Should the Detroit Football Classic Leave Ford Field?

The Detroit Football Classic came back after a nearly two-decade hiatus during Labor Day Weekend. The return was five years in the making as the classic had planned a return in 2020, but that ultimately did not come to fruition. While the Classic is a welcome addition to the HBCU Classic schedule, one cannot help but question its viability. Box scores from the game announced a turnout of 1200 fans, less than two percent of the venue's total capacity. In a vacuum, these numbers are concerning.

The added context of the costs of hosting a game at Ford Field causes even more concern. Pro Football Newsroom revealed Ford Field charged the United Football League $500,000 per game to use the venue for Michigan Panther home games. The Michigan Panthers averaged almost ten times more than the Detroit Football Classic attendance, and the UFL still felt it was necessary to relocate the Michigan Panthers. While the venue rental price alone is enough of an issue, the Classic also must pay both teams to participate, including the team giving up a home game to appear in the Classic. The venture hardly seems profitable.

The Detroit Football Classic may want to consider a smaller venue in the city to maintain profitability. Currently, Hamtramck's Keyworth Stadium is the most realistic option, seating 7,933 fans. While not the most glamorous spot, it would save the Detroit Football Classic hundreds of thousands of dollars. Better yet, it would be a temporary solution.

The Motor City's USL Championship team, Detroit City FC, will have a new stadium in 2027, AlumniFi Field. The stadium seats 15,000 and is ideal for an HBCU classic. It would not be the first soccer venue to hold a prominent classic in recent memory. DC United's Audi Field hosts the Truth & Service Classic between Howard and Hampton, while the New York Red Bulls' Sports Illustrated Stadium hosted the Brick City Classic in 2023.

While the Detroit Football Classic attempted to come back to the Black College Football consciousness, it was merely a blip on the radar. That is not to say that it does not have the potential to be a bigger part of the calendar. However, it shows the classic should start small. A move away from Ford Field looks best, especially if the classic cannot attract the marquee programs of the MEAC and SWAC due to travel. While it was a welcome sight to see the Detroit Football Classic return, they may want to consider a smaller venue to make the money last.