Tigers Pride: Your Guide to the 2012 Baseball Season

Opening Day is Thursday and it’s time to kick the action and energy into high gear, Tigers fans.

There’s so much to love about being at a baseball game – The stadium lights, the hotdogs and peanuts, cheering for your favorite Tiger and doing the wave.

Even if it comes down to just watching the game on a TV, the rivalries and high-stake games, the cookouts and drinks, and the fellow rowdy Tigers fans donned in their best team apparel can make you feel you’re in the center of the action.

This guide can help you in both scenarios, to make the most of rooting for your Tigers.

Here you can find a bar to watch the game, shuttles for Opening Day, when you can catch a fireworks show this season and special events happening around town, in addition to important links about the Detroit Tigers season.

Here’s to kicking off a great 2012 season:

Shuttles to Comerica Park

Two Berkley bars are offering shuttles to the game, which begins with the first pitch at 1:05 p.m.

As of Tuesday evening, had just a handful of seats left for their shuttle service. They have two private buses that will depart from the bar on Thursday: 9:30 and 11 a.m.

The shuttles hold 25 people each and one returns 30 minutes after the game and the other returns around 6 p.m. For $20, passengers can reserve a seat and for $30, breakfast and a drink will be included. Only cash is accepted for the shuttle service and interested participants can call in advance or show up as early as 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and to snag a seat.

Katie Kindl, a 24 Seconds bartender and waitress, says they are expecting a good crowd Opening Day. “We’ll have the game on, full sound and in HD.”

also has a trolley bus rented for local fans and customers.

Bartender Joe Magolan coordinates the annual tradition that’s been going on the last five baseball seasons.

“We just supply transportation downtown, people do what they choose to and then when they want to, they have a ride back to Berkley,” he explained.

The shuttle will leave at 11 a.m. and the cost is $30. Breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m., two kegs on the bus and appetizers after the game are included in the price. About six seats are left and the bus holds around 50 people, Magolan said.

Opening Day Screenings

In addition to being able to watch the games at 24 Seconds with drink specials, another local bar to check out is .

Jennifer Oprisiu, who works at the pub, said they'll have drinks specials, such as a bucket of beer for $12 and well vodka drinks for $3.

She said their popular "Quiz-O" game is expected to draw people in, along with fans looking to watch the game.

"It is the Tigers," she said with a laugh about the expected turnout for the day, "We will of course have the game on."

Special Community Events

will host senior outings to games this season, on June 7 and Aug. 23. The cost is $38, which includes the game ticket, transportation and a lunch coupon for a hot dog and drink at the ball park. Participants will tour the grounds and enjoy the game as a group.

Registration should be completed three weeks in advance. Contact Berkley Parks & Recreation at 248-541-3030 for details.

Huntington Woods Parks & Recreation has 13 tickets available for locals to buy at just $10 for the Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Rays game on April 11. The group will depart at 11:30 a.m., make a pit-stop at Lafayette Coney, then head to the game and return around 5 p.m.

Registration must be completed as soon as possible, since tickets are limited. Call the at 248-658-3470 for details.

Fireworks Displays

One of the coolest parts of being front and center at a Tigers game for families might just be the fireworks at dusk that happen during certain games. Fireworks at Tigers games start in May this year.

The full schedule can be found at michiganfireworks.com, but here’s when you can catch a game with fireworks now through June:

• Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, May 18
• Tigers vs. New York Yankees, June 1
• Tigers vs. New York Yankees, June 2
• Tigers vs. Colorado Rockies, June 15

Helpful Resources

Rooting on the Tigers isn't the same without a t-shirt, hat or jersey to show some outward love for the team. Locally-owned Fanatic U, with the closest store location at 12 Mile and Greenfield in Southfield, has apparel online and in the store. Tigers jerseys start at $79.99. Visit fanaticu.com or follow them on Facebook for special deals and promotions on sportwear. 

You can find the full game schedule on the official site of the Detroit Tigers, as well as buy tickets and see promotions set up for the season. You can also check out Tigers Kids for family activities this baseball season. 

Keep checking Patch for local news, updates and information about the Detroit Tigers baseball season and events happening around the community.