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The forgotten story of ... the 1888 Lions tour

In 2013, the tickets sold out in minutes. The warm up games drew crowds of thousands and oceans of ink were spilled on who should play, where they should play and how they should play. Yet the bruising first Test between the British and Irish Lions and the Wallabies managed to live up to the hype – and the hype was considerable.

One hundred and twenty five years earlier, the first Lions team arrived on the docks of Hobart to considerably less fanfare. The tour, organised by former English Ashes captains Arthur Shrewsbury and Alfred Shaw , had been denied recognition and support from the Rugby Football Union and was being run entirely as a moneymaking exercise.

The side had departed Tilbury 42 days earlier aboard the Kaikoura, stopping in London, Plymouth, Tenerife and Cape Town. Their shipmates included Sir Thomas Brady, investigating salmon roe production for the government, and 300 stoats and weasels charged with eliminating New Zealand's rabbit problem. The football team, the fisheries expert and the rodents rated equal mention in The Mercury when the Kaikoura stopped in the Tasmanian capital.

The Lions' final destination was Dunedin, where they were to play Otago in the first of 35 rugby matches against provincial, local, university and even high school teams from across Australia and New Zealand. After poor weather out of Cape Town, the team was grateful for the brief layover in Hobart, which gave them a chance to stretch their legs and practise what was then known as Victorian Rules (eventually to be upgraded to Australian Rules). The Lions were contracted to contest 19 games of the strange antipodean sport, despite the fact that none of them had ever played it before. In fact, they hadn't had much preparation of any kind, losing their practice balls overboard early in the voyage.

Nevertheless, when the men arrived on the South Island four days later, the Otago Witness reported that they appeared to be "in excellent health, though a little bit out of condition". After reuniting with star back Andrew "Drewy" Stoddart , who was already in the colonies playing with the English cricket team, the Lions came from behind to defeat Otago, with forward Tom Kent scoring the side's first ever points. After that, the Lions kept an almost unbelievable schedule – playing at least twice a week, more often three or four times, for four months, with only one break for travel (and a cricket match).

More than a reflection of Victorian stoicism, the first Lions tour's hectic timetable was a financial necessity. The tour cost Shaw and Shrewsbury £6,000 upfront. The lack of support from the RFU meant that a large number of players declined their 1887 invitation, with no Irishmen and only a single Welshman, Will Thomas, boarding the Kaikoura the following year. Instead, the team was almost exclusively made up of men from northern England and the Scottish borders.

For all their experience on the cricket pitch, Shrewsbury and Shaw had a rather loose understanding of rugby politics. Both men had been professional athletes and neither grasped the seriousness with which the RFU took the amateur ideal. In February 1888, Shrewsbury wrote to Shaw: "we have obtained first class terms for the use of grounds, but some difficulty may arise if the players require a larger share of the takings."

In fact, every player who took part was paid to some extent; many in excess of £200. For an idea of how much money that was in 1888, Shaw and Shrewsbury were shocked by the team's on-board drinks bill of £68. Snowballing expenses and a poor estimation of how much 22 rugby players could drink left the entrepreneurs £600 out of pocket by the time they returned to England, but the real loser in 1888 was Lions forward Jack Clowes.

Clowes, of the Halifax Free Wanderers, was reported to the RFU for receiving £15 for clothes from the tour organisers. The man who reported Clowes was the chairman of Dewsbury, the team Halifax had just beaten in the Yorkshire Cup final. Even worse, he heard about the payment from Angus Stuart, a Lions forward who had received the same sum.

Clowes, a 5'6" factory worker, didn't deny receiving the money and even offered to pay it back, but the RFU ruled him a professional and banned him from the sport. The unfortunate Yorkshireman was already aboard the Kaikoura when the news arrived. He didn't play a single game on the tour. Once the tour began, a clear hierarchy emerged between the players. There was one set of rules for "gentleman amateurs" and another for working class, northern English players. Shrewsbury even threatened to dock Rochdale halfback Johnny Nolan's pay for poor behaviour. Clowes, of course, was treated worst of all.

Despite the internal divisions and controversy, the Lions immediately found success on the football field. They repeated their victory over Otago four days after their first meeting and went on a near month-long streak, winning five games and drawing one before losing to Taranaki. Overall, the Lions only lost two games of the 19 they played in New Zealand in 1888.

The Lions captain Robert Seddon wasn't particularly impressed by Kiwi rugby: "Throughout New Zealand the men, individually are quite equal to our own players, but they seem to play exactly as we did in England two or three years ago," he told the Otago Witness, chalking up the team's two losses to too much New Zealand hospitality.

The Australian portion of the trip was an even bigger success. Despite drawing with two Sydney high schools, Kings and Grammar, the Lions went undefeated, at least while they stuck to rugby. Their 19 Aussie Rules games were less of a success, though they still managed to win six. Even an 11 goal thrashing by Carlton in their first game didn't deter the tourists, who bounced back to beat Bendigo four days later.

Somehow, between 54 games of two different codes, the Lions found time for some serious R and R. Drinking, smoking and singing were their main pastimes, but they also participated in the aforementioned cricket match and a kangaroo hunt near Bathurst, a great success according to Seddon. The captain was not put off by catching a few pellets in the back while admiring the scenery and even took the field against Sydney University two days later.

Tragically Seddon drowned while rowing on the Hunter River , just three days after the Uni game, at the age of 28. The team broke down in tears at the news, a testament to the popularity of the Lancashire and Swindon forward in an era ruled by the stiff upper lip.

But there was little time to mourn Seddon – Stoddart was named captain and the Lions were back to work within a week, defeating the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. The cricketer, who cut a dashing figure with his waxed moustache, top hat and cane, became the star of the tour. According to Sean Fagan in The First Lions of Rugby, Stoddart basked "in the sunshine of feminine adoration" (as well as a fair bit of Victorian style homoerotic adoration). At one point near the end of the tour the team's hotel was even surrounded by a hysterical mob determined to see Stoddart and offer him a final round of applause.

When the tourists arrived home (without Harry Speakman, who stayed in New Zealand and later played for Queensland and, improbably, the NZ Maori) in November after seven months of travel, they boasted an incredible record of 27 wins, six draws and just two losses. But the main concern for returning players was whether they'd ever be permitted to play again.

The Yorkshire Rugby Union, who had been at the centre of the Clowes affair, advised clubs not to field any of the Lions until the question of their professional status had been resolved. But to virtually everyone's surprise, the RFU merely required the players to sign declarations they had not been paid. Clowes was reinstated, cold comfort after seven months spent warming the bench.

Essentially, the RFU didn't want to move against a huge star like Stoddart, but had to reinstate Clowes in order to avoid the impression that there was one set of rules for "gentlemen" and another for coalminers. But the divide between northern teams and their southern counterparts only increased. After the Clowes affair the increasingly strict interpretation of amateurism, at least when it came to working class players, made a schism inevitable. In 1895, seven years after the tour, 22 clubs broke away and formed what became the Rugby League.

Two thirds of the Lions had come from the rebel clubs. Shaw and Shrewsbury's harebrained moneymaking scheme changed rugby forever, but probably not in the way they intended.

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From The Vaults

Since the game went professional, in 1995, the lure and mystique of the Lions has grown beyond all recognition. Every tour is now followed by a vast army of fans from the four Home Nations which often outnumbers the home support. It was very different back in 1971, when only a hardy handful travelled to New Zealand to follow what was arguably the greatest of all Lions teams. Managed by Doug Smith, coached by Carwyn James and captained by John Dawes, the 1971 Lions made history with a first (and still only) series win over the All Blacks It was a tour which still resonates with me and made for one of the most memorable summers of my life.

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 26: Barry John of the British Lions is pursued by Tane Norton of New Zealand during the First Test match between New Zealand and the British Lions at Carisbrook on June 26, 1971 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The British Lions won the match 9 - 3. (Photo by Getty Images)

1970/1 was my first year at London University. I was at one of the out-of-town colleges, not far from what is now that monument to stationary traffic known as the M25. I threw myself into student life and played for the college first XV, but I also tried to attend as many top-flight club matches as possible. Far and away the most exciting team of the era was London Welsh, captained and coached by Dawes. They played some irresistible rugby, with established international stars like JPR Williams, Gerald Davies, John Taylor and Mervyn Davies in their ranks.

Dawes had captained Wales to a Five Nations Grand Slam, so it was no surprise to see the Lions tour party stacked with Welsh players. Thirteen made the pick, with London Welsh represented by the five already mentioned, plus lock Mike Roberts. Their contingent was to rise to seven, when Geoff Evans came out as a replacement, in mid-tour.

Back in those days, the traditional end--of-season jamboree came in the shape of the Middlesex Sevens. It was not to be missed and I arranged to meet up with a friend in Richmond, on the Saturday morning. As we began our walk down the A316, we saw a group of players practicing on the back pitch at Richmond Athletic Ground. When we got closer, we realised that this was a Lions training session. We immediately stopped and looked on for about half-an-hour. Apart from excitement, our main reaction was delight, mixed with some surprise, that the greats of the game cheated and skived in training, every bit as much as coarse rugby players like ourselves.

Down the road in Twickenham, London Welsh, despite the absence of their superstars, romped to another sevens title and we went to the pub and prepared for a summer of excitement from Down Under. The Lions flew out from Heathrow the following week. I was among a small group of fans seeing them off and managed to collect the autographs of nearly all the party.

The tour of New Zealand was prefaced by matches against Queensland and New South Wales, with the Brisbane game being played only a couple of days after they arrived there. Not surprisingly, the team was suffering from severe anti circadian dysrhythmia (jet lag) and the Australian province beat them by fifteen points to eleven. The result and performance prompted the Queensland coach Des Connor (a former Wallaby and All Black scrum half) to immediately dismiss the Lions as the worst team ever to be sent to New Zealand.

Two days after the Queensland game, a friend and I went camping in Henley-on-Thames. Before setting off on our Friday night crawl, we had sneakily pitched our tent on the edge of the local cricket field, just over the river from the town centre.

When we woke up on Saturday morning, I switched the radio on and was relieved to hear that the tourists had scraped a narrow win over New South Wales. We celebrated all day, having made an early departure from the cricket club to erect the tent in some woods outside the town, before visiting the pubs we hadn't reached on the previous night.

After the narrow victory in Sydney, the Lions moved on to the main course - New Zealand. Local supporters, who had viewed them as another flock of lambs to the slaughter, were soon changing their tune, as the tourists swept all before them in a run of ten victories before the First Test of a twenty-six-match tour!

They began with a 25-3 win over Counties-Thames Valley and followed it up with a 22-9 victory over King Country-Wanganui, who included the legendary Colin 'Pinetree' Meads. He suffered two broken ribs after only two minutes but had them strapped up and played for the whole game. Afterwards, he observed that the Lions pack was a unit to be taken seriously.

British Lions scrum half Gareth Edwards starts the movement which ended with loose forward Peter Dixon going over for a try, 20th August 1971. Wayne Cottrell of the All Blacks slows Edwards, with Alex Wyllie (rear) and Ian Kirkpatrick also racing in on the action. Lions flanker John Taylor backs up. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Waikato (35-14) and New Zealand Maoris (23-12) were then seen off, before a trip to Wellington to take on one of the country's strongest provinces. The hosts were swept away by a devastating display of attacking rugby. Welsh winger John Bevan scored four of the nine tries in a 47-9 rout. With today's scoring values, that would be 65-9! After the game, Wellington captain Graham Williams joined other experienced critics in hailing "The greatest Lions ever". From the worst to the greatest in just three-and-a-half weeks!

Back home, even non-rugby fans were beginning to take notice and televised highlights were being screened in midweek. I have to confess that my studies were not my first priority. Three more victories followed. 25-6 against South Canterbury-North Otago, 21-9 against Otago and 39-6 against West Coast-Buller - a game in which David Duckham ran in six tries.

Next up were Canterbury at Lancaster Park, the stadium which has since been devastated by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. This was not a game of rugby. It was a battle and one of the most notorious games in Lions history, punctuated by violence which could never happen today. The photographs of prop Sandy Carmichael's battered face are still as chilling as they were at the time. Displaying great courage and no little skill, the Lions showed that brains can beat brawn and brutality and registered a magnificent 14-3 win. Victory, though, came at a cost. The nauseating attacks on Carmichael had ended his tour, while fellow prop Ray McLoughlin broke his thumb and was also ruled out of the rest of the tour, just a week before the First Test, in Dunedin.

The Lions licked their wounds and cruised to a comfortable 31-12 midweek win against another combined side, Marlborough-Nelson.

And so to the First Test, at Dunedin's 'House of Pain', Carisbrook - another famous old venue which has been consigned to history. This was the first chance to hear live radio commentary from New Zealand, albeit at the highly antisocial hour of 4 a.m.

In those days, radio broadcasts from the other side of the world left much to be desired. Commentary would often disappear in a cloud of static, but that did nothing to dampen my joy as the Lions registered a backs-to-the-wall 9-3 win. After the departure of the two first-choice props, Ian 'Mighty Mouse' McLauchlan and Sean Lynch had been named in the Test line-up and it was McLauchlan who scored the game's only try, as he charged down a clearance kick and dived on to the ball to score. The rest of the game was marked by Barry John's masterly tactical kicking, which ran All Black fullback Fergie McCormick ragged and controlled Lions defence in the face of sustained New Zealand pressure.

Later that day, a group of us went into the West End, to see a matinee of The Merchant of Venice, at the Old Vic. Being impecunious students, we had bought tickets up in the gods. The exertions of the previous two nights had left me so stiff and exhausted that I could barely walk and almost had to be carried up the stairs, much to the amusement of my unsympathetic mates. When I went to bed that night, I slept long and well. A Lions win and the Immortal Bard. What a day.

There were three games before the second Test, which would be played back at the scene of the battle against Canterbury. The Lions comfortably beat Southland 25-3, before holding out for a 14-9 win over Taranaki, who outscored them by two tries to one. The midweek game before the Test was against New Zealand Universities, back at Athletic Park, where Wellington had been put to the sword. It ended in a 27-6 Lions win and included a try which, to this day, remains one of the most remarkable I have ever seen.

The Lions won a scrum inside the Universities' 22, directly in front of the posts. Barry John received the ball and dummied a drop at goal. He then jinked to the left and weaved his way past a series of defenders to touch down between the posts. After a similar piece of wizardry in that year's Five Nations clash at Murrayfield, the great Scottish journalist Norman Mair wrote of 'King' John, "It is with relief to see Barry John enter a room by the doorway rather than materialise through the wall."

An old school-friend had asked me to sing in the choir at a family wedding in Staffordshire that weekend, so the early hours of Saturday, June the 26th found me lying on a camp-bed, earphone in place and tuning in on the little transistor radio. This time, it was an unhappy experience, as the Lions suffered what was to be their only defeat on New Zealand soil. The winning margin was 22-12, with the highlight being a spectacular try by New Zealand flanker Ian Kirkpatrick. The Lions produced two tries of their own, both scored by Gerald Davies. After the game Carwyn James famously told his team that he was more confident than ever that the Lions could go on to win the series.

Next up were Wairarapa-Bush and the Lions cruised to a 27-6 win. That was followed by an a tough encounter with Hawke's Bay. At one point, Barry John showed his contempt for the opposition's tactics by sitting on the ball, beckoning them to tackle him, then standing up and thumping the ball downfield. Four magnificent tries by Gerald Davies guided the Lions to a 25-6 win.

The next two games were again close-run affairs. In midweek, East Coast-Poverty Bay, captained by Kirkpatrick, were beaten 18-12, with Dawes landing a last-minute drop goal to clinch the victory. Three days later, it was the skipper's last-minute try which made the game safe, as Auckland were beaten 19-12.

With no midweek game ahead of the Third Test, the Lions headed off for some R & R in the Bay of Islands. While they were up there, I was also down at the seaside. I was singing with an opera group, who had a two-week run in Budleigh Salterton, in Devon. The final performance was on Friday, July the 30th. Not surprisingly, there was a lively end-of-tour party, so I was not in the best of shape when I crawled into my sleeping bag, shortly before the game in Wellington kicked off.

We were students, so it was basic accommodation, with the men billeted in the local scout hut and the ladies next door, in the guides hut. I showed extraordinary restraint, not to mention commendable consideration for my fellow hut-dwellers, as I somehow stopped myself from screaming with excitement as the Lions roared into a 13-0 lead after eighteen minutes. I can still see Gareth Edwards's hand-off on Bob Burgess, as the scrum-half's dynamic burst sent John in for a try. The Lions did not add to their score, but the All Blacks never looked like coming back and could only muster a consolation try to end up 13-3 losers. The result meant that the Lions could not lose the series. After the game, Colin Meads congratulated them on drawing the series, before saying that they were the best side to tour New Zealand in his time.

Three provincial games remained, before the crucial final Test. Manawatu-Horowhenua were beaten 39-6, with John Bevan scoring four of the Lions' eight tries. North Auckland, fielding three Going brothers - Sid, Brian and Ken - proved a tough nut to crack, in a game which ended 11-5 in favour of the tourists. Bevan scored the last of their three tries, to equal Tony O'Reilly's record tally of seventeen, in the 1959 tour.

The provincial clean sweep was completed with victory over Bay of Plenty, in another close-run contest. It ended 20-14 to the Lions, with a late drop goal by John making the game safe.

The weekend of the final Test, at Auckland's Eden Park, I made another visit to my pal in Staffordshire. No wedding involved, just the simple pleasures of eating and drinking well, and this time I was in a proper bed as I listened to the last eighty minutes of a historic tour.

It was a tight and nerve-wracking contest. At halftime it was level at eight-all. A penalty apiece in the second half made it 11-all, before JPR Williams landed a memorable long-range drop goal to put the Lions ahead. Another abiding image of the game was that of the Lions full-back turning to the main stand and saluting the rest of the squad. He had never dropped a goal in his life, but, on the way to the ground, had jokingly predicted that this would be the day. Another New Zealand penalty levelled things six minutes from time and the Lions held on for the draw which secured a series win. Before the tour, manager Doug Smith had predicted that the Lions would win the series 2-1, with one game drawn. Eat your heart out, Nostradamus.

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 26: General action during the First Test match between New Zealand and the British Lions at Carisbrook on June 26, 1971 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The British Lions won the match 9 - 3. (Photo by Getty Images)

History had been made and rugby was making the headlines, back in the British Isles. When the team returned in triumph, a huge crowd was waiting to welcome them at Heathrow. Years later, Gerald Davies recalled their reception. "The reaction when we came back was as if we were the Beatles. Heathrow was so crowded there was no room to move. It brought home how phenomenal an achievement it was, but I am not sure we would have succeeded without Carwyn as coach. Thanks to him, we were true to our talent."

About the Author - Barney Burnham has been a Tour Guide at Twickenham Stadium since 2005. A Wasps supporter for over 25 years, he has been the club's official match reporter for 12 seasons, has a regular column in their matchday programme, and co-wrote ' 150 Years of Wasps '.

12 July 2021

1971 Lions march on in New Zealand

26 June 2021

Lions Victorious in Carisbrook, 1971

18 July 2023

Uncapped half backs in Lions tests 1891-1939

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LIONS TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 2025

It was their first series win since 1997 and went to the deciding Test match in Sydney in front of the one of the biggest British & Irish Lions crowds ever.

The Tour to Australia in 2013 was a memorable journey across one of the most beautiful countries in the world and was a crowning glory for head coach Warren Gatland.

This was the Lions’ first Tour to Australia since 2001 and under the captaincy of Sam Warburton, they got off to a winning start in Brisbane. George North scored one of the greatest Lions Test tries of all time in a nervy victory in front of thousands of Lions fans.

Ahead of the second Test in Melbourne, Australia was awash with red as fans soaked up the delights of the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Uluru and much more. The Wallabies ground their way to victory to level the series and take four years of work down to the final 80 minutes in Sydney.

But roared on by a monstrous Sea of Red in the third Test, the Lions soared to one of their most comprehensive Test wins ever, dismantling Australia 41-16 to set the seal on the series.  Click here to secure early access for Australia 2025 .

TV analysts love Detroit Lions' NFL draft pick DB Terrion Arnold: 'I'm home'

The Detroit Lions have their guy and it received overwhelming praise when it was announced.

General manager Brad Holmes traded up five spots in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold , considered one of the best defensive backs in the draft at 24 overall. The Lions traded the 29th pick and a third-round pick to move up, also acquiring a seventh-round pick, according to NFL Network.

The pro-Lions crowd in attendance at the NFL draft experience in downtown Detroit erupted in applause after waiting with anticipation after it was announced the Lions moved up. Arnold was the second cornerback taken, following Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell who went at 22. He was a shutdown corner for the Crimson Tide and will be joining Brian Branch as recent Alabama alumni in Detroit.

"God allows everything to happen for a reason and I'm right where I need to be," Arnold said on the ESPN broadcast. "I'm home."

CARLOS MONARREZ: Lions' 1st-round deal for Alabama CB Terrion Arnold fills their biggest need

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

Arnold, a two-year starter at Alabama, was talked up highly by his former coach Nick Saban on the ESPN broadcast, where he called him a "special guy" and talked about his relationship with Saban's family and commitment to the team.

"He's got a great personality, everyone loves him," his former coach said.

The main ESPN crew also had praise after the pick was announced.

"He's got the ball skills and he's got toughness," Mel Kiper said. "Sometimes he plays a little too physical if you can believe it, but I thought he got less handsy, less grabby."

"He showed NFL ability game in and game out. Makes tackles, a couple pass breakups, in the Kentucky game he was outstanding."

Arnold finished his Alabama career with six total interceptions, 26 passes defended and 108 tackles in three seasons. In 2023, he had five interceptions and 17 pass breakups as the main shutdown corner in Alabama's defense.

"He can play inside, he can play outside and he'll tackle, Kiper said. "That's the most underrated part of cornerback in the NFL, you have to tackle."

Arnold didn't test as well as some expected in the NFL combine, posting a 4.50 40-yard dash time, but the analysts do not believe that is a concern for him at the next level because of his size and intelligence.

"It's not a concern for me," Theo Riddick said. "You mention the 4.5, because of the instincts he plays with. Sometimes you're going to have guys that run 4.2 or 4.3 40s that don't have instincts. He has instinct. He can play inside, he can play outside. The ball skills. The best is yet to come."

Celebrate the Lions' epic season with the Detroit Free Press' new commemorative book : “From Grit to Glory: The Epic Story of the Detroit Lions’ 2023 Renaissance." Order now at Lions.PictorialBook.com !     

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5 things to know about Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, the Lions’ first-round pick

• Updated: Apr. 27, 2024, 2:20 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 26, 2024, 1:52 a.m.

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold celebrates with fans after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) AP AP

• Matt Wenzel | [email protected]

The opening night of the 2024 NFL draft is over and the Lions introduced their top selection to a raucous group of hometown fans.

With a record-setting crowd in attendance Thursday evening in Detroit, the Lions selected Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the 24th overall pick . That was after completing a trade with the Cowboys to move up five spots.

Here are five things to know about Arnold:

A bold welcome to Detroit

After emerging from the draft room on stage to an estimated crowd of more 275,000 who showed up downtown, Arnold didn’t blink when it was time to introduce himself.

He promptly grabbed the mic from an NFL Network reporter and said “Y’all got a star, man. Hey, I’m home, man, I’m home,” to cheers. “These fans are going to be crazy, man.”

With the Lions coming off an appearance in the NFC championship game, Arnold was asked on-air about his goal with the franchise.

“I’m going to help them win a Super Bowl,” he said, prompting a huge roar from the crowd.

Former two-sport standout

Arnold, 6-foot-0 and 189 pounds, is a former four-star and top-60 overall recruit from Florida who signed with Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class. He was also a standout basketball player at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee who entertained ideas of playing two sports for the Crimson Tide. Although Arnold didn’t take the court during for Alabama, it worked out quite well on the football field.

Position change and adversity

Arnold arrived at Alabama as a safety in 2021 and didn’t play while taking a redshirt as a true freshman. He emerged as a starter the following season but it was a rough transition and he was benched, despite ultimately being named a Freshman All-American.

The early adversity didn’t deter Arnold, who rebounded to become one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. He posted career highs with 63 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, and tied for first in the SEC with five interceptions and 17 passes defended, to go with a forced fumble. That led to first team All-American honors and he declared for the draft in January after the Crimson Tide lost to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Learning from a legend

Signing with Alabama meant playing for arguably the greatest coach in the history of college football. That would be Nick Saban, who climbed the college and NFL ranks, including a successful run as head coach at Michigan State, before going on to win seven national championships – one at LSU and six with the Crimson Tide.

Saban retired in January after coaching four Heisman Trophy winners and with a healthy tree of former assistants who became some of the best head coaches in the business.

Alabama-to-Detroit pipeline remains

Brad Holmes, Detroit’s general manager, has an affinity for picking Alabama players early in recent drafts. Arnold is the third former player for the Crimson Tide the Lions selected in the first two rounds of the last three drafts.

The Lions picked former Alabama receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall in 2022 and followed with a pair of selections from the Crimson Tide the following draft. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs went to Detroit at No. 12 last year, followed by defensive back Brian Branch in the second round. All three have been notable contributors for the Lions.

After decades of futility, Detroit is one of the top teams in the league but needs help in the secondary. That’s where Arnold fits in as new blood looking to help the Lions take the next step.

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Take a bow, Detroit: The Lions — and more than 200,000 fans — definitely didn't disappoint

Absolutely stunning.

That’s the only way to describe what happened on Thursday night in the Motor City.

From the crazy scene in Detroit on the opening night of the NFL draft to the result for the Detroit Lions , as they traded up for Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold , snatching one of the best cornerbacks in the draft while filling a massive need.

The night was absolutely … perfect .

“I don’t want to say speechless,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who looked, well, stunned. “But overly thrilled with how the night went.”

Let’s start with the scene.

On a magical, wild night in Detroit, Eminem set the tone : “Detroit! What up? It’s here. Make some noise for the Detroit Lions! Let’s go!”

Aidan Hutchinson brought the hype: “Hey Detroit, let’s turn up tonight, baby. Let’s get it!”

Calvin Johnson brought the Detroit colloquial: "I got just one thing to say. Whatupdoe!"

SPELL CHECK: Are you wondering what the term 'Whatupdoe' means? It's distinctly Detroit.

Barry Sanders sprinkled everything with typical understated class: “Thank you for showing the world how we do it here in Detroit, great job, guys.”

But Amon-Ra St. Brown — Mr. $120 Million — spoke the truth: “Yo, yo — what up Detroit? Hey, this is crazy. I can’t believe it. But before we get off the stage, I need to hear one thing: ' JA-RED GOFF, JA-RED GOFF.' ”

Right on cue, Lions fans chanted along with him: “JA-RED GOFF! JA-RED GOFF!”

Welcome to the 2024 NFL draft ... Motor City-style .

This was a celebration of Detroit, as a record 275,000 people filled the city in Honolulu blue (and maybe a couple other colors).

This was a celebration of Grit and Dan Campbell and Sheila Hamp and Holmes for turning around this franchise.

And if there was one overall lesson from this crazy night, it was this: Lions fever is growing, not diminishing.

I mean, think about it. You wanna know how big football is in Detroit? More than a quarter million fans showed up to cram together in a massive crowd and watch 31 other teams (give or take) pick new players.

WHAT THEY SAID: TV analysts love Lions' NFL draft pick DB Terrion Arnold: 'I'm home'

Just stunning.

And then it got truly wacky. Because this year's NFL draft opened with six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks, tying the all-time first-round record — set in 27 picks in 1983. That was so significant in the big picture, setting the stage for what would happen next.

Because a bunch of good players — more specifically, talented defensive players — were pushed down the draft order.

So Holmes went to work, trying to move up.

“I didn’t think he’d be there,” Holmes said. “Really, I thought we would have to settle for a different player at a different position.”

There was no settling on this night.

Because all of those quarterbacks were taken in the first 12, because so many defensive players dropped to the back of the first round, something amazing happened.

Arnold became available.

And Holmes went up and got him .

“We couldn’t be more ecstatic or thrilled how it went,” Holmes said. “We just kind of thought we would be out of the mix for a lot of those guys, especially him. Especially him because he was our best — he was our highest-rated corner.”

There is an old adage about the NFL and the draft: Judge teams by what they do, not what they say.

But I have a new one: Judge the Lions by the level of the hug.

After the pick, TV cameras zoomed into the Lions war room. Holmes hugged Hamp, and then he bro-hugged Campbell .

If there’s one thing we know, when Campbell and Holmes are bro-hugging, it’s a good clue the Lions got their guy.

And the Lions' guy is a pure ball hawk — he snagged five interceptions last season for Alabama — who isn’t afraid of tackling. He'll slide right into a starting spot for the Lions.

“He fits us like a glove,” Holmes said.

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Think about the offseason that Holmes had, improving this defense.

He plugged a hole in the middle — quite literally — by signing defensive tackle DJ Reader to a two-year deal (worth $27.25 million).

And he improved the Lions’ most glaring need — that woeful secondary.

He signed Amik Roberston, a corner, to a two-year deal, then traded with Tampa Bay for another corner, Carlton Davis III , and just drafted one of the best cornerbacks in the draft.

At worst, Arnold going to be a solid starter. At best? Man, he could be a star.

“We feel really good about his floor, but we feel even better about his ceiling,” Holmes said. “We had a pretty — let’s call it ‘significant’ line underneath him to the next guy in our opinion. It wasn’t — we didn’t really have a lot of guys that were up there even in that first-round bucket at that position, but he was one of the small few that was even up there in consideration for us. But it was a line.”

As luck would have it, Arnold was one of 13 potential picks who attended the draft, letting him meet more than 200,000 of his new best friends in a hurry.

He walked onto the stage, grinning ear to ear. He was dressed in a snazzy suit and a bow tie — my man has got style and a big personality to match.

CARLOS MONARREZ'S DRAFT GRADE: Detroit Lions' 1st-round deal for Alabama CB Terrion Arnold fills their biggest need

“It’s something special going on here in Detroit,” he said. “I feel like they just need to take that one extra step, and I think we could do it this year.”

Yep, he fits like a glove.

What a night, Detroit.

Contact Jeff Seidel:  [email protected] . Follow him  @seideljeff . To read his recent columns, go to  freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel .

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2024 Detroit Lions Draft Primer

Here's all you need to know headed into the 2024 NFL Draft.

• Author: Logan Lamorandier

In this story:

The NFL Draft has arrived in the Motor City, and the Detroit Lions are looking to fortify their promising roster once again. General manager Brad Holmes has consistently been able to find top-tier talent in every draft he has orchestrated. What separates great organizations from mediocrity is unearthing mid-round gems on a yearly basis – which is no easy task.

Now, a team with Super Bowl aspirations, Holmes will continue to work his magic to see if he can keep the Lions on a trajectory to the top of the NFL. This year, the Lions' front office won’t be working with a surplus of draft capital, but that shouldn’t be a concern, given their recent draft history under the current regime. With fewer holes on the roster, the Lions can go into the draft ready to take advantage of any prospect who unexpectedly slips down the board.

2023 Lions record: 12-5 (first place in NFC North)

Key additions

DT DJ Reader , CB Carlton Davis, OG Kevin Zeitler, EDGE Marcus Davenport,  EDGE Mathieu Betts,  CB Amik Robertson

OG Jonah Jackson, WR Josh Reynolds, CB Cam Sutton (released), DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson, EDGE Romeo Okwara (retired), EDGE Charles Harris (unsigned), CB Jerry Jacobs (unsigned), QB Teddy Bridgewater (retired),  OT Matt Nelson, FB Jason Cabinda (unsigned), S Tracy Walker (released), DT Benito Jones, LB Anthony Pittman, CB Chase Lucas, DB Will Harris (unsigned),  DL Tyson Alualu (unsigned)

2024 draft picks

Round 1: No. 29

Round 2: No. 61

Round 3: No. 73 (from MIN)

Round 5: No. 164

Round 6: No. 201 (from TB)

Round 6: No. 205

Round 7: No. 249

As previously mentioned, the Lions don’t necessarily have any glaring holes in terms of starters, but there are plenty of positions that could use some extra depth or long-term solutions.

Cornerback: The Lions' outside cornerbacks room will look quite different this upcoming season. Both 2023 starters, Sutton and Jacobs, will not return for their individual reasons, which leaves newcomers, Davis and Robertson, penciled in as the incumbents. In the slot, second-year sensation Brian Branch will likely remain the team’s top option – unless head coach Dan Campbell’s vision of Branch playing more safety truly comes to fruition. Also, as an important note, Emmanuel Moseley, coming off consecutive ACL tears, should be able to contribute at some point. No matter the case, cornerback remains one of the Lions' biggest positions of need, and could use an injection of youth.

Defensive line:  Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn utilizes a heavy rotation along the defensive front. He also deploys linebackers on the edge and will move defensive ends inside on obvious passing downs. Yes, a true pass rusher on the edge would be most advantageous, but a true threat getting to the quarterback from any spot would be greatly beneficial. Outside of star Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions often have to rely on blitzes and creativity to generate sacks. The best defenses can get pressure by rushing four and dropping eight defenders into coverage. Not to mention, pressure helps the secondary immensely as well.

Wide Receiver:  After the departure of the usually dependable Josh Reynolds, that leaves speedster Jameson Williams in line for a starting role. Williams obviously has the talent, yet there can never be enough weapons in an offensive-driven league. Three-wideout sets are essentially the base formation now in the NFL. Tight end Sam LaPorta and the backs coming out of the backfield could help offset the lack of receiver depth as well. Still, with the amount of talent at the position in the mid-rounds, the Lions should be able to find a serviceable option with upside even if they pass on a receiving target early.

Safety:  Kerby Joseph and the emerging Ifeatu Melifonwu man the two starting spots. If you include Branch in the rotation, it’s a nice young trio. However, Melifonwu has battled injuries his entire career and the depth is lacking. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly a loaded safety class for well-rounded talent. It might make more sense to target one of the many free-agent veterans on the open market. If the value is right in the draft, they should still be interested, though.

Offensive line:  Looking at the starting five, the offensive front looks set. Combing through the reserve options, the O-line gets thin quick. They don’t have a reliable swing tackle or a proven interior backup option. Long term, their starting unit is also on the older side. Add in the fact that left tackle Taylor Decker is going into a contract year, offensive line is definitely a need for the future. As of now, this team is predicated on controlling the line of scrimmage and that philosophy should not change.

Top targets

The Lions are in an unusual position this upcoming draft. With their first selection not coming until pick No. 29, narrowing down potential first-round prospects can be more difficult than in years past.

Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

The Lions have met with Newton at both the combine and for a private visit. Newton is a compact gap-shooter who excels against the run and rushing the passer. He has powerful hands and would provide the Lions with a disruptive presence that we only see from Alim McNeill on occasion. With McNeill on the last year of his rookie contract, Newton could also offer some insurance if the two sides can’t come to an agreement on an extension.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

Powers-Johnson has the mauler mentality, size, and versatility the Lions’ brass seems to covet upfront. As the 2023 Rimington Trophy (nation's top center) winner and First-team Associated Press All-American, Powers-Johnson could continue Holmes’ theme of drafting good football players over maybe more physically gifted projects. Recently turning 21 years old, the 328-pounder has plenty of upside with good tape for consideration at pick No. 29 if still available.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Another prospect who came to Allen Park for a top-30 visit, Kool-Aid is more than just a great first name. Largely regarded as the top corner going into the 2023 season, his ball production was nearly cut in half and his luster faded a bit. Despite not getting his hands on as many passes, quarterbacks also rarely targeted him and he still wound up as a First-team All-American. McKinstry might not have the elite-level athleticism for the position, but he is a silky smooth mover with a high football IQ and length for the outside.

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Being a Detroit native, Robinson is a local favorite. His character and leadership qualities will likely entice Holmes and Campbell as well. Given the fact that Robinson was invited to the NFL Draft green room, it’s a good sign that the NFL may be higher on Robinson’s ability than perhaps I am personally. As a 285-pound edge rusher, the Lions have a “big defensive end” role in their scheme for Robinson’s skill set. In saying that, Robinson tested more as a below-average athlete on the edge and even in the average range when compared to bigger defensive tackles. I would consider Penn State’s Chop Robinson or Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland over the Missouri product, but I’m not ruling out the intangibles and versatility of Darius as a potential match for what the Lions would prefer.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

A bit of a dark horse and not as flashy as some other wideouts, McConkey does everything well. The almost 6-foot team captain understands the nuance of the position, easily creates separation, can line up outside and in the slot and is highly athletic. Maybe there are some limitations with his frame, but there are plenty of great receivers who overcome ordinary measurables by doing all the little things right -- like Amon-Ra St. Brown.

McConkey just seems like the type of receiver that quarterback Jared Goff would favor, due to his reliability and ability to find ways to get open.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

Round 1: Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.

Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. ET.

Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27 at noon ET.

Draft coverage

NFL Network, ABC, ESPN , and ESPN Deportes will provide television coverage.

Latest Lions News

How CB Amik Robertson Aids Lions' Defense

Mike Valenti: Lions Free Agency Plan 'Arrogant'

D.J. Reader Set to Visit Detroit Lions

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Takes Back Harsh Comments About Philadelphia After Signing With Eagles

BREAKING: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Returning to Eagles

Book your place on Tour!

The British & Irish Lions has today launched its match ticket-inclusive travel packages for the 2025 Tour to Australia with more than 300 options to select from, the greatest variety of offers ever available to fans. [more]

The British & Irish Lions has today launched its match ticket-inclusive travel packages for the 2025 Tour to Australia with more than 300 options to select from, the greatest variety of offers ever available to fans.

• CLICK HERE to book.

For the first time, customers can now extend their trip of a lifetime, stopping off in destinations such as Fiji, Dubai or Singapore. As well as the three-Test destinations of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, fans can take in the length and breadth of the country from Perth to Cairns, Adelaide to Uluru.

Packages range from weekend breaks for those wanting to stay with friends and family in Australia, to a 39-night trip taking in 10 destinations and all nine matches. Packages are available from £725.

Tickets bought through The British & Irish Lions own travel company Lions Rugby Travel, or officially appointed companies are all guaranteed official tickets.

The British & Irish Lions is warning fans from the UK, Ireland and Europe that tickets bought through any other sources will be unofficial and will be cancelled.

Today’s British & Irish Lions travel package launch coincides with Rugby Australia’s public ticket sales for the Tour. As 2025 Tour hosts, Rugby Australia welcomes the Lions for the first time in twelve years with demand for tickets in Australia expected to be at an all-time high.

The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia announced last year the creation of a joint venture for the 2025 Tour to Australia.

The joint venture model which was successfully introduced for the 2021 Tour of South Africa aims to maximise the Tour’s offering by bringing together two of the biggest brands in world rugby to work in a more collaborative and engaging way.

• CLICK HERE to book

Four years on from the absence of fans in South Africa, The British & Irish Lions is excited to once again engage its global fan base of over 14 million ahead of what is an eagerly anticipated Tour to Australia.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first Test in the Series on Saturday 19 July as Andy Farrell’s side face Australia for the first time since the famous Series victory in 2013. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which has a capacity of 100,000.

The final Test will be played in front of over 80,000 fans at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August. In preparation for the first Test the Lions will face an invitational Australian and New Zealand team at the Adelaide Oval, while the Tour will also include fixtures against Australian Super Rugby Pacific sides in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

The range of official supporter travel packages includes a host of exclusive benefits such as hand-picked accommodation, the option to include or find your own return international flights, airport/hotel transfers, on Tour 24/7 customer support, merchandise including a Lions jersey, financial protection, a contribution to carbon footprint offsetting, while wine-tasting and Uluru excursions are included in some packages.

Also included for the first time in 2025 is exclusive access to the Lions Den and Theatre. The Lions Den is the ultimate Lions pre-match party, offering fans a festival of matchday entertainment with celebrity talent, rugby legends, live music, and food and drink.

The Lions Theatre is an innovative and insightful rugby focused event, providing exclusive, live entertainment, theatre and content that uncovers the history, the heroes and personalities who have played their part in making the Lions the greatest touring rugby team in the world.

For more information about the travel packages to Australia in 2025, please visit Lionsrugby.com/tours

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, commented: “Our purpose at The British & Irish Lions is to unite and inspire through extraordinary rugby experiences and for many fans a Lions Tour is a once in a lifetime experience.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the ticket-inclusive Tour packages giving fans the opportunity to be part of one of the most eagerly anticipated Series in history. The fans are what makes a British & Irish Lions tour so special and we are looking forward to welcoming the iconic sea of red to Australia in 2025 as they get behind Andy and the team.”

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Related fixtures, latest news, royal london | lions watch with shaunagh brown: part two, john o'shea: wales and lions prop dies aged 83, charlotte gibbons appointed as director of operations at the british & irish lions, rugby legends attend howden big rugby day out in oxford.

E108: Lions Free Agency Settles, Tickets & New Territory for Detroit in the NFL Draft Not The Same Old Lions Podcast: A Detroit Lions Podcast

In this episode we take our first look at what we might expect from the Detroit Lions as we inch closer to the NFL draft, which takes place at the end of the month on April 25th, 26th and 27th.  Free agency dust is settling and we have a clearer picture of what might be some positions of focus.  We’ll discuss those and potential variables to look out for.  We’ll also update you on where things stand with season tickets and that wait list.  Let’s get to it Lions Fans! #detroitlions #onepride #lions #nfl #allgrit

• More Episodes
• © 2024 Not The Same Old Lions Podcast: A Detroit Lions Podcast

Penn State Nittany Lions

General 4/24/2024 10:58:00 AM

Luke Combs’ Growin’ Up and Getting’ Old Tour Heads to Beaver Stadium Saturday

Parking lots open at noon, doors open at 5 p.m. and clear bag policy is in place for the event.

• Lots for the Luke Combs concert will open at noon. Fans will not be permitted to line up on the streets before lots open at noon.
• There is no RV or bus parking. The bus drop off location is at the North Transit Center at the corner of Fox Hollow Road and Park Avenue.
• Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance by visiting here . Advanced parking sales will conclude on Friday, April 26 at noon.
• Day of concert parking is available in Lot 26 and Lot 36 (see parking map ). Cost for day of concert parking is $80.
• Parking is also available at the on-campus parking decks (HUB, East, Eisenhower, Nittany, and West) for $40. Eisenhower Deck parking will be cash only and due upon entry, while parking at the East, HUB, Nittany and West decks will be payable by credit card upon exiting at pay-on-foot machines inside each deck.
• Penn State parking permits will only be valid in faculty/staff lots located west of Bigler Road.
• ADA parking is available in Lots 18, 31, 41 and Shields. Fans must display their disabled license plate or handicap placard.
• Rideshare pick up and drop off is located on Hastings Road.
• There is no pre-event one-way traffic pattern, however there will be a one-way traffic pattern in effect post-concert.
• There is no shuttle service inside or outside of the stadium.
• Mobile parking passes are the exclusive delivery method. Printed passes will not be issued.
• Fans are asked to please make sure to download mobile parking passes to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your phone before arriving to the parking lots.
• For step-by-step instructions on how to download mobile parking, please visit here .
• Download the Penn State Nittany Lions App: Apple · Android .
• Behavior that interferes with other guests' enjoyment of the event.
• Breaking the ground plane by driving stakes or anchors, digging, trenching, etc.
• Consumption of alcohol in the lots while the event is in progress.
• Distributing handbills or pamphlets; Picketing or political campaigning (Refer to University Policy AD51 ) .
• Infringing on another guest's area while tailgating. This includes throwing of objects, and taking more than one parking space.
• Lining up on the street before the lots open.
• Littering, draining fluids and grease, dumping coals, etc.
• Parking in a space or area designated as no parking or reserved parking.
• Saving parking places.
• Solicitation, promotion, or sales unless authorized by Intercollegiate Athletics prior to event day.
• Advertising banners or displays, balloons, tethered blimps and other oversized inflatables, including tents (unless authorized by Intercollegiate Athletics) .
• Bicycles (except Police and EMS personnel), in-line skates, scooters, skateboards, motorized bikes, motorized coolers, or carts other than those used by disabled patrons Box Trucks, Dump Trucks.
• Drones/UAVs – The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's/Drones) on University Park campus and the surrounding areas. University Policy in conjunction with the 4.5-mile flight radius of the University Park Airport does not allow for the use of these aircrafts.
• Flag poles taller than 20 feet (measured from the ground).
• Fires - Charcoal or wood fires of any type are prohibited.
• Glass bottles or containers in grass parking areas.
• Golf carts and gators (except Stadium Operations personnel).
• Kegs of beer.
• Portable heaters with visible flames, including open flame heaters, fireplaces and fire pits.
• Tow behind box trailers, tow behind grills and smokers, tow behind tailgate bars, concession trailers.
• Vehicles over gross vehicle weight appropriate for the parking area.
• Weapons, fireworks.
• For the safety and enjoyment of our fans, violations of these rules may result in ejection from the lot, loss of parking and/or ticketing privileges.
• Stadium gates will open at 5 p.m. Only gates A, B, E, F, and South Tunnel will be open for fan entry.
• Clubs, Suites, All-Sports Museum and ADA gates will also open at 5 p.m.
• The Beaver Stadium Clear Bag Policy will be enforced for the concert.
• Fans will enter through metal detectors at each gate.
• Please have mobile tickets saved in your wallet for faster entry.
• Stadium suites will close one hour after the concert ends.
• Stadium Reentry: There is NO stadium re-entry.
• Ticket Resolution Booth: Located at Gates A, B and E.
• Field wristband distribution will be at the Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Office from noon-8:30 p.m. on event day.
• Field and GA Pit purchasers will be directed to enter at Gate B.
• Pit Wristbands: Pit wristbands will be available at the Pit entrances on the field. Pit wristbands will also be distributed at the BJC from noon-3 p.m.
• All field and GA Pit purchasers must enter at Gate B. Once field wristband is obtained, queuing line for field access will be located at Beaver Stadium Gate B in the far right lane.
• Field tickets will only be scanned at Gate B.
• The Bootleggers Tailgate will run on Curtin Road from 3-5:30 p.m.
• This is a free event, but please be advised that you must go through metal detectors for access to this area.
• Stadium rules will be enforced.
• This area is not within the Stadium security perimeter and tickets will not be as scanned to enter.
• Parking for baseball, softball and men's and women's lacrosse is available in campus decks.
• Day of Event parking in the decks is $40.
• Fans are encouraged to prepay for event parking at a discounted rate of $5.50 through the ParkMobile app, or by clicking  here . Prepayment is available through 11:59 p.m. the day before each event.
• noon - Women's Lacrosse vs. Ohio State – Big Ten Tournament – Panzer Stadium
• 12:30 p.m. – Baseball vs. Minnesota – Medlar Field
• 1 p.m. – Softball vs. Michigan – Nittany Lion Softball Park
• 3 p.m. – Men's Lacrosse vs. Rutgers – Big Ten Tournament – Panzer Stadium
• Admission for all events is free.
• Behavior that interferes with other guests' ability to enjoy the event, including threatening and abusive language, fighting, kicking, wrestling, etc.
• Consuming or possessing alcohol or other controlled substances not in authorized areas
• Propelling objects in any manner
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping including tobacco products of any kind
• Standing or sitting in aisles, ramps, portals and walkways
• Failure to follow instructions of Penn State Event Staff may lead to ejection and/or loss of ticket privileges.
• Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs of any type not in authorized areas
• Bags including diaper bags, purses and string bags that are not clear and do not meet stadium policy
• Banners/Signs/Posters(except in the designated area–south end zone row one)
• Bicycles (except for Police and EMS personnel)
• Cameras larger than 8.5"x11"x11"
• Containers, including cans/bottles/coolers/flasks
• Knives or razor blades of any size, including folding blades or Swiss army
• NFL clear bags (NFL clear bags are larger and have depth)
• Noisemakers (whistles, sirens, etc.)
• Objects that may become projectiles
• Objects that obstruct the view of other fans
• Pets (except registered service animals to assist disabled guests) - Advanced notification is requested
• Poles, sticks, selfie sticks (except canes to assist disabled guests)
• Stadium chairs (chairs with backs) except those without pockets that can be rolled up
• Weapons, fireworks, laser pointers
• Wristlets larger than 4"x6"x1" (wristlets larger are not permitted inside a clear bag)
• All items brought into the stadium are subject to inspection. There are no provisions for storing/ checking prohibited items at the gates or on-site. Items left unattended at the entry gates will be discarded and are unrecoverable. Log on to GoPSUsports website for the "why" behind the policies.

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Lions trade up in first round of NFL draft, take Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold poses after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, center, poses after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold celebrates with fans after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold puts on a hat after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold poses being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions made a move to address their secondary, grabbing Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the No. 24 pick in the NFL draft after a trade with Dallas on Thursday night.

The Lions moved up from the No. 29 spot. Detroit also received a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Cowboys received Detroit’s first-rounder plus a third-round pick in this year’s draft (73rd overall).

Detroit had acquired that third-rounder from Minnesota in a previous trade.

Arnold was a first-team Associated Press All-American last season. He tied for sixth in the Football Bowl Subdivision with five interceptions and tied for fifth with 17 passes defensed while starting all 14 games for the Crimson Tide.

The 6-foot, 189-pound Arnold was the second cornerback selected Thursday. Philadelphia chose Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell two picks earlier.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes was somewhat stunned that Arnold was available. He was making calls to teams with picks in the “late teens” and finally found a trade partner in the Cowboys.

Arnold was Detroit’s highest-ranked cornerback.

“I’m still kind of, ‘Never thought he’d be there,’” Holmes said.

Arnold had one of the flashiest looks of this year’s draft, wearing an electric salmon silk suit with a silver bow tie.

“You’ve got to have confidence, you’ve got to be borderline cocky but you’ve got to be humble at the same time,” Lions passing game coordinator/defensive backs DeShea Townsend said of what he looks for in a cornerback. “He’s a kid that has confidence, but having that confidence he understands he has to work.”

The Lions’ pass defense was one of the few weaknesses on a team that reached the NFC championship game. Detroit allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt, second-worst in the league, and a league-worst 69 completions of 20 or more yards.

Holmes said it was a perfect combination of talent and need.

“It doesn’t always match up that way,” he said. “I’m sure you’ve heard me say a million times I don’t care what position it is, we’re going to get the best player. It happened to match the best player and an area where we wanted to add one at some time. We didn’t know if we were going to be able to add one in the first round.”

Arnold joins a mix of newcomers and holdovers at the cornerback spot. Detroit traded for Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis III in March and signed Amik Robertson as a free agent. Robertson spent the past four seasons with Las Vegas.

The Lions also have Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vindor at the position. Detroit released former starter Cameron Sutton after he was accused of domestic violence.

Detroit has drafted an Alabama player in the first round three straight years. The Lions moved up to select wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 in 2022 and chose running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the same spot last year.

“Those are my brothers,” Arnold said. “There’s something special going on here in Detroit.”

The Lions own five more picks heading into the second day of the draft, including the 29th selection in the second round (61st overall).

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

What Lions’ prospect meetings might tell us about their NFL Draft plans

The insight typically comes after the NFL Draft , more often than not. It’s when the GM feels comfortable revealing his process. Clips from pre-draft meetings are shared with the masses. There are few remaining secrets.

But while we wait for draft weekend to unfold, and for the Detroit Lions to reveal their takeaways from visits and meetings with the players they drafted, what can we make of the list already out there for the public?

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Our friends at Pride of Detroit have assembled a helpful list, tracking the prospects with whom the Lions have reportedly met. It includes players who sat with the team at the NFL combine, prospects in town for the team’s local day and players who traveled for a top-30 visit. While some visits will inevitably be kept close to the vest, the Lions drafted a handful of players on last year’s public list of visitors, including linebacker Jack Campbell , tight end Sam LaPorta , defensive back Brian Branch and quarterback Hendon Hooker .

So, then, let’s dive into this year’s tracker and see what we can find.

Player visits

Prospects ranked in the top 125 of Dane Brugler’s big board who have met with the Lions:

Corners, corners, corners

Of those 21 prospects, a third were corners. Granted, that’s not entirely surprising. It’s a position of variance. Do you want a man coverage corner? A zone-oriented corner? An outside guy? A nickel? A combination? A dawg mentality? A lot to consider.

The caliber of cornerback prospect interviewed suggests the Lions are casting a wide net. They’ve met with Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell, the consensus top corners in the class. They’ve met with Michigan nickel Mike Sainristil, who might not be a perfect on-field fit but plays with the mentality they’d like. They met with Day 2/3 prospects like Caelen Carson and Nehemiah Pritchett. They’ve even met with CFL cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers.

We’ll see what the Lions end up doing, but GM Brad Holmes won’t take a corner he isn’t in love with early just because people are tying him to one.

“I think at the owners’ meetings, there were questions asked about drafting an outside corner,” Holmes said last week . “No, we draft the right football player we’re convicted on. If the outside corner was the right football player we’re convicted on, then we would take that player. We don’t really get anchored on positions.”

Defensive tackle on the way?

The Lions fortified their defensive tackle room in free agency, adding a quality veteran in DJ Reader. Reader, who signed a two-year deal with the Lions, is a space-eater who should make life easier for Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson . But he shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term fit.

The Lions could double down on defensive tackle in the draft, and it seems like they’ve considered the possibility. Detroit met with Illinois prospect Johnny Newton at the combine, and he’s a fit in the first round. Missouri’s Darius Robinson has more than enough versatility to kick inside to defensive tackle when called upon. Elsewhere, they’ve met with Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro and Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr., both viewed as Day 2 picks. The Lions also brought in a sleeper in Northern Iowa prospect Khristian Boyd, who garnered some buzz from the East-West Shrine Bowl. And the team also got a chance to see Toledo’s Judge Culpepper, Northern Illinois’ James Ester and Auburn’s Justin Rogers at its local day.

Something to monitor.

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WRs could soon welcome a new talent

One thing that stood out at the combine: The Lions were doing their homework on the wide receivers.

As the week unfolded, it was revealed that LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., South Carolina’s Xavier Legette and North Carolina’s Devontez Walker met with the Lions. Back then, it felt like the Lions had a type. All three are viewed as future X receivers with intriguing size/speed combos. Since then, they’ve met with Michigan’s Roman Wilson (a speedy slot) and even Oregon State’s Anthony Gould, listed at 5-foot-8. So, maybe not.

Regardless of the tools/skill set the Lions are looking for at wide receiver, it would make sense to add one in a receiver-heavy draft like this. Josh Reynolds is now in Denver, and the Lions could welcome a young talent on a rookie contract during a competitive window.

We did a live 7-round Lions mock draft on the pod today, with a trade down from 29. Lions get 35, 66 and 104 from the Cardinals. Cardinals get 29 and 73. Here’s how it went 😬 Full video here: https://t.co/pPiqbSYSnR pic.twitter.com/5zQIrAgWEC — Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) April 23, 2024

What to make of lack of O-lineman meetings?

For a team oft-linked to offensive linemen, the Lions have been relatively quiet in terms of publicly reported meetings. Maybe that’s because the offensive linemen speak toward the back half of the NFL combine, when a lot of reporters go home and “did you meet with” questions start to dwindle. But there simply hasn’t been a ton of news.

The Lions met with BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia at the combine. A former five-star prospect and the cousin of Lions right tackle Penei Sewell , Suamataia makes a ton of sense if the Lions are looking for an athletic tackle who needs a year to develop. He could step in as a long-term option if Taylor Decker departs in free agency next offseason, though Decker is a key locker-room figure and expressed his desire to remain with the team.

At the Lions’ local day, they met with Michigan prospects Karsen Barnhart and Trevor Keegan. And they hosted CFL lineman Giovanni Manu on a top-30 visit.

With Holmes talking openly about the importance of the offensive line, and the Lions having future needs there, you have to think they’ll be in on some. It’s a deep class with something for everyone.

Do the Lions have a type at edge?

From what has been publicly reported, the Lions have met with only three edges ranked among Brugler’s top 125: Robinson, Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland and Washington’s Bralen Trice.

Is there anything to take away from this? Maybe not. This isn’t a deep edge class, and if the Lions have interest in more of the higher-end guys like UCLA’s Laiatu Latu or Florida State’s Jared Verse — one they’d need to trade up for — they could simply be keeping their intentions close to the vest. But of this group, Robinson, Kneeland and Trice are all highly productive dudes who win with effort and power. None is a true speed rusher. Holmes made sure to mention James Houston factoring into the edge room at the owners’ meetings, so perhaps the Lions expect him to be a top contributor this year.

Additionally, the Lions also met with William & Mary’s Nate Lynn, Houston’s Nelson Caesar, Troy’s Javon Solomon, LSU’s Ovie Oghoufo and Michigan’s Jaylen Harrell.

Best of the rest and final thoughts

While the positions above usually come up when discussing the Lions, there are a few positions worth talking about from the list of visits/meetings.

• The Lions met with Michigan RB Blake Corum, who’s thought of as a Day 2 pick. That feels unlikely given the Lions’ strong 1-2 punch in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs , but could the Lions add a late-round back like Missouri’s Cody Schrader? He reportedly visited Allen Park and is viewed as a fifth-round prospect.

• The Lions reportedly meet with a handful of safeties during the process: Wake Forest’s Malik Mustapha, UCLA’s Jordan Anderson, Oklahoma’s Reggie Pearson and Utah’s Sione Vaki. While Mustapha is the only top-125 safety prospect, the Lions could use some depth, so a late-round prospect with special teams upside could make sense.

• The Lions’ linebacker room is in good shape, but the team has met with some potential late-round/UDFA prospects like Indiana’s Aaron Casey, Michigan’s Michael Barrett and Eastern Michigan’s Chase Kline. Anthony Pittman is gone, so there could be an opening for a special teams linebacker.

• The Lions have Jared Goff , Hooker and Nate Sudfeld at QB, but there’s always room for training camp depth. The only QB who has been tied to the Lions is Northern Iowa’s Theo Day, formerly of Michigan State. He has a big arm and settled in after transferring, but isn’t viewed as much more than a UDFA.

• I don’t know if the Lions are going to trade up in the first round for a player, but if they do, my money would be on Arnold. He’s Nick Saban’s favorite Alabama player. He’s wired the right way. He can play inside and outside. He’s a former teammate of Branch, Gibbs and Jameson Williams and the Lions brought him in for a top-30 visit. A fit if there ever was one. Just might depend on the asking price.

(Top photo of Darius Robinson: Peter Aiken / Getty Images)

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Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @ colton_pouncy

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).