New fan map shows the Detroit Lions really are America’s team

Everyone loves a good comeback story

Jan 25, 2024 at 4:31 pm

Look at all that team spirit! Courtesy photo

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Before the Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s playoff game, social media data showed that fans in more than half of the country were rooting for us. Now, an updated map from Bet Online shows that even more NFL fans have gotten behind Detroit.

Following Sunday’s win, the New York Post called the Lions “the REAL America’s Team” on the cover of its sports page, taking the title away from the Dallas Cowboys.

This new map basically proves that to be true.

Every state that was rooting for a different team that ended up losing in the divisional round is now rooting for the Lions. Detroit now has 37 states rooting for us to win.

I fixed the map. Go Lions. https://t.co/aU54gE3swm pic.twitter.com/JQtV8sT8Um
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) January 22, 2024

Some fans even posted their own maps on social media that jokingly showed the entire country, besides just California or even just the city of San Francisco, wanting the Lions to come out on top.

The map is based on geotagged data from the social media platform X from Sunday evening to Thursday, tracking official fan hashtags in every state like “#OnePride” and “#GoNiners.” More than 220,000 social media posts were tracked.

Apparently, Americans love a comeback story, and football fan or not, everyone knows how bad the Lions have been doing for decades. Our hometown team has got the most interesting story of the four teams left, and Bet Online predicts that if the Lions win their upcoming NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, the map heading into the Super Bowl will be “one of the most lopsided” ever.

The Lions are set to play the 49ers at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, following the 3 p.m. faceoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. If the Lions win, they’ll play at the Super Bowl for the first time ever, which is set to take place in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.

Over half the country is rooting for the Detroit Lions to win, according to data: The Lions have never made it to the Super Bowl — but could all the support from fans make 2024 our year?

Slideshow

Where to watch the Lions-49ers game in metro Detroit

Ford Field2000 Brush St., Detroit; fordfield.comEven though this week’s Lions game is away, Detroit’s football stadium is hosting a big watch party anyway, complete with performances by the Detroit Lions’ cheerleaders and drumline. Tickets being sold online were originally $20, but are now going for around $50.

Comerica Park2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.comThe Motor City’s baseball venue is also hosting a football watch party, and this one is free of charge. From 10 a.m. until the game ends, the event will feature a live DJ, as well as food and drink specials at its Beer Hall and Tiger Den. Attendees should enter the park at the Brush and Montcalm street entrances.

Detroit Shipping Company474 Peterboro St., Detroit; detroitshippingcompany.com/entertainmentThis local food hall has hosted Lions watch parties on game days for years, and this season is even more exciting than usual. The party starts at noon this weekend, as soon as the spot opens. There’s no cover charge and people of all ages are welcome to enjoy food, Lions gear, and games.

Harry’s2482 Clifford St., Detroit; harrysdetroit.comFor many Detroit football fans, this is the classic sports bar to visit to watch the game. Whenever there’s a big game or event in the city, the bar, located steps away from Little Caesars Arena, offers shuttles to Ford Field and Comerica Park. Plus, it boasts having “the best food of any bar around.”

Diamondback Music Hall49245 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville; eventbrite.com/e/detroit-lions-watch-partyThis concert venue a little ways from Detroit will be hosting a 21+ Lions watch party with a giant screen and loud sound. There will be an all you can eat buffet available for $25, but entry can be reserved for free online. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Batch Brewing Company1400 Porter St., Detroit; facebook.com/BatchBrewingCompanyThis local brewery, which newly launched a full-service restaurant, is hosting its own Lions watch party featuring Michigan Trumbull Pizza for the third week in a row. For $35, patrons can have access to all you can eat wings, pizza, pretzels, salad, and more.

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About The Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about food, music, art, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, Metromode, and other various Michigan publications.