Detroit City FC seems primed to further put their stamp on the city.
According to Detroit City FC co-owner and CEO Sean Mann, the club is planning to break ground on its new stadium in southwest Detroit/Corktown this coming spring. Mann made the announcement during an event at the Detroit City FC Clubhouse this past Thursday night Crain’s reports.
“This is staying put,” Mann said, referring to the fieldhouse. “We have bought 17 acres of land just adjacent to Michigan Central Station. We are working with the city and looking to break ground next spring and be in there by 2027. Hamtramck’s been great to us. We love Keyworth (Stadium). But it is not to the level where we are right now. We have 7,000 people coming and 180 parking spots and we put a lot of strain on our neighbors. We are trying to solidify our place as Detroit’s soccer team and it’s an amazing opportunity to build a new venue.”
The Club who who has played at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck since 2016 first announced their plans to relocate to the old Southwest Detroit Hospital site back in May. Since March the Club has spent more than $15 million on properties in and around Michigan and 20th Street on the border of Corktown and Southwest Detroit. Part of the Club’s new real estate portfolio includes the old Southwest Detroit Hospital which ran them for around $6.5 million and more recently forking over $2.55 million for the vacant 45,000-square-foot former Cornbelt Beef Corp. In total the club has accumulated roughly 17 acres of land for what they plan will consist of a 14 K-seat stadium, housing units, and more.
Interestingly, Mann also mentioned that the Club will keep the Detroit City Clubhouse and Fieldhouse, which currently houses the Club’s offices, a bar, and indoor soccer facilities.