Don’t mess with Detroit, and don’t mess with the Detroit Lions. That even goes for road games. The Detroit Lions have one of the strongest and most passionate fan bases in the NFL. So, when the team goes on the road, the fans go with them. That was certainly the case when the Detroit Lions took on the New Orleans Saints last weekend down south. Well, maybe the Saints just weren’t prepared for that kind of hoopla. One thing is certain: Saints GM Mickey Loomis was surprised by all the Honolulu blue in the crowd.
Detroit Lions Fans Surprised Even Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis
Loomis said on the Saints’ WWL radio show today that the team was surprised by the sheer number of Detroit Lions fans that had traveled from the Motor City to support their team. What’s more, those fans were sitting in seats that Saints season ticket holders had re-sold.
“We’re used to having a large number of Saints fans at some of our away games. We’re not used to having that volume of visiting fans at our games,” Loomis said. Ouch.
He added, “Our stadium’s sold out on a season basis. That’s disappointing to have that many tickets that are re-sold and, you know, given to visiting fans. But, look, I understand the economics of it. I understand that season tickets are expensive and you can’t go to every game and so you’re going to pick and choose to sell some. But I was a little caught off guard by the volume, as you said, in the lower bowl. That was unusual and, look, I understand it, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
If Loomis’ comments don’t sit well with you, Saints fans, then you should know that Loomis does appreciate you. He went on to say that Saints fans are basically awesome and do a great job of cheering on the team.
“We have a great home-field advantage. We do,” he said. “But we have to give our fans a reason to create that environment, and I think we will.” So, it sounds like he’s taking some of the blame.
Do the Detroit Lions have an away-field advantage?
The Detroit Lions are 5-1 in away games this season. How great is that record? So, the Lions have certainly given their fans a reason to travel far and wide to see them. I have a theory that the Detroit Lions are actually better on the road than they are at home. Not to blame the Lions fans (I’m one of them), but when things aren’t going well on the field, Lions fans can get angry. That’s a lot of pressure for a team. Hearing booing and angry cries from the opponent’s fans is one thing, but hearing it from your own fans can be a dagger in the heart. So, I think the Green Bay game was a heartbreaking one for Lions players, as their home fans got increasingly upset. Hence, I really think we have an away-game advantage. Is there such a thing? Well, I’ve coined it. So, there you go. I’ll take any advantage!