re: First time Tiger Stadium visitor questions

Like any stadium, sideline lower bowl is best. West is home team and the oldest part of the stadium. East will have sun to deal with, but may be more energetic than the west sidelines. Portions of the east are visitor seats. Northwest endzone is student section and band, and the biggest party in the stadium... but for students. Southeast endzone is visitor band and fans. Club seats (west) are awesome, but probably not the atmosphere you're after. North endzone > South endzone (for atmosphere, not necessarily view). I've never been in the new south end upper deck, and have never been so lucky to sit in the (east) suites with the rich people.

eta: to clarify, the section descriptions above apply to the lower bowl. I didn't go into detail on the upper decks - not much to say, just more (cheaper) seats.