$200m stadium project finally underway as loss-making franchise’s ‘forever home’ hit by delay

Ground has officially broken on USL Championship’s Detroit City FC’s new stadium.

Work has commenced on the soon-to-be AlumniFi Field, which is set to seat 15,000 fans on the former site of Southwest Detroit Hospital.

In addition to the stadium, construction has begun on a 421-space parking lot, and a 104-unit residential building, with 76 of those described as affordable.

This is all part of a $200m development that aims to make southwest Detroit a year-round sports and entertainment destination.

Detroit City Council unanimously approved the project in November 2025, with the agreement including $2.27m in commitments to the local community.

It also provides a minimum wage of $17 per hour with local hiring priorities.

“As a club built from the ground up by Detroiters, this moment reflects years of work, belief and investment from our supporters and partners,” Sean Mann, co-founder and CEO of Detroit City FC said.

“Breaking ground on AlumniFi Field brings us one step closer to creating a forever home for our supporters and a development that reflects the pride, history and future of this city.”

“This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood investment we want to see across Detroit,” Mayor of Detroit, Mary Sheffield, added.

“This property sat vacant for far too long – now this redevelopment is creating lasting benefits for Detroiters.

“It will extend beyond the project itself with direct support for neighbourhood organisations, local hiring, small businesses and improvements that residents will benefit from for years to come.”

The stadium development is expected to generate approximately 1,030 construction jobs and 142 permanent, full-time roles.

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AlumniFi Field had initially been expected to be completed in Spring 2027.

It is targeted for the 2028 season, meaning they will spend one more season at the 7,933-capacity Keyworth Stadium in Hamtrack, Michigan.

The football club announced that the stadium would be delayed in June.

“While planning, design, partnership development, and community engagement continue to advance in the near term,” the statement read.

“The adjusted timeline is intended to ensure Detroit City FC and its partners deliver the strongest possible fan experience, match day environment, and long-term community impact.”

Additionally, they announced that more than 6,000 season ticket deposits had been placed for the 2028 season.

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The club previously played in the National Premier Soccer League from 2012 to 2019, before moving to the National Independent Soccer Association in 2020 and 2021.

Now in the USL, they have made the playoffs twice in their four seasons in the league.

The club has reported losses of $9.62 million since joining the USL, including $1.23 million in 2021, $2.91 million in 2022, $2.27 million in 2023, and $3.21 million in 2024.

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