The USFL has announced Detroit as the final hub city. It was announced on the 40th anniversary of the original Michigan Panthers winning the USFL Championship. Ford Field will host the Panthers and the Philidelphia Stars, reigniting an old rivalry.
“We’re back! With the help of some great partners, the USFL is making history by announcing that the Michigan Panthers have returned home in 2023 to play at Ford Field. The USFL is proud to be part of the revitalization of downtown Detroit, and we’re excited about turning up the Motown music and firing up a fan base for professional spring football in Michigan.”
Daryl Johnston, USFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations
The Stars and Panthers faced off in the first USFL Championship game in 1983. Local officials are excited about the prospect of two professional teams being hosted in Detroit. The economic impact, a focal point of the revitalization of downtown Detroit, is causing quite a buzz.
“Today’s announcement that the Michigan Panthers are coming home to play at Ford Field builds on Detroit’s momentum as a sports and tourism destination. This means we now will have five major sports teams all playing downtown. We welcome the Michigan Panthers and USFL fans to our city and look forward to the increased foot traffic these games will generate for our downtown businesses and restaurants.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
The Panthers and Stars will report to the Metro area in mid-March before beginning training camp. With the season beginning on April 15th, Detroit natives will have to wait until April 30th for their first of several weekends of professional Spring football.
With the announcement of Detroit as the hub city for the Panthers and Stars, the USFL has now opened up four host cities. Canton, Ohio will host the Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals. Memphis, Tennessee will host the new Memphis Showboats and Houston Gamblers. And initial host city Birmingham, Alabama will host the Birmingham Stallions and New Orleans Breakers.
Read the full article
