You’re stuck in I-75 traffic. The sun is beating down on the dashboard, and you realize the first pitch at Comerica Park is only five minutes away. You reach for the dial, but wait—which frequency is it again? Finding what radio station is the detroit tigers game on shouldn't feel like a scouting mission.
Honestly, for most of us in Metro Detroit, the answer is burned into our brains: 97.1 FM (WXYT-FM), "The Ticket." It’s the undisputed flagship. But if you’re driving up to Mackinac or stuck in the thumb, things get a little more complicated. The Detroit Tigers Radio Network is a massive web of nearly 50 stations stretching across Michigan and into parts of Ohio and Indiana.
The Flagship: 97.1 The Ticket
If you are within 50 miles of Woodward Avenue, just tune to 97.1 FM. That’s where Dan Dickerson—the voice of summer—calls the action.
For the 2026 season, WXYT-FM remains the home base. It’s got the power to reach deep into the suburbs, but FM signals are fickle. Sometimes they drop off right when the bases are loaded. If you're in a concrete parking garage or a basement, you might struggle. That’s why the Tigers also keep a footprint on the AM dial.
In Detroit, 1270 AM (WXYT-AM) often acts as the overflow or secondary home. It's particularly vital if there's a scheduling conflict with the Red Wings or Pistons, though the Tigers usually take priority on the big FM signal.
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What About Spanish Broadcasts?
The Tigers have seriously stepped up their game for Spanish-speaking fans. You can catch the Spanish-language broadcast on 1270 AM in the Detroit area. Carlos Guillen (not the former All-Star shortstop, but a talented broadcaster in his own right) and Barbaro Garby handle the call. In 2026, they are scheduled to cover every single home game, which is a huge win for accessibility.
Finding the Tigers Game Across Michigan
Maybe you're not in Detroit. Michigan is a big state, and the "Ticket" doesn't reach the Upper Peninsula. To find what radio station is the detroit tigers game on when you're traveling, you need to know the local affiliates.
Here is the breakdown of the heavy hitters across the state:
- Grand Rapids: The situation here is kinda unique. During the day, you'll usually find the game on 96.1 FM (WMAX). However, for night games and weekends, the broadcast often shifts over to 1300 AM (WOOD) or 106.9 FM (WOOD-FM).
- Lansing: Tune your dial to 1240 AM (WJIM) or 107.7 FM.
- Kalamazoo: 590 AM (WKZO) is the long-standing home for Tigers baseball in West Michigan.
- Flint: Look for 91.1 FM (WFUM) or check the surrounding area's stronger signals.
- Traverse City: 1270 AM (WMKT) or 98.1 FM (WGFN) usually carries the torch for the North.
- The Upper Peninsula: If you're "Above the Bridge," 680 AM (WDBC) in Escanaba or 1400 AM (WCCY) in Houghton are your best bets.
Listening Without a Traditional Radio
Let's be real—sometimes you don't have a physical radio. You've got a smartphone and a data plan.
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The Audacy App
Since Audacy owns 97.1 The Ticket, you can stream the game for free through the Audacy app if you are within the Detroit geographical area. If you're outside the blackout zone, however, the stream might get blocked due to MLB's strict broadcasting rights.
MLB At Bat
If you want zero headaches, the MLB At Bat subscription is the gold standard. For a small monthly fee, you get every single Tigers radio broadcast with no blackouts. You can choose between Dan Dickerson’s legendary English call or the Spanish broadcast. It works on your phone, your computer, and even through smart speakers like Alexa.
SiriusXM
Driving a car with satellite radio? The Tigers are always on SiriusXM. The channel numbers change daily depending on who is the "home" team, but you can usually find them in the 175–189 range. Check the "MLB Play-by-Play" menu on your car's display.
The Voices You'll Hear in 2026
It’s not just about the frequency; it’s about the vibe. Dan Dickerson is entering another year as the lead play-by-play man. He’s the guy who makes a random Tuesday game in June sound like Game 7 of the World Series.
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He’s joined by a rotating cast of analysts. Bobby Scales has become a fixture in the booth, offering that "grinder" perspective that Tigers fans love. You’ll also hear from Dan Petry, who brings that 1984 World Series championship pedigree. Occasionally, when Jason Benetti is busy with his national NBC or Fox assignments, Dickerson moves over to the TV side, and you'll hear Greg Gania step in to handle the radio play-by-play.
Why the Radio Still Matters
In an era of 4K streaming and instant highlights, why do people still ask what radio station is the detroit tigers game on?
There is something poetic about Tigers baseball on the radio. It’s the sound of a Michigan summer. It’s working in the garage, sitting on the porch, or painting the fence while the crowd noise swells and fades. Radio forces you to use your imagination in a way that television just doesn't.
Troubleshooting Your Signal
If you're hearing static, try these quick fixes:
- Switch to AM: If the FM signal is "multipathing" (reflecting off buildings), a local AM affiliate might actually be clearer, even if the audio quality is "thinner."
- Check the HD2/HD3 Channels: If you have a modern car radio, 97.1 often broadcasts secondary sports content on its HD sub-channels.
- The "Old School" Antenna: If you're using a portable radio at home, remember that FM antennas are directional. Point that telescopic rod toward Detroit (or your nearest affiliate city).
Actionable Steps for the Season
- Program Your Presets: Before Opening Day, save 97.1 FM and your local affiliate (like 1300 AM in Grand Rapids) to your car's presets.
- Download the Apps: Get the Audacy and MLB apps updated and logged in now so you aren't fumbling with passwords during the second inning.
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching the game on TV but want to hear Dan Dickerson instead of the TV announcers, use the MLB app's "audio overlay" feature to sync the radio call with the live video.
The crack of the bat sounds better on the airwaves. Whether you're in the heart of the city or deep in the Northwoods, the Detroit Tigers Radio Network has you covered for all 162 games.