DETROIT — Detroit City Football Club has acquired the site of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital at the corner of Michigan Avenue and 20th Street for the purpose of building a new stadium that will serve as a permanent home for soccer in Detroit, with a goal of opening a new soccer-specific stadium by the club’s 2027 season.
“This is a huge step for our organization to build a modern venue to serve our club and community. As longtime residents of the city, with a few of us even living within walking distance of the site, the leaders and founders of the Club view this project not only as an opportunity to grow our organization and sport, but as a civic endeavor to give back to the city we love. We look forward to starting a process to connect with our supporters, city residents, and community leaders, among others, to craft a community-focused, grassroots professional soccer stadium that serves the City of Detroit,” said CEO Sean Mann of Detroit City FC.
Southwest Detroit Hospital opened in 1973 as the first Detroit hospital to hire and accredit African American doctors and nurses, which was uncommon in the United States then. The original hospital existed only 17 years; in 1991, it closed and declared bankruptcy. The building has been abandoned for 18 years.
Detroit City FC games are currently played at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. Since 2016, the Club has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to small businesses in the city as well as fostering and advocating improvements to the recreational spaces around the community.
“A DCFC home match is a can’t-miss stop for any true sports fan in the US, but our players, staff, and supporters deserve a stadium with modern amenities that retains the best elements of Keyworth while also putting the club on firmer financial footing,” said Alex Wright, Co-Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Detroit City FC. “The city and the people of Hamtramck were there when we needed them. Investments by our club and supporters give proof of our gratitude, and we are excited to set forth on the challenge to make our forever home just as iconic.”
The Club will reveal more details around the stadium vision and programming after further consultation with city officials, local residents, and long-time fans. A public engagement process is anticipated to kick off later this year.
ABOUT DCFC
Founded in 2012, Detroit City FC has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America. The founding vision of the organization was to satisfy the demand for soccer in downtown Detroit, represent the city in a positive light, and build community through “the beautiful game.”
Founded by a group of young Detroiters, Detroit City FC has developed into a minor league soccer success story, with one of the most exciting match atmospheres in North America, consistently sold-out games, and passionate supporters.
Today, DCFC fields a men’s first team that participates in the USL Championship – the second highest level in the US men’s game; a women’s team that plays in the amateur USL W League, a growing youth academy, a growing statewide affiliation of youth clubs numbering over 3000 players, as well as a successful indoor soccer facility in downtown Detroit.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on Twitter and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Colleen Robar, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com
