Plans to retrofit Ford Field for soccer were introduced after the Ford family joined the MLS Detroit groupgetty images
The potential MLS Detroit expansion ownership group is "still committed" to landing a team for '22 with the proposed venue remaining Ford Field, despite MLS Commissioner Don Garber saying last month that the "decision to abandon plans for a soccer-only stadium was a factor in the bid falling short in landing a franchise" for '20, according to Vince Ellis of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Palace Sports & Entertainment Vice Chair Arn Tellem, who is leading the group, said, "There’s no better stadium location than Ford Field." Tellem: “We also feel strongly it would be irresponsible to not have it at Ford Field. To build another stadium when you have three great facilities in this city already in Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, it would be irresponsible to build another one. It would be just the wrong use of land in the city when it could be used for housing, for offices or multi-purpose development. The city doesn’t want that.” MLS has "stated its preference for soccer-only venues" but the ownership group "added the Ford family in November and announced that it would retrofit Ford Field for soccer usage to save costs." Garber said that Detroit "remains in the mix when the league awards two additional franchises" to start play in '22 -- if "concerns over the venue are addressed" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/15).
