Baseball & Beer Hit It Off in Royal Oak

Opening Day truly is a holiday in Michigan.

With more than 450 people hopping on buses in Royal Oak headed to Comerica Park today, one might think it's a federal holiday.

"Opening Day is busy for us all day long," said BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon operating partner Nicholas Filimon. The bar sold-out nine buses to see the Tigers take on the New York Yankees today, with the first pitch at 1:05 p.m.

"Even people that don't go to the game take long lunches or they leave work early and watch the game on TV here. It's a lot of fun. It's a great day for sales," Filimon said.

Alcohol-iday

According to Miller Lite, sponsor of the Detroit Tigers, the brewer experiences holiday-level sales during Opening Day across metro Detroit. 

Oakland County-based Powers Distributing saw a 6 percent increase in Miller Lite sales during this time period in 2012 as compared to 2011 sales, according to a press release from the distributor. Powers offers Tigers-branded Miller Lite products and fans can find a free Tigers T-shirt offer on Miller Lite’s 15-pack of 12 ounce cans.

"Opening Day is not quite St. Patrick's Day, but it's up there," Filimon said. And, yes, he expects to sell a lot of Miller Lite today.

Where to watch the game in Royal Oak

If you don't have tickets to the game, here's some suggestions on where to grab a beer and catch the excitement in Royal Oak:

• BlackFinn
• Lockhart's BBQ
• Rock on Third
• Mr. B's Pub
• Royal Oak Brewery
• Cantina Diablo's

RELATED:

• It's Almost Here: Opening Day at Comerica Park!