GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Lions fans in West Michigan spent their day cheering the Lions on ahead of Sunday night's game. Grand Rapids sports bars were packed with excited fans as many came out to see the first game of the season.
"I mean, no matter what happens to the Lions this year, we're all still gonna be fans," said Grand Rapids resident and Lions fan Scott McCoy.
All day Sunday, fans came out in their blue, white and silver to celebrate the start of the season. Sunday night football started early for McCoy, who said he got to The Score sports bar four hours early to secure his seat in front of the big screen.
"Very excited. Yeah, really looking forward to this year. Last year was a really great building block, I think, and really looking forward to see what the Lions are going to do this year. A lot of friends here at the bar we know, and so, yeah, this is basically the place we go when the Lions come on," said McCoy.
The Detroit Lions faced the Los Angeles Rams at their home stadium, Ford Field. Last season, the Lions were on a winning streak, just one game away from heading to the Super Bowl. Lions superfan, Katie Stauffer, said she's been watching the Lions for years and she couldn't wait to watch the game.
"I've been watching them with my dad since I was like 9 months old. I would sit there and fall asleep with my dad while watching the Lions. I'm so excited. I just got this new jersey last week for this, so I'm excited," said Stauffer.
Sports bars across West Michigan had fans from around the state ready to watch the game.
Jake O'Rourke is the general manager of The Score and said as the fall season approaches, big sporting events help boost his business and the economy.
"The more Lions fans are excited about the games, the more they're excited about everything going on in the NFL. It just definitely boosts business all around when the Lions are playing well," said O'Rourke.
He said he hopes the Lions can make it to the Super Bowl.
"Last year, they beat the defending Super Bowl champs right out of the gate and just set the tone for the rest of the season. It just gets the season started off right, and hopefully we can finally win that Super Bowl," said O'Rourke.