Located on the west side of Crooks Road between Big Beaver and Wattles Road, Boulan Park is one of Troy's five major community parks.
The 63-acre Boulan Park features an array of recreation facilities including three ball diamonds, eight tennis courts, three soccer fields, a lacrosse field, two sand volleyball courts, two play structures and a 1.25 mile paved walking path.
Two picnic shelters, restrooms and a concession stand are located at the park, which accommodates parking for up to 451 vehicles. The park is also home to two major community celebrations: the annual Magic of the Fall and the Troy Daze Festival, the city's annual family festival.
Opened in 2002, Ford Field is home to the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. In addition, the facility hosted Super Bowl XL in 2006, the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in 2009 and is the current host to college football's Mid-American Conference Championship Game and Quick Lane Bowl.
Ford Field Parking
Because of its location in downtown Detroit, parking does get expensive around Ford Field. The parking structure on the other side of St. Antoine Street costs $35-45 on gameday, while parking anywhere else within a short walk of the stadium will cost about $20. A little further away in downtown, street parking is free, but plan on arriving three hours or more prior to gametime.
Hotels near Ford Field
The Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express are both nearby options that will run about $180-200 per night. Cheaper options are available in the suburbs and across the border in Windsor at about $120-150 per night. For a cool experience, stay in the Marriott at the Renaissance Center, which features numerous restaurants and shops within the complex and offers great views of the city.
Seating at Ford Field
Being rectangular in shape instead of ovular, the seating configuration offers some good and some bad views. In the 300-level ($45-50 per ticket face value), corner areas give fans odd angles that face the sidelines, but that's the worst you'll encounter. Lower-level seating runs about $150 or higher. Family-friendly seating is available in Section 315, where no alcohol or profanity is allowed.
Food at Ford Field
Food does run a little expensive, but there is a huge selection in the main concourse. Hungry Howie's Pizza runs about $9-10 per slice and a wide assortment of hot dogs at Extreme Dogs goes $7-8. For a unique option, go to Pegasus Greek Tavern near Section 113 or gluten-free options outside Section 217. The Barry Sanders Fresh and Fit Meal is also a good option for the health-conscious at $7-8.
Beer at Ford Field
Budweiser, Bud Light and Labatt are the primary beers within the stadium and one cup will cost between $8-10. Several local microbrews are also available, including the Michigan Craft Beer concession stand outside Section 129. Those, though, will run $10-13 per cup.
Parking Alternatives at Ford Field
There are multiple shuttle options available on gameday. Eastern Market offers a park-and-ride service, while establishments in the Greek Town and Cork Town neighborhoods also offer buses. In each case, costs runs anywhere from free to $10.
What to Bring to Ford Field
Being that it is an indoor stadium, there is no need to bundle up or pack sunscreen, but it may be a brisk walk outside in November, December and January. Per security policies, be sure to avoid bringing large purses or backpacks into the stadium.
Insider Tip for Ford Field
Since it is in downtown, make sure to arrive several hours early. There are plenty of areas to hang out inside and outside the stadium, so take in the atmosphere.
Author's bio: Michael Benson is a life-long Illinois resident and an avid traveler throughout the Midwest.
A & A Driving School specializes in safe and defensive driver's education programs for teens and adults. A & A 's certified driving instructors have over 50 years of experience in the field. The school provides clinical and behind-the-wheel driving evaluations, adaptive equipment recommendations and in-vehicle training for clients with special challenges and disabilities.
Palazzo di Bocce is a fine Italian restaurant located off of Lapeer Road. Located inside the complex are several Bocce Ball courts as well as a full bar. Palazzo Di Bocce also has a seperate room for private events that also includes a Bocce Ball court.
Top Driver is a contemporary driver training program with more than 15,000 hours of classes and 21,000 hours of in-vehicle lessons. With more than 80 driving centers in Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, Top Driver offers flexible schedules, affordable prices and instructors who have mastered the Top Driver curriculum and training program along with an extensive background check. Online enrollment and additional information on the driving schedules and program is available on the Top Driver website> There are two Michigan locations, including the office on Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield.
This is a huge facility offering children and adults classes, activities all all year-round. The schedule of events is enormous; check the Web site for the schedule of events. Summer kids camp, swim lessons and fitness classes are very popular throughout the summer. Look for the Movie in the Park monthly series starting on June 17. Come celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Saline Rec Center the weekend on June 17-19.
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers an all-trampoline, walled playing court for fun, fitness and sports.
Sky Zone offers options for most ages and body types. Activities include Open Jump, 3-D Dodgeball, SkyRobotics fitness classes, and offers group parties for birthday parties and corporate team-building programs.
