Jail or soccer field? What will Gratiot become? This is the question that’s been swirling the minds of top officials and soccer fans young and old. Today the answer was provided. The Ford family, owner of the Detroit Lions NFL team, will join the Gilbert and Gores backed effort to bring the MLS to downtown Detroit according to the Free Press report on Thursday. The previous idea of building on the Gratiot Avenue jail site has been scraped and plans to utilize Ford field are now in the works.
There are people who feel the Ford field is the spot that originally should have been considered as it sits empty so much of the time. Why build another stadium is the question being asked. It just makes sense, right?
Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem, who is coordinating the ownership group’s contact with MLS officials said the following:
Over the last two years, we have invested significant time, effort and resources into our bid to bring MLS to Detroit. After careful study and analysis, we concluded that the downtown location of an MLS stadium is paramount to an MLS team’s success.
Ford field is a multi-purpose stadium with a seating capacity of 64,500. The MLS draws in on average anywhere from 15,122 up to 48,200. Ford field can more than cover that attendance.
Did you know that Ford field is being considered to host the 2026 World Cup matches?! That says a lot right there!! What do you think about Detroit’s solution to the stadium issue? Was it a good choice or would you have rather have seen a brand new stadium?
You have to admit though, Detroit is really kicking things into gear lately. The bid for Amazon and this as well! In case you missed it, check out my last blog, “Detroit Throws Hat Into Race For Amazon Bid.”
Cheers!
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