DETROIT (WWJ) — Much like this time last year, Detroit Lions fans are hoping to see a long playoff run deep into January — and perhaps get the first taste of what it’s like to reach the Super Bowl.
But in order for that run to happen right here in Detroit, the Lions need one more win. A victory Sunday night over NFC North rival Minnesota would mean a division title, a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. A loss means the team heads out on the road for Wild Card Weekend, with subsequent playoff games likely away from home as well.
Many fans are calling it the biggest regular season game in franchise history. And city officials are preparing accordingly.
In the wake of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed 14 victims — plus the truck driver who plowed into crowds of revelers — and injured more than 30 others, the Detroit Police Department is stepping up the security presence for Sunday’s game, as well as the North American International Auto Show, which runs Jan. 10-20.
Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison said at a Friday afternoon press conference DPD will be working with state and federal partners, along with additional resources from the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County sheriff’s departments.
“We know what happened in New Orleans and Las Vegas,” Bettison said. “I received many phone calls from many individuals anxious, worried, saying, ‘hey, how does that affect us in the city of Detroit; will we be safe if we attend large scale events?’”
“Let me tell you this. We work each and every day, this collaboration that’s behind me, they have been, we have been preparing, working. So, it’s there,” Bettison said, pointing to the safe and successful NFL Draft last April that saw more than 700,000 fans descend on Downtown Detroit.
Bettison, who took over for the departing Chief James White in early November, said Friday the public can expect to see not only DPD officers throughout the city, but sheriff’s deputies from surrounding counties and even federal agencies.
But there will be plenty more going on behind the scenes that you don’t see, Bettison said, using a football analogy to make his point.
“Now, just like coach (Dan) Campbell… when you think about the playbook and you’re watching the Lions and they have the covering of their mouth and you can’t see the plays, I’ll tell you my federal partners have already said, ‘Chief Bettison, you can not talk about what we’re doing,’” he said.
Both Bettison and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said fans should “pack your patience” if you’re heading downtown, whether you’re going to the game or just going to the bars to soak in the playoff-like atmosphere.
“Get down a little earlier because we have increased our security posture and there will be some noticeable differences,” Bettison said.
Duggan, who announced late last year he will be running for governor of Michigan in 2026, said the city’s thoughts and wishes are with the people of New Orleans following the terrorist attack.
The mayor said there have been no threats against Detroit, but “we just thought it was prudent” to beef up security ahead of the regular season finale.
Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. with live coverage on 97.1 The Ticket as the Lions go for a 15th win of the season, which would set a single-season franchise record with playoffs included.
Also at Friday's press conference, Duggan and Bettison discussed the 2024 year-end crime stats in the city, revealing that Detroit had the fewest number of homicides in nearly 60 years.
The number of homicides is down 19% from 2023, which had already seen a 33% decrease from the year prior.
Duggan said Detroit is proof that investing in both police and community organizations is a winning strategy.
Officials also said non-fatal shootings and carjackings also dropped in 2024, by 25% and 16%, respectively.