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An Unofficial Holiday: Tiger’s Opening Day

Posted at 7:28 PM, Apr 05, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-05 19:28:14-04

DETROIT, Mich. – The last time FOX 17 was in Detroit covering a Tiger’s baseball game was Game 4 of the World Series.

The atmosphere was a little different on opening day.

Instead of cold, dark and concerned about getting swept in the series to end the year, Friday in Detroit was light, loose, and energetic.

Opening day is an unofficial holiday in the city and whether you came for the game, or just the party it’s likely you left having a good time.

Thousands made their way to downtown Detroit, spilling into the street, making it nearly impossible to maneuver through as people soak in the sun, the refreshments, and nearly everything else that goes on around them.

One fan, who didn’t have tickets to the game, arrived at 6:30 Friday morning just to people watch.

If people watching was your sport then the streets of the “D” offers plenty for spectators.

Others tried to capitalize on the opportunity.

Jeff Newton has been to 25 opening days.

“Detroit is probably the best sports town in America and fans are probably the best.  They are there for the good seasons and the bad seasons,” said Newton.

A record number of tiger fans means a lot of potential fans to hear Newton play his saxophone outside the stadium, as he hopes to get some spending money.

Other fans make sure they circle opening day on the calender months in advance.