HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Detroit City Football Club’s plans to build a new stadium within the city limits.
Getting a more modern venue and developing a long-blighted property are both seen as “wins.” But there’s a sense of loss, too -- for the city of Hamtramck and the stadium that’s been such a big part of the club’s success.
Detroit City FC has played at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck since 2016. It houses a little under 8,000 people, who grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping in the surrounding area, but that will change by the 2027 season.
DCFC fans have turned out for the team in a big way and games at Keyworth Stadium have been an economic boom for Hamtramck.
“We enjoyed partnership with them and its going to be a loss for the community,” said Mayor Amer Ghalib.
Ghalib is one of many people sad to see DCFC go. He’s been to several games himself, but the club is ready to move on. It’s building its own stadium in Corktown, in the footprint of the old Southwest Detroit Hospital. While renderings of the new stadium aren’t available yet, everyone involved in the project is excited for what’s to come.
Alex Wright, DFCD’s Co-owner and Chief Creative Officer, said the move will put the team on firmer financial footing, while acknowledging all that Hamtramck has done for them.
“The city and the people of Hamtramck were there when we needed them,” Wright said. “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.”
Ghalib said there are no hard feelings, only growth.
“We still have two years or so to partner with them,” Ghalib said. “They’re welcome in Hamtramck anytime.”
The property in Detroit has been purchased, but the final financing to build is still being worked out.