Lions Increase Open Training Camp Dates To Boost Fan Support

Lions' Open Practices An Effort To Make Amends For Poor On-Field Performance

The Lions Thursday announced that their August training camp schedule will include "18 scheduled open practice sessions" as part of an effort to "start making amends" for poor on-field performance, according to John Niyo of the DETROIT NEWS. After season-ticket buyers, suite holders and sponsors "get their sneak preview of training camp" from August 1-4, the general public "will be welcome to watch practice almost daily" beginning August 5. The team also will host a special fan day, "Lions Uncaged," August 8 at Ford Field. The increased access is "part of a progression that began with limited training-camp access for fans in 2007 and has expanded each year since." The Lions "realize winning back fans is an uphill challenge after their on-field performance in recent years," including an 0-16 finish last season. The team has "reduced prices for some general seating in 2009, and has added new partial-season and individual-game ticket options this season." Lions President Tom Lewand Thursday would not disclose any specifics on current ticket sales, but said, "I'm pleased with where we are" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/24).

DROPPED FOR A LOSS: CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS' Bill Shea reported Michigan-based auto supplier Visteon Corp. is "walking away from its lease on its suite at Ford Field" as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Visteon was "on the hook for $313,074 in suite payments through 2011." However, Lions VP/Business Operations Bob Raymond in an e-mail said, "No companies have exited (Ford Field suite leases) due to bankruptcy." Raymond declined to comment on the Visteon situation because the team "hadn't yet received the filing" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 7/22).