Motown, Hockey Town, The D. Detroit has a rich heritage of sports, music, and entertainment. From TV Lounge, to the Hockey Town Cafe, to the Fox Theatre, to Little Caesars Arena, there is a TON to do in downtown – Especially after dark!
As fun as a night out in downtown Detroit can be, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
Intoxication coupled with unfamiliar surroundings and darkness can be a recipe for disaster. Here’s some tips to keep in mind next time you are out and about in Detroit – whether it’s for a sporting event, concert, or otherwise!
Travel Tips
Safe! – is exactly how you want to be driving to baseball games, concerts, and all other venues this year.
One thing that’s impossible to do is drink, drive, and be safe simultaneously. Drinking and driving may be one of the most unsafe combinations of activities possible – that is exactly why you should not – ever. There are no exceptions for a game, a concert, or for being in downtown Detroit. If you plan to get behind the wheel, it should definitely not be after you have had anything to drink.
So, what does this mean for a sporting event or concert – where one of the main attractions is ice cold beer? It means you have a few possible options:
Walk or bike to the venue if you’re close enough. That way, the only thing you have to worry about afterwards is yourself. Just be sure not to ride under the influence – you can always walk your bike if you need to!
Take a ride share. Although ride shares can be expensive depending on where you are coming from, the ease of use and convenience is unmatched. You can skip worrying about parking and drink as much as you want without having to think about how you’ll get home. If you’re riding with a group of friends, consider splitting the cost of the rideshare to mitigate high prices.
If you plan to use a rideshare to leave after your event is over, it’s a good idea to try and leave a few minutes early. It is considerably harder to find a rideshare when you and thousands of other spectators are all looking for one at the exact same time.
Carpool with a designated driver. If someone in your group doesn’t drink – great! Looks like you found your designated driver. Have them drive and you’ll be good to go. This is always a
safe option if one or more members of your group is okay with not consuming any alcohol during your outing.
Get a room in downtown Detroit for the night! You’ll also get to experience the resurgence of one of the fastest growing downtown areas in America. From bars, to restaurants, to after hours clubs, downtown Detroit has something for everyone.
Don’t drink and you will be all set. The easiest way to ensure a safe night out is to choose not to drink. By staying sober, you simplify every aspect of a night out – from arrival to departure.
Parking is important. If you or someone in your group does decide to drive to your event, parking can be a total headache. As thousands of people flood into downtown Detroit, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and let your stress get the better of you. That’s when mistakes are made and accidents happen. Here’s a few ways to ensure parking is stress-free and simple:
- Scope out your parking in advance: Use apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to find and reserve a spot before heading out. This cuts down stress, minimizes circling unfamiliar streets, and can even save you money.
- Choose well-lit, secure garages: Go for lots that are monitored, have good lighting, and are close to high-traffic pedestrian routes. Avoid side-street or unofficial cash-only lots that aren’t affiliated with reputable operators.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Smash-and-grab thefts often happen during big events—stash valuable items in the trunk before you leave your car.
- Take a photo of your location or level: After a few innings (and maybe a few drinks), it’s easy to forget where you parked.
Once you’ve parked:
- Stick with your group, especially after dark: Downtown Detroit is much safer than it used to be, but walking with friends reduces the risk of running into trouble—whether that’s a careless driver, an aggressive panhandler, or a group of rowdy away fans.
- Stay in well-lit, busy areas: Follow main roads and avoid alleys or backstreets when walking to or from the stadium. If someone in your group is intoxicated, make sure someone sober is keeping an eye out for them.
Alcohol Laws and Safety
You probably could have guessed by the previous section that alcohol is in high demand at most stadiums and other live-venues – especially when the sun is hot and the beer is cold. Whether outside at a tailgate, at one of Detroit’s countless bars, or at a stadium – alcohol is all but unavoidable.
As refreshing (and fun) as alcohol can be – everything is best in moderation. Too much beer, wine, or liquor can make you wish you never left the house. In addition to drinking too much, there are plenty of other ways alcohol can ruin your outing – here’s how to make sure it doesn’t.
Public Consumption: Being familiar with Michigan’s law surrounding public alcohol consumption is essential to having an enjoyable time while drinking.
The Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998 prohibits possessing and consuming alcohol in some public places. The most relevant place where this law takes effect is public highways. This means if you want to carry any alcohol to and from a tailgate venue, between bars, or to a watch party – it needs to be unopened & factory sealed.
Open Containers: Similar to the public consumption law, Michigan’s open container law is also important to be aware of. This law prohibits individuals from transporting or possessing alcohol in an open container within the passenger area of a vehicle. Obviously, this means no drinking and driving, but it also applies when you’re stopped.
If you are going to be drinking – make sure it isn’t inside of an automobile. This mistake (just as with public consumption of alcohol) can easily land you a misdemeanor.
Get David Get Paid
If you or a loved one was injured while out enjoying some live entertainment in Detroit, you need a dependable attorney you can count on. You need someone who really cares and wants to see you fully recover. You need Femminineo Law.
The team at Femminineo Law is ready to give our all and help you get compensated. From slip and falls to dog bites to car accidents – we handle all injury cases!
Give us a call today at 855-65-CRASH, or visit our website today at getdavidgetpaid.com.
Get David Get Paid.
