Despite their dreadful record in recent years -- and a half-century without a championship -- the Lions continue to have a passionate fan base in Detroit.

Fans have vented their frustration with president Matt Millen by marching outside the stadium instead of simply staying away. The Lions have sold out every game since moving to Ford Field in 2002.

The Lions are top talk-radio chatter. Stories about them generate a ton of hits on local newspaper Web sites, even in the offseason.

Some are fed up and not coming back, but not many.

The renewal rate for season tickets is approaching 90 percent, according to chief operating officer Tom Lewand, even though the Lions have gone 31-81 over the past seven seasons and just raised prices for most tickets.

"The loyalty that our fans have shown is nothing short of phenomenal," Lewand said.

But the Detroit economy has been tough an all teams, even the successful Pistons and Red Wings, and the Lions have not been immune.

The Lions have introduced the first split-season ticket packages since Ford Field opened. The five-game plans -- named for Lions greats Joe Schmidt and Lem Barney -- start as low as $230.

Referring to the Lions' owners, Lewand said: "The Fords have always been proponents of affordable options."

Lewand said the Lions sold 50 of the packages by noon the first day.

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