Lions to Have "Black & Blue Fan Day" on Saturday

Along with open practices, the Lions usually always have one scrimmage open to the public as well.  Normally the scrimmage is held at Ford Field, but the Lions decided against that this year as they are throwing a fan day in Allen Park instead.

"Black & Blue Fan Day," as they call it, will be held this Saturday and is open to the general public.  The only catch is that you need a ticket to attend the event, and you can only get a ticket at a Wireless Giant store.  The tickets are free, but as the main sponsor of this event, Wireless Giant is basically getting Lions fans to at least walk into their stores.  It's a good business idea as many people that walk into their stores will leave with more than just a ticket, but it's a pain in the butt for fans that don't have a Wireless Giant nearby.

Here are the details of the event:

The Detroit Lions announced today that the team will hold its "Black & Blue Fan Day" brought to you by Wireless GIANT Saturday, August 2 in Allen Park. The public practice will start at 3:30 p.m. at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility, and gates will open for the event at 2 p.m.

Among the festivities that will take place prior to the start of practice includes visits by Lions' alumni and Roary, the Lions' team mascot. The Lions' flagship station 97.1 The Ticket will broadcast live from training camp, and from 2-3 p.m. feature Detroit Lions Radio Network play-by-play announcer Dan Miller. Miller will emcee Saturday's practice session, providing announcements throughout the workout. Additionally, live music will part of the events leading up to the start of practice.

In the case of inclement weather, Saturday's "Black & Blue Fan Day" brought to you by Wireless GIANT will be canceled and Lions' practice will be moved indoors and will be closed to the public. Fans are encouraged to visit Detroitlions.com for weather updates and any changes to Saturday's schedule. Information on practice access will also be available through the team's Training Camp Hotline (313.262.2882).

Parking is available in designated lots on Republic Drive near the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility. Gates will open at 2 p.m. Re-entry is not permitted and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal belongings are subject to inspection upon entry and items not permitted into open practices include: professional cameras (lenses over five inches long and/or 50mm or above), any video camera, food, beverage, coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, backpacks or large bags.

The fan viewing area features: bleacher seating areas, additional standing areas, a shaded tent area, concessions and The Roar & More team store, offering items such as official 2008 Training Camp, Sideline and Lions 75th Season apparel. Though autographs are not guaranteed, it is common Lions' players and coaches to meet fans following practice sessions.

Starting Thursday at noon you can pick up tickets at a Wireless Giant store.  A full list of the stores that will have tickets on hand can be found after the jump.