Report: Detroit Lions to host LGBT pride event during game in October

The Detroit Lions are set to host what is believed to be the NFL‘s first LGBT night, according to a report in the Detroit Free Press.

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce says it will hold a pride event during the Lions’ game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 25 at Ford Field. It would follow similar LGBT pride events already held by the organization at Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers games since December.

“I think, as the Chamber of Commerce, we’re usually the boring LGBT group. We’re the suits in the back of the room just trying to make sure that things are moving along,� CEO James Felton Keith said.

“But these large sporting events play into our InDetroit campaign [and] our Inclusive Detroit campaign, which primarily affects the large corporations in the area. But these sports franchises are some of the largest corporations in the area, and they affect the overall social sentiment.�

Keith said his group will have access to a block of upper-level tickets plus rooftop seating. In addition, he said, the group will be acknowledged during the game on the scoreboard or in some other way, adding that the Lions will help find corporate sponsorship for the event and a pregame tailgate party.

The team has yet to announce or comment on the event, and attempts to reach Lions officials working with the group were unsuccessful.

“We do anticipate a good 1,400- to 1,500-member [turnout] to piggyback on the 1,400 people that we had at the Tigers pride night,� Keith said. “We expect a lot of those that can’t get in the stadium, that they’ll at least be available for the tailgate.�

The Chamber hosted LGBT pride nights with the Pistons in December, the Red Wings in April and the Tigers earlier this month. Keith said the events were successful and helped spread awareness of the group and its cause.