If you’re checking your phone and wondering where do the Detroit Lions play today, the short answer is: they don't.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the NFL Divisional Round is officially kicking off, the Lions are watching from home this year. It’s a bit of a gut punch for the fans in Detroit who got used to that deep playoff run energy recently. Honestly, seeing the Denver Broncos hosting the Buffalo Bills at 4:30 p.m. ET and the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Seattle Seahawks tonight just makes you wish the Honolulu Blue was out there.
But life moves fast in the NFL. The Lions finished the 2025 season in fourth place in the NFC North, which means their season wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. Instead of preparing for a playoff game at Ford Field, the front office is already deep into the "what went wrong" phase and looking toward the 2026 draft.
Where the Lions Call Home (When They Actually Play)
When the season is in full swing, the Detroit Lions play their home games at Ford Field. It’s located at 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226.
If you haven’t been, it’s easily one of the coolest stadiums in the league. Most domes feel like giant concrete bunkers, but Ford Field is different. They actually built the stadium into the old Hudson’s warehouse, which dates back to the 1920s. You get this weird, beautiful mix of modern glass and old-school Detroit brick.
Because it’s an indoor stadium, the weather outside doesn't matter. It could be a blizzard in January (like it often is), but inside, it’s a crisp 70 degrees. The capacity is roughly 65,000, but when that place gets loud, it feels like 100,000.
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Getting to the Game
Whenever the Lions are back in action at home, here's the lowdown on getting there:
- Driving: You’ve got I-75, I-94, and M-10 all feeding into the downtown area. Parking is... well, it’s downtown Detroit. It’s expensive.
- The QLine: If you’re staying a bit further up Woodward Ave, the QLine streetcar is a lifesaver. It’s cheap and drops you right near the stadium.
- The People Mover: It’s a bit of a Detroit classic. It loops the downtown area and has a stop (Greektown) that’s a short walk from the gates.
Why Aren't the Lions Playing in the Playoffs?
It was a tough year. After the highs of the previous seasons, the 2025 campaign didn't go the way Dan Campbell or Brad Holmes planned. The Vikings ended up sweeping the Lions, which basically sealed their fate in the NFC North.
By the time January 4th rolled around, the writing was on the wall. The Lions finished fourth in the division. Because of that, they didn't qualify for the Wild Card round last week, and they definitely aren't in the Divisional Round today.
The 2026 Schedule is Already Taking Shape
Even though they aren't on the field today, we already know who they’ll be facing in the 2026 regular season. Because they finished fourth, their schedule is actually "easier" on paper for next year. They’ll be playing the fourth-place teams from other divisions.
Home Games at Ford Field in 2026:
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- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
Away Games in 2026:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Miami Dolphins
- Arizona Cardinals
What’s Happening at Ford Field Today?
Since the Lions aren't using the field, you might wonder if anything else is going on. Usually, Ford Field is a hub for more than just football. It hosts the Quick Lane Bowl, massive concerts (think Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran levels), and even Monster Jam.
However, today, January 17, 2026, the stadium is quiet. There were some "if necessary" playoff tickets floating around on secondary markets earlier in the year—basically placeholders in case the Lions made a run—but those have all been refunded.
If you’re in downtown Detroit today looking for something to do since the Lions aren't playing, there are plenty of other spots. The Fillmore has Halsey performing tonight, and St. Andrews Hall has Mike Sherm. Detroit is still hopping, just not at the corner of Brush and Beacon Street.
Looking Ahead: The Offseason Hustle
The real "game" for the Lions starts now. While the rest of the NFC is fighting for a Super Bowl ring, Detroit is scouting. The big talk right now is the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Draft experts like Dane Brugler are already pairing the Lions with potential successors for Taylor Decker. There’s also a lot of movement in the coaching staff. The team is currently interviewing candidates for the Offensive Coordinator position. Names like Arthur Smith and Zac Robinson have been floating around the rumor mill.
It’s a different kind of season, but for die-hard fans, it’s just as intense.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you were hoping to watch a game today and are feeling the void, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even if the Lions aren't in it, these games determine who the NFC powerhouse will be next year. Watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks at 8 p.m. ET on FOX tonight.
- Check Your Refunds: If you bought "Potential Playoff" tickets for Ford Field through Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, check your statement. Most refunds take 14-21 days to process once the event is officially cancelled.
- Monitor the OC Search: Keep an eye on local Detroit sports news (like the Detroit Free Press or The Detroit News). The hiring of a new Offensive Coordinator will be the biggest indicator of how the 2026 season will look.
- Mark the Calendar: The official 2026 NFL schedule with specific dates and times won't be released until the spring. That's when you can start planning your trips back to Ford Field.
The Lions aren't playing today, but the work for 2026 is already happening behind those warehouse walls at Ford Field.