City Landmarks: Keyworth Stadium Hamtramck

Keyworth Stadium

Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck has become a Metro Detroit experience that is talked about all over. Originally opened by former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936 was the first Public Works Project for the state of Michigan. It has seen highs and lows over the years but is brining a buzz for its current use as home to Detroit City FC. The semi-proffesional soccer club initiated a crowd-based investment program to renovate and rehabilitate the stadium and in 2016 raising a grand total of $741,250. Hamtramck is one of the most diverse communities in the state and is a great breading ground for a football club.

The club was founded in 2012 and has very passionate fans (they funded their own stadium). In todays day and age sports teams are owned by billionaires and are greatly influenced by the corporations that fund them. DCFC is based on the ideals of grassroots organizations that focus on building community. Key partnerships with local businesses has been key to their success in efforts to be an established sports organization and they are growing in support every year.

Although the team and stadium have received revitalization efforts, Hamtramck and the area surrounding the stadium as a whole are behind. The stadium is located in a more industrial area with not much walkability in the surrounding area. Average sales price as of April 2018 in Wayne County was $154K while Hamtramck as a whole is only $78K with a one mile radius of the stadium clocking in at $75K.

If you are looking for something fun to keep you occupied before the game outside the stadium, why not try fowling at the Fowling Wharehouse just on the other side of the train tracks before kickoff they are the official prematch bar and offer free parking if you are heading to the games. You may want to arrive early on game-day as the place can fill up fast. You can also participate in the March to the Match which has fans sining and yelling in the streets as they make their way towards the stadium. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to partake in this event

Short on time? Head straight to the stadium there is plenty to keep you entertained while you wait for the match to start. Check out some of the merchandise stands or grab an ice cold cider from Blakes Hard Cider. Although there are many options for parking, they recommend using Lyft who is the official ride-share sponsor. For more information on travel to and from the stadium check out this guide.