Fans are full of emotion as the Tigers win their first home playoff game in over 10 years

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit was excited for its first Tigers playoff game in 10 years, and despite the noon start time, fans were out in force.

The victory was a moment ten years in the making as fans and emotions poured into the streets of Detroit after the game.

“I get very emotional. I’m going to cry.” Tigers fan and season ticket holder Sandra Sears said. “I think this is even sweeter just because of where we come from. We were in such a crisis and everyone was saying, “Have faith, have faith.”

Longtime season ticket holders Hal and Lindsey Schwartz have been to many games but say this one is right up there with the top.

“I grew up with him (Dad), so it’s a great memory to be here.” said Lindsey Schwartz.

“Winning today with Lindsey is great” Hal Schwartz said, fighting back tears.

Find out more from the father-daughter duo in the video player below:

Fans flock to Comerica Park for Detroit's first playoff baseball game in 10 years

For 7-year-old Anna Harrison, it was her first Tigers playoff game. It was an experience that she was able to have with her mother Franchesca. After half a day of school, the two went downtown and ended up getting last-minute tickets.

“She was like, 'Mom, we have to get in there,' and I made it my mission to get in there.” said Franchesca. “We’re just so lucky.”

Hear more from Anna and Franchesca in the video player below:

The Tigers give Detroit its first baseball playoff victory in 10 years, and fans flock to Comerica Park

Even those without tickets still made their way downtown, with some fans climbing over the fence outside the park and trying to get a look inside.

“We walked around for a bit and then we kept hearing the noise. So it's like you know what? “I have to see what’s going on,” Tigers fan Kaneisha Barnes said. “The problem is we don’t have a view of the scoreboard, but you can tell from the noise that they’re having fun.”

Others flocked to downtown bars like Harry's Detroit Bar & Grill to watch the game. The bar had more staff and saw an increase in sales as the normal lunch crowd of 30 to 40 people grew to nearly 500 before the game.

“We really enjoyed that extra push we got from the Tigers,” Harry's general manager Hugh Leonard said. “With everything else going on between the concerts and Red Wings starting tomorrow, this is just an added bonus.”

Related video: 'Beyond excited!' Tigers fans flock to downtown Detroit for first playoff game in a decade

“Beyond excited!” Tigers fans flock to downtown Detroit for the first playoff game in a decade

A team once counted out is now in the middle of a magical run. It's a story of faith that fans and the city fully embrace.

“It’s important for these little kids playing right now, it’s important for this old tiger here, it’s important for this city.” said fan Karyn Brown.

“It’s been a long time for the fans” Sears said. “We have been fans through thick and thin.”

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