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Detroit Attractions
Sports and Recreation
Sports enthusiasts can watch the Detroit Tigers baseball team at Comerica Park, (313) 962-4000, and the Lions football team at Ford Field, (313) 262-2000 or (313) 262-2003 for ticket information. The Palace of Auburn Hills is the home of the Detroit Pistons basketball team; phone (248) 377-0100. The 2001-02 Stanley Cup champion Red Wings hockey team challenges rivals in the Joe Louis Arena; phone (313) 983-6606. Since Detroit sports are popular, tickets should be ordered at least a month before the scheduled date of the event.
Harness racing can be enjoyed at Northville Downs, (248) 349-1000; Hazel Park Harness Raceway, (248) 398-1000; and Windsor Raceway in Windsor, Ontario, (313) 961-9545 or (519) 969-8311.
Note: Policies concerning admittance of children to pari-mutuel betting facilities vary. Phone ahead for information.
Several public courses offer golf in Detroit: Chandler Park, 12801 Chandler Park Dr., (313) 331-7755; Palmer Park, Woodward at Seven Mile Road, (313) 883-2525; Rackham, 10100 W. Ten Mile Rd. in Huntington Woods, (248) 543-4040; Rogell, 18601 Berg Rd., (313) 578-8006; and Rouge Park, 11701 Burt Rd., (313) 837-5900.
Swimming is permitted at Belle Isle and at the mile-long Metropolitan Beach Metropark; phone (586) 463-4581. Twelve other metro parks have playgrounds and facilities for swimming, golfing, boating, ice skating, picnicking and nature study. Many parks have courts for tennis and shuffleboard in addition to winter recreation facilities.
Performing Arts
The industrial side of Detroit is tempered by the city's notable cultural offerings. The Detroit Symphony plays a full season of concerts, including children's concerts at Orchestra Hall; phone (313) 576-5111. Throughout the year the following theaters offer a variety of stage presentations, including concert artists, drama, opera and dance: Fox Theatre, (313) 471-3200; the Masonic Temple, (313) 832-2232; and the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, (313) 963-7622.
Detroit ranks high in sales of theater tickets. Professional repertory, including first-run and off-Broadway productions, can be enjoyed at the Fisher Theater at 3001 W. Grand Blvd.; phone (313) 872-1000. Evening and matinee performances are offered at the Detroit Repertory Theatre; phone (313) 868-1347.
Other area theaters offer concerts and plays sponsored by the drama departments of the University of Detroit-Mercy, (313) 993-1130, and Wayne State University, (313) 577-2960 or (313) 577-2972. Among the area's popular suburban theaters are the Meadowbrook Music Festival, (248) 475-5668; the DTE Energy Music Theatre, (248) 377-0100; the Palace of Auburn Hills, (248) 377-0100; and the Jerome Duncan Ford Theatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy. in Freedom Hill County Park, Sterling Heights, (586) 268-5100.
Several first-run multiple cinemas dot the suburbs. Local newspapers carry complete information concerning concerts, theater, movies and other events.
Special Events
Summers in Detroit, though at times hot and humid, are celebrated with a variety of events. Festivities begin with Flower Day at Eastern Market in May.
In late June and early July, Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, share the International Freedom Festival, considered to be the largest transborder festival in North America. The two holidays celebrated are Canada Day, July 1, and Independence Day, July 4. Sports events, concerts, fireworks, parades and cultural arts and craft shows take place during the 2-week-long celebration.
The Michigan State Fair follows in late August. For music lovers the Detroit International Jazz Festival is presented over Labor Day weekend. Initiating the holiday season is the Michigan Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day.
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