Businessmen Tom Gores and Dan Gilbert are on a mission to bring Major League Soccer to Detroit--and they want the stadium to be on the site of Wayne County's failed jail project.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber arrived in Detroit earlier today to discuss the possibility of MLS in the city with the pair.
Gilbert, Garber and Art Tellem, who was representing Gores, were at a news conference this afternoon to talk about the city's bid.
"It's important we put this in perspective...investment is back," said Gilbert of business commitments in Detroit.
Gilbert is proposing an MLS stadium on the jail's Gratiot site that would seat 20,000-25,000 people. He said the proposed MLS soccer stadium in Detroit would have many uses. Think local high school football, lacrosse, etc.
On the proposed site, the stadium would also be roped into the city's entertainment district. Retail, hotels and restaurants are also in the plans.
Garber says the league is "very focused" on building on the jail site. The earliest MLS could be in Detroit is 2020, noted Garber.
Matt Cullen of Rock Ventures LLC said in the news conference that the stadium will cost around $1 billion. The bulk of the cost, he says, will come from private individuals or ownership groups.
“I’ve always believed a sports franchise is a community asset with the power to unite and inspire people,” said Gores earlier this week. “I’m excited to partner with Dan and help in Detroit’s resurgence. Together we have all the tools we need to make a new team successful.”
