradley Center ever did during a single year. And the American Family Insurance Amphitheater at Maier Festival Park has seen a surge of shows, too, following a $51.3 million renovation, reaching its highest volume since 2004. And even though the amphitheater has nabbed some tour dates routed through other stadiums, Hartlund suggests their booking ability has benefited.

"The rising tide lifts all ships," Hartlund said. "Having a new arena is great for the city, having a revamped American Family Insurance Amphitheater at Summerfest is fantastic. The more shows we put in here, the better."

Stadium concert tours are surging around the world

Hartlund says the Brewers have been more aggressive about concert bookings coming out of the pandemic, driven not just by a desire to grow non-baseball revenue, but a growing comfort that field conditions won't be affected by more events.

And there are significantly more events at stadiums around the globe, which the Brewers are also benefiting from. Grosses from the world’s top 100 stadiums for concerts were up 35% in 2023 to $3.62 billion, according to Pollstar. The number of tickets sold for those tours also increased 22.2% to 29.1 million.

Since touring resumed after the pandemic, Dave Brooks, senior director of live and touring for Billboard, estimates that at least an artist or two in different genres, including country, pop and Latin music, have been able to rise up to the stadium level every year, while some artists have experimented with packages to help fill stadium seats, like Chesney is doing with Zac Brown Band and Green Day with the Pumpkins.

"The financial incentives are obvious," Brooks said. "You can get a much larger audience for the fraction of the price it costs you to do multiple arena shows. The costs are somewhat higher for a stadium concert than an arena show, but the increase in attendance is like double depending on how big the stadium is, and you can make almost double the money."

Promoters also like the "huge consumer marketing databases" that MLB and NFL teams have from selling tickets to their games to help them sell shows, Brooks continued, and fans have shown with their wallets that they don't mind the stadium concert experience.

"The use of video boards and technology makes the concert feel more intimate," Brooks said of more recent stadium tours.

New stadium developments could lead to more concerts

Hartlund is hopeful that the Brewers' new centerfield scoreboard — one of the largest in Major League Baseball — will appeal to some promoters. As of the Journal Sentinel interview, he was unsure if any tours would use the scoreboard this year, but Strait and Stapleton did last year.

And while the team's new QR code-based parking payment system was temporarily suspended due to technical issues for opening day — and will not be in operation for the Combs shows — Hartlund said that, when it's up and running, it will cut down on backups into the ballpark. Traffic into the park has triggered some backlash in the past, most notably for Sheeran's show in 2018, prompting the team to issue an apology.

And then there's the $500 million public-funding plan for the ballpark to support long-term renovations and improvements, which will include "winterizing" the venue so it could operate beyond its typical April-to-October timeframe.

The stadium's retractable roof has already been an asset — Hartlund suggests it was a key reason why Combs opted to kick off the tour there this year — but following renovations, American Family Field theoretically could host concerts in March or November.

And yes, some stadium tours have been routed through the Midwest in November; Stapleton and Strait played the indoor U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in November 2021, and Joel played the NFL stadium with Stevie Nicks last November.

"Promoters are aware of the plan for that to take place," Hartlund said, although a definitive timeline has yet to be set. "It's all about the comfort levels for the artist and the fans. If the building is winterized and heated to appropriate levels, it's no different from an arena show in November or March."

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @pietlevy  or Facebook at  facebook.com/PietLevyMJS .

Moscow Boat Tour

• Page active

Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Before Luke Combs plays in front of the 'best fans' for his Milwaukee concerts this week, he tours Miller Brewery and even shotguns a beer

Before Luke Combs kicks off his "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old" tour in Milwaukee this week, he went on another kind of tour. One that is quintessentially Brew City.

Combs, one of country music's biggest stars, is playing two shows at American Family Field : One Friday and another Saturday. But ahead of that, he took a tour of the Miller Brewery . And, we got to tag along.

Yes, he was every bit as kindhearted, down-to-earth and genuine as he seems. And yes, he shotgunned a beer just like he does on stage. Except this time, he was hanging out on a brewhouse rooftop with the iconic giant red Miller sign and the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark as his backdrop.

Not only did Combs — a longtime Miller Lite fan and years-long partner — see where the magic happens, he also checked out the specialty packaging on cases and cans that's coming out in honor of his blockbuster tour.

"It's just surreal, you know?" Combs told the Journal Sentinel. "I feel like I get to live so many amazing, surreal moments. And, I'm really thankful for that for sure. It's crazy. It's crazy."

Here's what we learned about Combs' tour and what he got into on the Miller tour. And, how about his eight Academy of Country Music Awards nominations that were announced earlier this week? We asked him about those, too.

Luke Combs talks about his 'Growin' Up and Gettin' Old' tour and why he's kicking it off in the Midwest

A or A+ shows don't cut it for Combs. He's shooting for A++.

"I try to do everything I can do to take care of my voice, take care of myself, make sure that we're doing everything we can," Combs said. "People that come are the only reason we get to do what we do. Putting on an A++ show is really important to me."

About to embark on his 25-date stadium tour, he's excited — and "a little nervous."

"You feel like you're standing at the bottom of a mountain and you're looking at the top a little bit," he said.

But after last year's "Luke Combs World Tour," he said he feels more prepared for what's ahead of him.

"We've played everywhere all over the world," Combs said. "But, the Midwest, it feels like home to me. So, good place to start it."

HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC: Luke Combs concerts could cause delays on I-94 this weekend

Combs, who grew up in North Carolina, hadn't been anywhere close to Milwaukee when he started his music career — his first plane ride came at age 25. But, he remembers his earlier stops up here fondly.

He opened for Blake Shelton at Summerfest in 2018 and made an appearance at Farm Aid at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in 2019.

"The Midwest is like the best fans in the world," Combs said. "I mean, honestly. People probably say that all the time."

But, that doesn't mean pulling out of the driveway Tuesday night wasn't hard after the "amazing" time he spent with his "awesome" wife Nicole and their two sons — Tex and Beau — these past few months. Fortunately, he won't have to miss his other half too long. She'll be headed up this way this weekend.

What will always make it onto Combs' setlist this time around? "The songs that people would expect," Combs shared.

"Playing all the hits," he said. "That's why people are there, and I want to give them what they want."

But, each night of the tour will have a different vibe.

Combs' opening acts Friday — in the order they'll hit the stage — are the Wilder Blue, Charles Wesley Godwin and Cody Jinks.

"Friday's more in the Americana, singer-songwriter world," Combs said. "So, our set reflects that a little bit. But, obviously, still playing all the hits."

Saturday's openers will be Colby Acuff, Drew Parker, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis.

"Saturday night is more mainstream, Top 40 country stuff, which is what I do, really," Combs said.

Combs loves watching Jinks and Davis perform — they keep him honest, he said — and he knows they're going to kick some you know what.

The first opener will start at 5:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with gates opening at 5 p.m.

The parking lots will open at 3 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tailgating will be permitted. Give yourself plenty of time to drive in and get through security.

There also will be a "Bootleggers Tailgate Party" at 3 p.m. Saturday with two up-and-comers picked by Combs and Nashville-based concert series Whiskey Jam: Ryan Larkins and Graham Barham. It'll take place at Am Fam Field's Third Base Plaza, and will be free to attend for Combs concert ticketholders, with food and drinks available to purchase.

Luke Combs' love for Miller Lite and his visit to Miller Brewery

After getting into Milwaukee Wednesday morning, Combs hung out at the Brewers stadium for a couple of hours, worked out, then was off to the Miller Brewery.

How long has Combs been a fan of Miller Lite? "Forever, probably."

"My dad's been drinking it for a long time," Combs said. "It was always around the house."

If his music career never worked out, he said, he would still be sporting a Columbia fishing shirt and drinking a Miller Lite somewhere in the world.

"That's what I would be doing anyways," he said. "So, I really wanted to go after things that I was already passionate about that felt natural and authentic to me. So, I'm very thankful for (Molson Coors) being receptive to have me on board. I feel super lucky."

Sporting a Brewers Barrelman hat, Combs and his team walked into a conference room on the brewery's complex Wednesday. He was met by a small group of longtime brewery employees and other Molson Coors staffers. The beer cases and cans with his new specialty packaging were displayed on tables.

The design features a ribbon that says "Beer Never Broke My Heart" wrapped in between the tuning pegs of a guitar. Combs' name is at the top of the headstock.

LUKE COMBS IN MILWAUKEE: Country superstar introduces heartbreaking new baseball-tinged song at American Family Field

After everyone went around the room introducing themselves, they were instructed to suit up in PPE — yellow safety vests, glasses, hard hats, toe caps and headsets.

On Combs' VIP tour of the brewery, he got a first-hand — and at times, hands-on — look at the operations with facts and history lessons along the way.

The first stop was a packaging plant, where Combs met machinist Jeff Malecki who has "But they ain't seen us together" from Combs' song "Forever After All" tattooed across his arm.

The two shook hands and got a picture together. That would become a reoccurring scene throughout Combs' visit.

It seemed like every employee who crossed paths with Combs received a handshake. And, if they wanted a photo or autograph, they got those, too, without any hesitation.

In the warehouse, Combs saw cases with the specialty packaging sliding out of a machine — he pulled his phone out to document that — and stacks of those cases getting carried off on a pallet via forklift.

At one point, Combs stood in front of what looked like a mountain of the cases. "Get this one," he said to a photographer as he hugged the cases as far as his arms would stretch.

Later, he'd get to snag one of the cans right off of a quick-moving line.

He got a taste of that and a few different brewery roles, including one that involved flipping a cardboard box filled with unconstructed cases into place. A few cases snuck out the back, but not too shabby for a first-timer.

"Thanks for letting me do that," Combs said to the workers as he shook their hands. "Thanks for letting me be in the way."

Combs also tried his hand at adding hops, one of which was liquid. "Have y'all seen 'Superbad'?" Combs asked with a bucket of hops in hand.

It reminded him of the scene when McLovin was trying to buy booze at a liquor store and said to the cashier: "You know, I heard they recently decided to add more hops to it."

Toward the conclusion of the tour, Combs said he had a "truly amazing" time. But, his favorite part had to be the grand finale.

He got to go up on a brewhouse rooftop with striking views of the city, the home of the Brewers and that big red Miller sign.

Up there is where he shotgunned a beer in under 5 seconds, and had the honor of sampling an exclusive maturation stock that not many get to try.

"To be standing up here is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Combs said.

How about those eight ACM Awards nominations

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards nominations were announced earlier this week. Combs leads the nominations with eight , including entertainer of the year, male artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year, single of the year and music event of the year.

"It's really awesome," he said. "Always surprising, I think ... In a lot of ways, it feels like I've been doing this a lifetime. And, in a lot of ways, I feel like I've been doing it for six months. So, I feel like sometimes I'm so conflicted with knowing what to feel or think ... It's an honor. It's my wildest dreams coming true. So, I'm a very lucky guy every day."

A 2024 win via Combs nomination for entertainer of the year would clinch the coveted triple crown award, which consists of an entertainer of the year win plus wins in an act's respective new artist (male, female, duo, or group) and artist (male, female, duo or group) categories, a USA TODAY report said.

The event will air on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 16.

Piet Levy of the Journal Sentinel staff and USA TODAY contributed to this report.