It took forethought and a lot of courage for the Lions to return to Detroit.
FOX 2 DETROIT – Barry Sanders’s memorable runs past defenses and into the end zone in the Pontiac Silverdome are cherished memories for many Lions fans. That was back in the 1990s, when there wasn’t much of Ford Field and Comerica Park.
In a previous report, FOX 2 reporter Al Allen said, “The majority of the area is vacant except for a few run-down buildings and commercial businesses.”
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It wasn’t happening there if you wanted to support your team.
“I went to the first game at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1975 and I was so angry they called them the Detroit Lions and they played in Oakland County,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
In the present day, the Lions are one game away from winning the Super Bowl. They now play at Ford Field, which is located in the center of the city, rather than Pontiac.
The amount of work required to return them from Pontiac? To put it mildly, a lot of grit was required.
“When the idea was first announced, everybody thought we were crazy,” Duggan said. “They said the Lions weren’t coming back to Detroit, it was inconceivable.”
In 1996, Dennis Archer served as mayor and Duggan as deputy county executive for Wayne County.
Although there were plans in place for a new Tigers stadium, a more ambitious project that would completely alter Downtown Detroit was just around the horizon.
“Bill Ford came up to me and told me, ‘Taking the Lions out of Detroit was the biggest mistake my family has ever done. If it’s possible, construct two stadiums simultaneously.” stated Duggan.
It would need a significant land acquisition of fifty acres, which would be difficult since landowners were attempting to raise the asking prices.
“If we find ourselves in a circumstance similar to one we’ve encountered in the past. We’re going to lose the deal where individuals have attempted to run equipment into buildings and where people have tried to fabricate what was really happening in that building,” Duggan said in a mid-1990s interview.
However, the sale was completed, and in order to expand the project, Deputy Executive Duggan at the time and Ed McNamara devised a plan for a hotel and vehicle rental tax to assist pay for the property acquisition.
And seventy percent of Wayne County voters backed it in November of 1996.
At the time, Bill Ford Jr. said, “We’re taking a large financial risk by agreeing to this deal, but it’s one that is well worth it.”
After the proposal was approved, Detroit history continued.
“What has happened is exactly what we said would happen, that this would be an anchor for Detroit’s recovery,” Duggan said.
The Lions’ playoff run alone has brought in millions of dollars for the city.
Duggan is supporting his squad in the meantime and hopes they create history.
Fox 2: “What’s your score prediction for this Sunday?”
“I’m a believer, Lions by a field goal,” he said.
