Detroit Lions

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Today in Michigan History

April 22, 1938

Briggs Stadium was dedicated.

The several-year expansion of Navin Field was completed as the Detroit Tigers opened the new season. New construction added approximately 20,000 seats, pushing stadium capacity to more than 53,000 seats. The remodeled field was named for Walter O. Briggs Sr., the Tigers owner. Beginning in 1938, the Detroit Lions started playing their games at Briggs Stadium. They remained there until 1975, when the team moved to the Pontiac Silverdome.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.

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Today in Michigan History

September 23, 1934

The Detroit Lions played their first NFL game.

Earlier that year, the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans moved to Detroit and were renamed the Lions. In their first game as a team with the National Football League, the Lions shut out the New York Giants 9-0 in front of 12,000 fans. During that season, the Lions won their first ten games and hosted the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, beginning a holiday home-game tradition that continues to this day.

Thank you Michigan History Magazine for this glimpse into our past.  See more at www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

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Today in Michigan History

July 28, 1973

Joe Schmidt entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Joe Schmidt, with an instinct for defense, played with the Detroit Lions from 1953 through 1965, was enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame. The six-foot, 222-pounder was All-Pro in eight of his thirteen seasons. He played in ten Pro Bowl games. Schmidt also served as the Lions’ head coach from 1967 until 1973.

Thank you Michigan History Magazine for this glimpse into our past.  See more at www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

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