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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 10:11 PM
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NCAA tickets in Detroit

Okay, I probably really screwed up here. DH and DS have tickets for the NCAA games at the end of March. It just dawned on me that I probably should have booked a room for them. Last year they had tickets for St. Louis and were able to stay with my MIL in southern Illinois. The year before they had tickets but the venue was about 20 minutes from home. So it wasn't until tonight that I realized they'd need a place to stay this year.

I'm going to check all of the inexpensive chain websites (they're not going to be spending enough time in the room to be worth an expensive place) but don't know what area is close to the venue. Can someone tell me where to look?

The games are being played at Ford Field. Is it near public transportation? Would it be better for them to stay in another area and take public transit to the games?

As you can probably tell, I'm pretty ignorant about Detroit. I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

Thank you!
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 05:07 AM
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CAPH,
Not many inexpensive places near Ford Field. They will probably wind up out in the suburbs and I don't think public transport will be of much help. A good choice for inexpensive chains in MI is Baymont Inns. There are quite a few in the Detroit area. Good luck in your search.

ST
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 06:18 AM
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Newbie from fodor's was just here and they stayed at the ferry inn which is downtown detroit.

The Ren Cen has a huge marriott right on the river in downtown detroit, there is also the omni and antheneum hotel is right in greektown. MGM casino just opened a brand new hotel and spa. So there are many choices, but baby, you better get with it the rooms will be booked before you know it. If you need anymore info let me know if I can help.

Theresa in Detroit.
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 06:37 AM
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Thanks, Suzie and Theresa!
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 07:56 AM
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Yep, mamaw's right, we just stayed at the Inn on Ferry Street, and I can recommend it highly. It's a 5-10 minute drive to Ford field, and the inn offers free, secure parking, plus hot cooked breakfast. But best of all, they have a free shuttle that could take your DH and DS to Ford field--yep, free.
http://www.innonferrystreet.com/
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 08:14 AM
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I agree with staying at the Rennaisance Center if you can.
The Hilton Garden Inn is a good location. If you have to stay outside the city, Southfield is close and easy.

When I didn't live in MI, but traveled to Detroit for work purposes I had business associates that would always want to stay in Canada for entertainment purposes. Detroit does have gambling now though if that is important. Staying is Canada is fairly easy, you do need a passport now though.
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 12:46 PM
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More importantly, how in the world did they get NCAA tickets three years in a row?
 
Old Feb 12th, 2008, 10:18 AM
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Thanks so much NewbE, RKogel and dmlove. I'm sorry it took me so long to respond but our internet has been down. Putting me, of course, that much farther behind on getting these reservations!

dmlove, our son always orders the tickets a year ahead. In other words, just after the tournament ends, he "applies" for the tickets for the following year.
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 11:07 AM
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CAP what are the dates your looking for? A friend suggested the new MGM hotel/casino for a stay. I have seen some good deals.
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 11:12 AM
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Detroit is a Regional site this year.

You can almost always get tickets to regionals a year in advance like her son does....Tickets to the Detroit Regionals are still available at ticketmaster.

Final Four tickets, now that's a different story....
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 12:10 PM
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Yep, milemarker. He's been lucky enough to just happen to be where the Final Four was being held the past two years and has gone to the free practice. But he's never even tried to get tickets.

Mamaw, the dates are 3/28-30. Thanks for that suggestion. Unfortunately, the Inn on Ferry Street, which sounded perfect, is already booked.

As I said in my OP, I'd prefer to find something inexpensive. But am willing to pay more for a place with a shuttle to Ford Field. I'm sure parking is expensive, so it would even out.

I could just kick myself for letting this go so late. But it's a lesson learned for next year!
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 01:19 PM
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You can also try hotels in Dearborn. It's only about 15-minutes to downtown from there and you have choices ranging from the Red Roof to the Ritz. One of my favs is the Historic Dearborn Inn, a Marriott.

If they'll be going to dinner before the game, many restaurants near downtown offer a shuttle service. They can park once and the bus will take them to Ford Field and back. I know several do it, but the only one that comes to mind immediately is Roma Cafe. I'm sure other posters can name more.
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 01:51 PM
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Thanks, Citylghts!

I booked them a room at the Comfort Inn Downtown at 1999 E. Jefferson. Does anyone know anything about it? We've generally had pretty good luck with Choice Hotels properties.

The website says it's a mile and a half from Ford Field. If that's right, they're thinking that should be walkable. But does anyone know whether it's a safe area to walk, possibly fairly late?
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 03:00 PM
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CAPH, I'm glad you found a room downtown! But re: the Inn on Ferry Street, call them for cancellations. I called the night before our morning departure, and they found us a room. They get a lot of business from the local hospital center, and it seems the visiting docs often cancel at the last minute.
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 03:40 PM
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Thanks, NewbE, that's good to know!
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Old Feb 12th, 2008, 05:59 PM
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Yeah, I realized this wasn't Final Four after I posted. But early rounds are fun, too! Who do they root for?
 
Old Feb 13th, 2008, 06:37 AM
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It depends who's playing! The first year they went they were lucky enough to see that amazing Illinois/Arizona game. I think that's still the highlight of their experience. DS, who's a freshman at Wisconsin this year, would love to see them, of course. But, after the loss to Perdue on Saturday....And, even if they get in, they may not be in that regional.

Basically, he's a fanatic. So he'll be happy no matter who they see! And I'm happy 'cause it's good father/son time for them. And I'm even happier because while they're there, I'm going to NJ to visit an old friend and am hoping to finally "meet" a Fodorite whose become a friend. So it should be a good weekend for us all!
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Old Feb 14th, 2008, 04:55 PM
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I don't know anything about the hotel.

I would only stay there if they have a shuttle to Ford Field or if you plan to drive.

You will not want to walk from there to Ford Field. In the daytime, ok (just ok). Later in the evening. No way!

Perhaps someone has a better feeling about it than I do but I would not consider it.
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Old Feb 14th, 2008, 04:58 PM
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Thanks, RKogel!

Anyone else agree or disagree?

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Old Feb 14th, 2008, 06:29 PM
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I disagree, I think walking to and from Ford Field a mile and a half after a big event will be fine, but I've only been to the area once and am no expert. My impression was that while some buildings were vacant and there were a couple of sketchy people about, the main streets were busy enough and well lit that we would have felt fine walking; we were driving because it was freezing cold!
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