NCAA Final Four

Got tickets, got hotel, working on parking. What I need to know is what is the best way to enter the City from Windsor?

Tunnel or bridge?

Also, we will be staying in Corktown and would like to park at stadium to tailgate, would this be advisable or take a cab??

NCAA Final Four

Hands down, the tunnel is the preferred way for your needs.

It will put you right downtown.

Ambassador Bridge traffic and border clearance is almost always much more time-consuming than using the tunnel especially now when the bridge approaches and I-75 are undergoing a massive reconstruction/modernization that won%26#39;t be completed until November 2009.

NCAA Final Four

Tunnel most likely as mentioned - due to construction. If you have XM/Sirrus check the Detroit traffic channel (XM216) and they will give border wait times. Just remember that ';northbound'; means into the US. AM 950 also does traffic updates every 10 minutes.

If you are staying in corktown, your best bet is walking to Nemo%26#39;s (on Michigan, just east of the old Tiger Stadium - or whats left of it) and taking their free shuttles to Ford Field.

Hmmm.... where in Corktown are you staying?

Corktown Inn

I presume that you have read the TA reviews of Corktown Inn (please do so if you haven%26#39;t) and are OK with staying there. Here are 2 restaurant recommendations in the Corktown area: Baile Corcaigh (Irish restaurant and pub) and Slow%26#39;s BBQ (bar and restaurant). We have eaten at both a couple of times and liked them. Websites are: www.corktownpub.com and www.slowsbarbq.com.

You also are only a couple of minute%26#39;s drive from Mexicantown and a good selection of Mexican restaurants. In downtown Detroit, Greektown would be a good spot for bars and restaurants. There also are Cheli%26#39;s, the Hockeytown Cafe and lots of other places very close to Ford Field/Comerica Park area. If you have specific style, cuisine and budget for restaurants, post back and we can make more recommendations aligned with your preferences.

Hotel rooms are few and far between for this event, I did book a backup though at the Days Inn in Windsor Canada. Does anybody have any thoughts on that vs. Corktown Inn? I thought it was kind of strange that they acted surprised back in August when I wanted to book so far in advance, fortunately they gave me a reservation # but did not ask for credit card, whew!

Another option I threw out there for my friends, sell the tickets, I have four, and fly to Vegas to watch it in the betting lounge with the money made on the sell??

Reviews of Days Inn in Windsor are ';slightly'; better, but it sounds as though it is a party place on week-ends, so lots of loud, drinking people in the halls.

One issue is that crossing the border (via the tunnel) can sometimes take 20-30 minutes because of delays at US Customs and Border Protection check points. At other times, the delay might not be more than 5 to 7 minutes. I go to Windsor frequently and it is not a major problem; just factor in the extra time if you stay at the Days Inn.

Going to Vegas instead? Can%26#39;t comment on that other than to say that you would miss the total Final Four ambience if you don%26#39;t see the game in Detroit.

As tylerarb said, be prepared that the Corktown Inn is .... well... an interesting place.....

Another place in Corktown that just opened up is the Mercury Coffee Bar, right across the street from Slows at Michigan and 14th.

You could also check VRBO.com ... there are a couple of condos for rent in the Brush Park area. Another TA member stayed there with family during the Jazz Festival and was satisfied with it. I have NO idea if it is available ( I think there were two) for the FF ... worth a try.

Hate to send you elsewhere, but your Vegas idea is kind of smart - right now, the Vegas deals are astounding. For what you get on the tickets you could get a suite somewhere. Yes, no Detroit ambience, but hmm...vegas suite vs the Corktown Inn /Days Inn Windsor, hell - I know what choice I%26#39;d make.

That said, while the Corktown is a real flop, it%26#39;s not a bad location, considering you got a cheap room on a very busy weekend. I%26#39;d leave the crossing out of your plans, except to get in from Rochester. (I have no loyalty to bridge or tunnel - I honestly just pick one and wait, my worst-ever wait was 25 mins at the tunnel. i may be lucky, though.)

Second the ref above to the doing%26#39;s up on Michigan Avenue in Corktown - some of the best venues going in town, from the divey Lager House bar to the slick Mercury Coffee Bar and its neighbor, Slow%26#39;s BBQ. Good times.

Thanks for all the info, greatly appreciated! Corktown and Days Inn are out, booked with HoJo%26#39;s in Windsor and will take tunnel.

Vegas still an option :)

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