The 2021 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 121st season and its 22nd at Comerica Park. This was the Tigers' first season under new manager A. J. Hinch following the sudden retirement of Ron Gardenhire on September 19, 2020. The Tigers' season began at home on April 1 against the Cleveland Indians. They sought to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014. On June 8, Comerica Park was allowed to return to operating at full seating capacity for the first time since 2019. The 2020 season was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and April and May games this year were limited to 8,000 fans.