You're pacing. The wings are getting cold. Maybe you're stuck in the car on the I-94, or perhaps the power just flickered out right as the coin toss happened. It’s that frantic Sunday scramble we’ve all been through. You need to know what radio station is the lions game on today before the first snap, and you need it now.
In Michigan, the airwaves are practically painted Honolulu Blue. If you are anywhere near Detroit, the answer is the legendary 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM). It’s been the flagship for years. They’ve got the pre-game hype, the post-game vent sessions where callers lose their minds, and, most importantly, the actual play-by-play. But it’s not always that simple if you’re driving toward Grand Rapids or stuck in the Upper Peninsula.
Radio is weirdly local. Signal drift is real.
The Flagship and the Lions Radio Network
Dan Miller. He’s the voice you’re looking for. When he yells "Touchdown, Detroit Lions!" it hits different than the TV announcers. Miller handles the play-by-play alongside Lomas Brown, the former offensive tackle who knows exactly why a blitz picked up six yards. For those sitting in the Metro Detroit area, 97.1 FM is the undisputed king. It carries a massive signal, but even a powerhouse like WXYT has its limits once you start hitting the outskirts of the state.
If you aren't in Detroit, you’re looking for the Lions Radio Network. This is a massive web of over 30 stations across Michigan and parts of Northern Ohio. It’s basically a safety net for fans.
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For example, if you’re hanging out in Grand Rapids, you’ll likely find the game on WXYT-AM 1270 or sometimes local affiliates like WMAX 96.1. Up in Lansing? Check WJR-AM 760 or WILS 1320. The key is knowing that the broadcast is syndicated. You aren't just looking for one frequency; you're looking for the local partner that has the rights to air the Dan Miller feed.
Why Digital Streaming Isn't Always the Answer
Wait. Can't I just stream it?
Kinda. But there is a catch that catches everyone off guard. If you try to use a generic radio app like TuneIn on your phone, you might get "blackout" audio. Because of NFL broadcasting rights, many local stations are forced to play music or syndicated talk shows over their digital stream while the actual game is happening on the physical radio waves. It's frustrating.
To get around this, you usually have to use the Detroit Lions official app or the NFL+ subscription service. These are the "legal" ways to get that radio feed on a smartphone. If you’re using a physical radio—the old-school kind with an antenna—you never have to worry about these digital blackouts. It just works.
Breaking Down the Regional Stations
Let's look at the map. Michigan is huge.
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In the Tri-Cities (Saginaw, Bay City, Midland), you should flip to WKQS 101.9. If you’re way north in Traverse City, WCCW 107.5 is usually your best bet. The Upper Peninsula is a bit more of a gamble depending on the terrain, but WDMJ 1320 in Marquette has historically carried the torch.
It's honestly impressive how much coverage there is. The Lions have one of the most dedicated radio networks in the NFC North. They know that a huge chunk of their fan base is listening while out at the deer camp or working in a garage.
- Detroit: 97.1 FM (The Ticket)
- Grand Rapids: 96.1 FM / 1270 AM
- Lansing: 1320 AM
- Saginaw: 101.9 FM
- Traverse City: 107.5 FM
Don't ignore the AM dial. I know, it sounds like it's underwater sometimes. But AM signals travel further, especially during the day. If you're in a dead zone for FM, scan the AM frequencies. You might just catch the muffled roar of the crowd and the frantic energy of the Detroit sideline.
Satellite Radio: The Interstate Hero
If you’re driving across state lines—maybe you’re a Lions fan living in Chicago or down in Toledo—terrestrial radio is going to fail you. This is where SiriusXM comes in.
They have dedicated channels for every NFL team. Usually, the "home" broadcast (the Lions' own announcers) will be on one channel, while the "away" broadcast is on another. You’ll want to check the SiriusXM app or your car’s display for the specific channel number for that week. It’s usually in the 225-235 range, but it shifts based on the schedule.
The Atmosphere of Lions Radio
There’s something about radio that TV just can’t replicate. On TV, you see the play. On the radio, Dan Miller has to paint it. You hear the desperation in his voice during a third-and-long. You hear the background noise of Ford Field—the "De-troit Lib-ons" chant—bleeding into the microphone.
Lomas Brown adds that grit. He’ll call out a holding penalty before the ref even throws the flag. It’s a masterclass in football IQ. Listening to them is like sitting at a bar with two guys who know more about the game than anyone else in the room.
Honestly, even when I'm home, I sometimes mute the TV and sync up the radio. The delay is annoying—the radio is usually a few seconds ahead of the TV broadcast—but if you have a DVR, you can pause the TV for a second or two to make the audio match. It's the ultimate setup.
Dealing with Interference
If you're getting static, it’s probably because of building materials or power lines. If you're inside, move the radio near a window. If you're in a car, keep driving; sometimes you're just in a "shadow" created by a hill or a skyscraper.
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The signal for 97.1 is massive, but it's not invincible. In some parts of the Thumb or near the Ohio border, you might get overlap from other stations. That's when you start hunting for the smaller affiliates.
What Most Fans Miss About Pre-Game Coverage
The question of what radio station is the lions game on today usually implies you want the kickoff. But the pre-game show on 97.1 The Ticket starts hours before. They do deep dives into the injury reports that the national networks barely mention.
Is Frank Ragnow’s toe okay? How's the turf looking? They talk to the beat writers who are literally standing on the sidelines. If you tune in at 10:00 AM for a 1:00 PM game, you’ll be the smartest person at your watch party.
Final Checklist for Game Day
Don't wait until the kickoff is in the air.
- Check your location: If you are in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county, just lock in 97.1 FM.
- Verify the affiliate: If you’re outside Metro Detroit, use a quick search for "Lions Radio Network affiliates" to find the specific FM or AM dial for your city.
- Prepare for blackouts: If you are using a phone, download the Detroit Lions official app. Don't rely on third-party radio apps that might switch to a talk show once the game starts.
- Sync your audio: If you're watching on TV but want the radio's "homer" commentary, use your DVR to pause the video until it matches the radio's play-by-play.
- Charge up: Radio apps drain batteries. If you're using a phone, have a power bank ready.
The Lions have a rhythm. The radio broadcast is the heartbeat of that rhythm. Whether they are clinching a playoff spot or breaking our hearts in the fourth quarter, hearing it over the airwaves is the most authentic way to experience Detroit football. Get your dial set, find that signal, and settle in.
Go Lions.