Lions host first official event in Canada

Hundreds of Detroit Lions fans attended the team’s first official watch party event in Canada at the Factory House in Windsor. Dec. 15, 2024. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Hundreds of Detroit Lions fans didn’t have to go stateside on Sunday to watch their team take the field.

The team held a tailgate party at the Factory House as its first official event in Canada.

Fans sported their Honolulu Blue to play games, grab a bite to eat and watch the Lions take on the Buffalo Bills on a 10-foot screen under a massive tent.

For Josh Nielsen, a lifelong Lions Fan from London, Ont., the organization had a “great idea” by incorporating its fans on the other side of the border.

“I think this is a great idea you get all the Lions fans together a big tailgate part inside a tent it's awesome," Nielsen told CTV News.

Marketing rights were given to Canada through the NFL’s Global Markets Program to host the first two events in Windsor and London.

After years of suffering over poor performances, Nielsen said he’s appreciative the fanbase is receiving its recognition. In the future, he wants to see the league feature more events in Canada particularly for Lions fans.

“Every weekend there’s got to be an event like this,” Nielsen said.

"Let's do it bring it every weekend and you'll have a packed house every time you do one of these.”

Canadians won’t have to wait long to take part in the NFL’s next event in Canada as a watch party is scheduled for Dec. 22 at Canada Life Place in London.