Detroit to host Monday Night Football Game for Third-Straight Season; Set to Face Green Bay on Thanksgiving for 21st Time
Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced their full 2013 season schedule today. For the third-straight season, Detroit will host ESPN’s Monday Night Football when the defending Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens travel to Ford Field Monday, December 16 at 8:40 p.m.
This season marks the first time the Lions will play on MNF in three-straight seasons since 1994-96 and will host a MNF game three-straight years since they had MNF games each season from 1981-84.
The schedule also features the Lions’ 74th Thanksgiving Day Classic Thursday, November 28 at 12:30 p.m. ET vs. the Green Bay Packers. This year’s game marks the 21st meeting between the Lions and Packers on Thanksgiving and the sixth time since 2001. Detroit has played Green Bay more than any other opponent in the Thanksgiving Day series and holds an 11-8-1 (.579) advantage.
In Week 1, Detroit will kick off the regular season at home for the second-consecutive season when they host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field (September 9, 1 p.m.; FOX) in an NFC North clash. The last time the Lions opened at home in back-to-back seasons was 2005-06.
The 2013 season opener is just the second time in franchise history the Lions will host the Vikings on opening day. The teams have played four previous times on opening day, with the Lions traveling to Minnesota three times (1986, 1987 and 1996) and once at home (1971).
The Lions Bye Week occurs during Week 9 (Sunday, November 3) of the NFL season.
