Future Bid of Major League Soccer in Detroit?
Updated – News from Detroit City FC – The Detroit MLS expansion group unveiled renderings of its proposed downtown stadium designed by Detroit architectural firm Rossetti — the proposed soccer stadium will be within a 10-minute walk of Ford Field, the Detroit Lions’ home; Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play; and the new Detroit Red Wings arena.
Cleveland Cavilers owner Dan Gilbert and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores are working together to make Detroit an MLS city. The desire to net an expansion franchise in Michigan’s top ranked city – Detroit – is bringing together young and old, as well as former competitors and forging new partners. While MLS commissioner Don Garber may be eyeing cities across the USA for potential new locations for teams, Detroit is stepping up the pressure to be one of the future 28 teams.
Check out #MLSxDetroit on Twitter for more on the Detroit MLS possibilities….
As reported yesterday: While details are forthcoming, recent developments have centered on the possibility of a future bid for a Detroit Major League Soccer franchise led by a group of local investors.
In light of this speculation, Detroit City FC would like to make the following statement pertaining to Detroit soccer.
Detroit City FC has had initial contact with the interested parties regarding the possibility of Major League Soccer in Detroit, and we look forward to carrying on more conversations with those groups as the soccer scene evolves.
We have always believed that for soccer to live up to its full potential in southeast Michigan, a team must be connected to the community and focused on soccer supporter culture. The founding of a professional team is a golden opportunity, but in an already crowded market, success is never guaranteed.
As stewards of the local soccer community, our ownership group will continue to do all that we can to ensure professional soccer in Detroit stays true to the model that the supporters and fans of Detroit City FC have come to expect.
Detroit City FC has proven that a soccer team can be viable and successful in downtown Detroit. We see today’s development as further proof that others around the country are taking notice of our many successes and of the potential of the Detroit market. After 40 years of teams trying to establish a presence downtown with little success, Detroit City FC has shown that, when done right, soccer has a viable future in our city.
The key difference has been our approach in building an organization that values grassroots support and strong ties to our community.
In five years, Detroit City FC and our supporters have:
Invested nearly one million dollars into the renovation of our new home, Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, through the largest community investment campaign in Michigan history. Related article
Contributed thousands of dollars to support youth soccer in Detroit, teenage homelessness, veterans awareness and many other small businesses and service organizations working to make our community a better place.
Created the most exciting atmosphere in Detroit sports while fielding a winning team on the pitch.
Developed a brand that is recognized by soccer fans across the world.
Fostered one of the most active, creative and loyal supporter groups in the US.
Been profiled by national and international media as one of the most compelling stories in US soccer.
Tuned in, by the thousands, to our livestream of matches, from over 50 countries.
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