Yes Virginia, Lions Fans do Exist

By Annie Detroit

Though it may have been less than evident given the Lions Thanksgiving Day performance on national television, there surprisingly are some very loyal and enthusiastic Lions fans out there. I had the pleasure of meeting some of them this past weekend when the Lions defeated the Cleveland Browns for magic win #2.

I took in a very elegant tailgating party before heading into the stadium. Who knew that in such a decrepit city such as Detroit could there be anything "elegant" survive within the city limits, but that is exactly what I witnessed.

When I first arrived, I realized that I had never seen so many Lions fans in one confined space outside the stadium before, and every single one of them seemed to be in good spirits. It was a little cold on this late November day, but the beer flowed well enough to keep everyone warm. What made this tailgate special was that it in no way had anything to do with sitting in the back of a vehicle. This particular group of 40 die-hard Lions fans (yes, that's right, die-hard Lions fans) did not use their cars but for transportation. Instead, they arrive at the tailgate around 9am every home game and lash together six tents in order to serve their pre-game meal.

Chicken, corned beef, among other dishes, a meal fit for a Lion?

I really do mean meal. Forget the cold sandwiches or even the partially cooked hotdogs on the tiny grill. This was a full three course set out before us. Salads, green bean caserole, chicken, even corned beef, along with hot coffee or cocoa and decadent desserts made up the menu of this smorgasbord. Good food coupled with upbeat chatter and high hopes for the day's game. The only fee for this feast was a request to take part in the 50/50 raffle that raised the money to continue this group and flourishing tradition. I didn't win the money, but I won just for being there.

Then the Lions won.

The tents were abuzz when I returned following the bizarre and purely Lions-style victory. The crowd was celebrating and the grill was hot as brats and hot dogs were being prepared for the post game meal!

A celebratory cigar and brat to top off a great day of football for these loyal fans

It was one of the best experiences I have ever had not only at a Lions game, but a football game in general. Even though the Lions have nested in the bottom of the NFL for the past 50 years, the fans remain optomistic and hopeful. No matter how good or bad the Lions play, the grill remain hot and the food will always be good, so it will still be a good day in Detroit.