'Ford Field Experience in London': Detroit Lions host tailgate and watch party at Canada Life Place

It was a sea of Silver and Honolulu Blue on Dundas Place in London, Ont.

“It’s always nice to get together with other Lions fans, especially being from London and not having to drive very far,” said Ewen Galbraith, a Detroit Lions season ticket holder attending the tailgate and watch party at Canada Life Place (CLP).

It was the first time the NFC Division leaders had brought an event like this across the border.

“We're really excited to be able to bring the Ford Field experience to London,” said Samantha Barney, the Lions senior director of marketing.

Sloane Galbraith, 10, poses for a photo with Detroit Lions mascot Rory at a tailgate and watch party in London, Ont. on Dec. 22, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

“Recently through the league's global markets program, we got our rights to Canada.”

Acquiring those rights comes at the perfect time. The Lions are enjoying their best season in franchise history and there is a lot of hype surrounding the team after years of struggles.

“We are 12 and two, and their defense is hanging in there, but surviving,” said Tim Edward, who was dressed in a Santa suit with a Lion mask.

The Clow family from St. Thomas, was also tailgating.

Fans Dan Collins (left) and Marshall Burnham travelled from Muskoka to attend the Detroit Lions watch party at Canada Life Place in London on Dec. 22, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

“We're season ticket holders, and we go to Lions games quite often, so we just wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to come here and do it at home,” said Shawn Clow.

“This is a great organization, and Dan Campbell is the man, so you just have to have faith.”

After the party outside, over 3,000 fans poured into CLP. Tickets were $10 each and everyone got a toque and rally towel.

Prior to the game, the band played, and cheerleaders entertained.

The Detroit Lions cheerleaders and drumline Honolulu Boom perform on Dundas Place in London, Ont. on Dec. 22, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

“All the gameday graphics are all motion and live just like you would have it in Ford Field,” said Barney.

“We have t-shirt tosses and a bunch of different photo opportunities. The Detroit Lions cheerleaders are on site today along with our mascot, Rory, and the Honolulu Boom which is our drumline.”

The fans watched the Lions defeat the Bears to improve to 13-2 and en route to the number one seed in the NFC.

“I’ve been a season ticket holder my whole life,” said Tim Repaye, a Windsor native who now works in London.

“My grandfather had season tickets, at Tiger Stadium, at the Pontiac Silverdome, so we’ve been through a lot of pain. So, this is amazing to see the support everybody coming out to support the Lions. it's going to be a hard shot to get to the Super Bowl. But if anyone can do it, it's us.”