Detroit Lions fans (left to right) Alex Seguin, Shawn Smith and Trey Morgan with a turkey they're using to represent the Green Bay Packers. The rivalry between fans of opposing teams is often friendly and light-hearted.
This was before the Thanksgiving 2013 game. The Lions beat the Packers 40-10, for their first Thanksgiving win in ten years.
The rivalry with the Vikings fans is a different matter, it has kind of the feel of an ancient blood feud. In this photo, Ryan Meyers is furious at the Vikings before the game has even started. Before things get too out of hand, his friend intervenes to calm him down.
This was before the September 30, 2012 game. The Vikings beat the Lions 20-10.
Ryan Meyers is calmer when talking about his cardboard hat, made out of an actual Bud Light 12-pack container. Bud Light is the favorite beer of Lions tailgaters.
Kids love playing around with a football at the Eastern Market tailgate.
This was before the October 20, 2012 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a nail-biter of a game, with the teams tied at the end of the first quarter. The Lions almost caught up to the Bengals in the fourth quarter, but in the end the Bengals won it 27-24.
Kids love playing around with a football at the Eastern Market tailgate.
This was before the November 18, 2012 game against the Packers. The Lions got off to a good start in the first quarter and put up a good fight through the third quarter. But in the end, the Packers won, 24-20.
The Ford Field tailgate is more official, with more elaborate activities for children.
Ryan Wesley and Mandy Hohnstadt knew each others' team loyalties when they met. They fell in love anyway.
In this November 18, 2012 photo, they're making their way from Eastern Market to Ford Field.
Soaking in a hot tub during a tailgate during the summer might not seem so eccentric. I do have pictures of the Tubgaters in much wintrier weather.
© 2012 — 2013 Alonso del Arte.