:Tiger Stadium (Detroit)

{{Short description|Demolished stadium in Detroit}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}

{{Infobox venue

| stadium_name = Tiger Stadium

| nickname = "The Corner"{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Mesrey|title=Remembering 'The Corner'|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news/it-was-15-years-ago-today-tiger-stadium-hosted-its-final-major-league-baseball-game-2250257|website=Detroit Metro Times|date=September 27, 2014|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706105459/https://www.metrotimes.com/news/it-was-15-years-ago-today-tiger-stadium-hosted-its-final-major-league-baseball-game-2250257|url-status=live}}

| image = Image:Inside Tiger Stadium, Detroit.jpg

| caption = Tiger Stadium in 1998

| address = 2121 Trumbull Avenue{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=Tiger Stadium (Detroit)|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/park/483898|website=Society of American Baseball Research|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927023743/https://sabr.org/bioproj/park/483898|url-status=live}}

| city = Detroit, Michigan

| country = U.S.

| location =

| coordinates = {{Coord|42|19|55|N|83|4|8|W|type:landmark_scale:2000|display=it}}

| broke_ground = {{Start date and age|1911|10}}

| opened = {{Start date and age|1912|04|20}}

| closed = {{End date and age|2001|07|24}}{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium|url=https://ballparks.com/baseball/american/tigers.htm|website=Ballparks.com|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820121013/https://ballparks.com/baseball/american/tigers.htm|url-status=live}}

| demolished = {{ubl|{{Start date and age|2008|06|30}} (began){{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium still holds a special place in hearts of fans|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/Tigers/2018/07/06/Tiger-Stadium-still-holds-a-special-place-in-hearts-of-fans.html|website=Toledo Blade|date=July 6, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617222108/https://www.toledoblade.com/Tigers/2018/07/06/Tiger-Stadium-still-holds-a-special-place-in-hearts-of-fans.html|url-status=live}}|{{End date and age|2009|09|21}} (completed){{cite web|first=Jonathan|last=Oosting|title=Sept. 21, 2009: The day Tiger Stadium died|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2009/09/sept_21_2009_the_day_tiger_sta.html|website=MLive|date=September 22, 2009|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617222104/https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2009/09/sept_21_2009_the_day_tiger_sta.html|url-status=live}}}}

| owner = Detroit Tigers (1912–1977){{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium|url=https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/tiger-stadium|website=Detroit Historical Society|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617225135/https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/tiger-stadium|url-status=live}}
City of Detroit (1977–2009)

| operator = Detroit Tigers

| surface = Bluegrass

| construction_cost = US$300,000{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=What Detroit's stadiums cost|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170910/news/638651/what-detroits-stadiums-cost|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=September 10, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910125250/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170910/news/638651/what-detroits-stadiums-cost|archivedate=September 10, 2017|access-date=September 14, 2019}}
(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|300000|1912}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})

| architect = Osborn Engineering Company

| general_contractor = Hunkin & Conkey{{cite web|title=Bennett Park/Navin Field/Briggs Stadium/Tiger Stadium|url=http://detroit1701.org/Tiger%20Stadium.html|work=Detroit1701|access-date=May 10, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114213/http://detroit1701.org/Tiger%20Stadium.html|url-status=live}}

| former_names = {{ubl|Navin Field (1912–1937){{cite web|title=Past Tigers Ballparks|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/history/ballparks|website=MLB.com|access-date=October 21, 2022|archive-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093122/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/history/ballparks|url-status=live}}|Briggs Stadium (1938–1960){{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=50 Years ago Briggs Stadium was Renamed Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/03/06/50-years-ago-briggs-stadium-was-renamed-tiger-stadium/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 6, 2011|access-date=February 29, 2020|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101171025/http://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2011/03/06/50-years-ago-briggs-stadium-was-renamed-tiger-stadium/|url-status=live}}}}

| seating_capacity = {{ubl|23,000 (1912)|30,000 (1923)|52,416 (1937)}}

| dimensions = {{ubl|Left field – {{cvt|340|ft|m|0}}|Left-center field – {{cvt|365|ft|m|0}}|Center field – {{cvt|440|ft|m|0}}|Right-center field – {{cvt|370|ft|m|0}}|Right field – {{cvt|325|ft|m|0}}|Backstop – {{cvt|66|ft|m|0}}}}

| tenants = {{ubl|Detroit Tigers (MLB) 1912–1999|Detroit Heralds (OL) 1912–1919
Detroit Heralds/Tigers (APFA) 1920–1921|Detroit Panthers (NFL) 1925–1926|Detroit Lions (NFL) 1938–1939, 1941–1974|Detroit Cougars (NPSL / NASL) 1967–1968}}

{{Infobox NRHP

| name = Tiger Stadium

| embed = yes

| nrhp_type =

| added = February 6, 1989

| delisted = September 1, 2022{{cite web | title = Weekly List 2022 09 02 | publisher = National Park Service | url = https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/weekly-list-2022-09-02.htm | access-date = September 6, 2022 | archive-date = September 2, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220902202555/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/weekly-list-2022-09-02.htm | url-status = live }}

| refnum = 88003236{{cite web|title=National Register of Historic Places – MICHIGAN (MI), Wayne Country|url=https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/mi/wayne/state6.html|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=September 16, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115143606/https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/mi/wayne/state6.html|url-status=live}}

| designated_other1 = Michigan State Historic Site

}}

}}

Tiger Stadium, previously known as Navin Field and Briggs Stadium, was a multi-use stadium located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, United States. The stadium was nicknamed "The Corner" for its location at the intersection of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues. It hosted the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1912 to 1999, as well as the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) from 1938 to 1939, 1941 to 1974. Tiger Stadium was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

The last Tigers game at the stadium was held on September 27, 1999. In the decade after the Tigers vacated the stadium, several rejected redevelopment and preservation efforts finally gave way to demolition. The stadium's demolition was completed on September 21, 2009, though the playing field remained until 2018, when the site was redeveloped for youth sports as the Corner Ballpark.{{cite web|first=Hasan|last=Dudar|title=First pitch thrown at former Tiger Stadium site, now home to youth league|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2018/03/24/first-pitch-thrown-former-tiger-stadium-site-now-home-youth-league/455952002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 24, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082449/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2018/03/24/first-pitch-thrown-former-tiger-stadium-site-now-home-youth-league/455952002/|url-status=live}}

History

Image:BennetPark.jpg on October 12, 1907, during a World Series game between the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs]]

=Origins=

In 1895, Detroit Tigers owner George Vanderbeck had a new stadium built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull avenues. That stadium was called Bennett Park and featured a wooden grandstand with a wooden peaked roof in the outfield. At the time, some places in the outfield were only marked off with rope.{{cite web|first=Marcus W.|last=Dickson|title=April 28, 1896: There used to be a hay market here: Detroit Tigers open Bennett Park|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-28-1896-there-used-be-hay-market-here-detroit-tigers-open-bennett-park|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234613/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-28-1896-there-used-be-hay-market-here-detroit-tigers-open-bennett-park|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Bennett Park Historical Analysis|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/stadium/st_bp.shtml|website=Baseball Almanac|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=March 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312145301/https://www.baseball-almanac.com/stadium/st_bp.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 1911, new Tigers owner Frank Navin ordered a new steel-and-concrete baseball park to be built on the same site that would seat 23,000 to accommodate the growing numbers of fans. Navin Field opened on April 20, 1912, the same day as Fenway Park in Boston.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Wohlenhaus|title=April 20, 1912: Frank Navin's field of dreams opens in Detroit|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-20-1912-frank-navins-field-dreams-opens-detroit|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814153342/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-20-1912-frank-navins-field-dreams-opens-detroit|url-status=live}} While constructed on the same site as Bennett Park, the diamond at Navin Field was rotated 90°, with home plate located in what had been left field at Bennett Park. Cleveland Naps player "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, later banned from baseball for life following the Black Sox Scandal, scored the first run at Navin Field.

File:Briggs Stadium, Detroit, Mich postcard.jpg

Over the years, expansion continued to accommodate more spectators. In 1935, following Navin's death, new owner Walter Briggs Sr. oversaw the expansion of Navin Field to a capacity of 36,000 by extending the upper deck to the foul poles and across right field. By 1938, the city had agreed to move Cherry Street, allowing the left-field seats to be double-decked, and the now-renamed Briggs Stadium had a capacity of 53,000. In 1961, new owner John Fetzer took control of the stadium and gave it its final and longest-lasting name: Tiger Stadium.

A fire gutted the press box on the evening of February 1, 1977.{{Cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19770202&id=r4UwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iNwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=7178,2258841 |title="Tiger Stadium Damaged By Fire," United Press International, Wednesday, February 2, 1977. |access-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082448/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19770202&id=r4UwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iNwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=7178,2258841 |url-status=live }} In 1977, the Tigers sold the stadium to the city of Detroit, which then leased it back to the Tigers. As part of this transfer, the green wooden seats were replaced with blue and orange plastic ones, and the stadium's interior, which was green, was painted blue to match.

By the early 1990s, it was clear that Tiger Stadium was at the end of its useful life. Both the city and Tigers ownership wanted a new park, but many campaigned to save the old stadium.{{cite web|title=Tigers say Detroit is prime stadium site|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/01/19/Tigers-say-Detroit-is-prime-stadium-site/2396632725200/|website=United Press International|date=January 19, 1990|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426153002/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/01/19/Tigers-say-Detroit-is-prime-stadium-site/2396632725200/|url-status=live}} While a plan to modify and maintain Tiger Stadium as the home of the Tigers, known as the Cochrane Plan, was supported by many in the community, it was never seriously considered by the city or the Tigers.{{cite web|title=Cochrane Plan Drawings|url=http://sabr-detroit.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/CochranePlanDrawings.pdf|website=SABR Detroit|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527184533/http://sabr-detroit.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/CochranePlanDrawings.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Cochrane Plan Writeup|url=http://sabr-detroit.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/CochranePlanWriteUp.pdf|website=SABR Detroit|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814153342/http://sabr-detroit.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/CochranePlanWriteUp.pdf|url-status=dead}} Ground was broken for the new Comerica Park on October 29, 1997.{{cite web|title=Comerica Park|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/ballpark/comerica-park|website=MLB.com|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611015337/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/ballpark/comerica-park|url-status=live}}

=Features=

File:Tiger Stadium overhang.JPG

File:Tiger-Stadium-Overhang.jpg

Tiger Stadium had a 125-foot (38 m) tall flagpole in fair play, to the left of dead center field near the 440-foot (134 m) mark.{{cite web|first=JC|last=Reindl|title=Old Tiger Stadium's famed flagpole gets new life|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/2018/03/20/kars-nuts-old-tiger-stadium/441217002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 20, 2018|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819230943/https://www.freep.com/story/money/2018/03/20/kars-nuts-old-tiger-stadium/441217002/|url-status=live}} The same flag pole was to be brought to Comerica Park, but this never happened.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=Tiger Stadium Flag Pole Gets New Life|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2010/10/03/tiger-stadium-flag-pole-gets-new-life/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 3, 2018|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819230949/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2010/10/03/tiger-stadium-flag-pole-gets-new-life/|url-status=live}} A new flagpole in the spirit of Tiger Stadium's pole was positioned in fair play at Comerica Park until the left field fence was moved in closer prior to the 2003 season.{{cite web|first=Sean|last=Rinehart|title=Detroit Tigers: 10 Things You May Not Know About Comerica Park|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1012998-detroit-tigers-10-things-you-may-not-know-about-comerica-park|website=Bleacher Report|date=January 10, 2012|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007021951/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1012998-detroit-tigers-10-things-you-may-not-know-about-comerica-park|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=John|last=Niyo|title=Comerica getting a new dimension|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2003-03-01-comerica-new-fence_x.htm|website=USA Today|agency=The Detroit News|date=March 1, 2003|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803121358/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/tigers/2003-03-01-comerica-new-fence_x.htm|url-status=live}}

When it closed, Tiger Stadium was tied with Fenway Park as the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball; the two parks opened on the same date in 1912. Taking predecessor Bennett Park into account, Tiger Stadium was the oldest Major League Baseball site in use in 1999.

When the park was expanded in 1936, a second deck was added over the right field pavilion and bleachers. To fit as many seats as possible in the expansion, the second deck was extended over the fence by 10 feet (3 m). The overhang would occasionally turn some extremely high arced fly balls into home runs. Spotlights were added above the warning track to illuminate the area beneath the overhang.

Like other older baseball stadiums such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium offered "obstructed view" seats, some of which were directly behind a steel support column; while others in the lower deck had sight lines obstructed by the low-hanging upper deck. By making it possible for the upper deck to stand directly above the lower deck, the support columns allowed the average fan to sit closer to the field than at any other ballpark.

For a time after it was constructed, the right field upper deck had a "315" marker at the foul pole (later painted over), with a "325" marker below it on the lower deck fence (which was retained).{{Cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctor_gogol/4222779403/in/set-72157623089282940/ |title=jw1223117 {{!}} Flickr – Photo Sharing |date=December 28, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125014639/https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctor_gogol/4222779403/in/set-72157623089282940/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctor_gogol/4222774847/in/set-72157623089282940/ |title=jw121789 {{!}} Flickr – Photo Sharing |date=December 28, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2017 |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118092153/https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctor_gogol/4222774847/in/set-72157623089282940/ |url-status=live }} The Texas Rangers claimed that the design of the right field section was copied and used in the construction of what is now Choctaw Stadium, but in fact the upper deck did not actually extend over the right field fence, but was set back by several feet.{{cite web|title=Rangers Ballpark in Arlington|url=http://www.ballparktour.com/Arlington.html|website=Ballpark Tour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419110454/http://www.ballparktour.com/Arlington.html|archive-date=April 19, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2019}}

Due to then-owner Walter Briggs's dislike of night baseball, lights were not installed at the stadium until 1948. The first night game at the stadium was held on June 15, 1948. Among major league parks whose construction predated the advent of night games, only Wrigley Field went longer without lights (1988).{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Dominiak|title=June 15, 1948: 'Look at your wonderful lights here': Tigers win first night game in Detroit|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/june-15-1948-look-your-wonderful-lights-here-tigers-win-first-night-game-detroit#_edn1|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=March 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309041356/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/june-15-1948-look-at-your-wonderful-lights-here-tigers-win-first-night-game-in-detroit/#_edn1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steven|last=Glassman|title=The Game That Was Not—Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs, August 8, 1988|url=https://sabr.org/research/game-was-not-philadelphia-phillies-chicago-cubs-august-8-1988|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820125448/https://sabr.org/research/game-was-not-philadelphia-phillies-chicago-cubs-august-8-1988|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Phil|last=Vettel|title=The Cubs get lights at Wrigley Field|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-chicagodays-wrigleylights-story-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=January 3, 2008|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820125438/https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-chicagodays-wrigleylights-story-story.html|url-status=live}}

Tiger Stadium featured an upper and lower deck bleacher section that was separated from the rest of the stadium. Chain link and at one time, a barbed wire fence, separated the bleachers from the reserved sections and was the only section of seating not covered by at least part of the roof. The bleachers had their own entrance, concession stands and restrooms.{{cite book|first=Paul|last=Goldberger|title=Ballpark: Baseball in the American City|publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group|year=2019|page=150|isbn=978-0307701541}}

In 1999, its final season, only this ballpark and Bank One Ballpark had a dirt path that ran from the pitcher's mound to home plate.{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium - Old photos|url=https://historicdetroit.org/galleries/tiger-stadium-old-photos|website=Historic Detroit|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723224617/https://historicdetroit.org/galleries/tiger-stadium-old-photos|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Tanya|last=Moutzalias|title=Remembering old Tiger Stadium and its final game|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2015/04/remembering_old_tigers_stadium.html|website=MLive|date=April 5, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723140805/https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2015/04/remembering_old_tigers_stadium.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arizona Diamondbacks Bank One Ballpark|url=https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/modern-steel/archives/1999/06/1999v06_bank_one_ball_park.pdf|website=American Institute of Steel Construction|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723150300/https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/modern-steel/archives/1999/06/1999v06_bank_one_ball_park.pdf|url-status=live}} It originally had one before it was removed.{{cite web|first=Emily|last=Bingham|title=In pictures: Remembering the Tigers' original home in Detroit|url=https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/2016/04/remembering_the_corner_basebal.html|website=MLive|date=April 9, 2016|access-date=July 23, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723140805/https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/2016/04/remembering_the_corner_basebal.html|url-status=live}}

=Professional football=

Tiger Stadium was home of the Detroit Lions from 1938 to 1939, 1941 to 1974. The stadium hosted two NFL Championship Games in 1953 and 1957.{{cite web|title=1953 Championship Game|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/1953-championship-game/|website=Pro Football Hall of Fame|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417230209/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/1953-championship-game/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Carlos|last=Monarrez|title=1957 Detroit Lions: What happened each game during championship season|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/09/05/1957-detroit-lions-nfl-championship/620663001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 5, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418131808/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/09/05/1957-detroit-lions-nfl-championship/620663001/|url-status=live}} The football field ran mostly in the outfield from the right field line to left center field parallel with the third base line. The benches for both the Lions and their opponents were on the outfield side of the field.{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium – History, Photos & More of the former NFL stadium of the Detroit Lions|url=https://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/stadiums/tiger-stadium/|website=Stadiums of Pro Football|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410224512/https://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/stadiums/tiger-stadium/|url-status=live}}

In the early 1970s, the city of Pontiac and its community leaders made a presentation to the Metropolitan Stadium Committee of a {{convert|155|acre|km2|adj=on}} site on the city's eastern boundary, north of M-59 and near the intersection with Interstate 75 (I-75). Initially, a dual stadium complex was planned that included a moving roof that was later scrapped due to high costs and the lack of a commitment from the Tigers. The Metropolitan Stadium Committee voted unanimously for the Pontiac site. In 1973, ground was broken for a stadium to exclusively house the Lions.{{cite web|title=Former Pontiac Silverdome . . . 1965 – 2017: History of Inception and Planning|url=https://silverdome-architect.blogspot.com/p/httpmmqb.html|website=Former Pontiac Silverdome . . . 1965 – 2017|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824221629/https://silverdome-architect.blogspot.com/p/httpmmqb.html|url-status=live}}

The Lions played their final game at Tiger Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1974, against the Denver Broncos.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=The Detroit Lions' Last Game at Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2010/12/10/the-detroit-lions-last-game-at-tiger-stadium/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 10, 2010|access-date=August 24, 2019|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824221633/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2010/12/10/the-detroit-lions-last-game-at-tiger-stadium/|url-status=live}}

=Other events=

In 1939, boxer Joe Louis defended his world heavyweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of Bob Pastor at the stadium.{{cite news|first=Russ J.|last=Cowans|title=Louis Proved to Be Clever Ring Master in Victory over Bob Pastor|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1532&dat=19390930&id=_6s7AAAAIBAJ&pg=3459,8010344&hl=en|newspaper=The Afro-American|date=September 30, 1939|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016075951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1532&dat=19390930&id=_6s7AAAAIBAJ&pg=3459,8010344&hl=en|url-status=live}}

On October 5, 1951, the University of Notre Dame played the University of Detroit at Briggs Stadium before a capacity crowd of 52,000. It was the first Notre Dame football game to be played at night. The Fighting Irish won, 40–6.{{cite web|title=Remembering when the Titans played Notre Dame at Briggs Stadium|url=http://sites.udmercy.edu/alumni/2019/06/07/remembering-when-the-titans-played-notre-dame-at-briggs-stadium/|website=Forever Titans|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216192601/https://sites.udmercy.edu/alumni/2019/06/07/remembering-when-the-titans-played-notre-dame-at-briggs-stadium/|url-status=live}}

Northern Irish professional soccer club Glentoran F.C. called the stadium home in the late 1960s. The team played as the Detroit Cougars in the United Soccer Association.{{cite web|first=Larry|last=O'Connor|title=DCFC-Glentoran match marks 50th anniversary of Detroit Cougars|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2016/11/26/dcfc-glentoran-match-marks-50th-anniversary-detroit-cougars/94482890/|website=The Detroit News|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905233411/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2016/11/26/dcfc-glentoran-match-marks-50th-anniversary-detroit-cougars/94482890/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=DCFC to host MSU at old Tiger Stadium site|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/dcfc-host-msu-old-tiger-stadium-site|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=February 17, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905233422/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/dcfc-host-msu-old-tiger-stadium-site|archivedate=September 5, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2019}}

Kiss played their first date of the Alive/Worldwide Tour on June 28, 1996. It was the first concert with the original lineup since 1979.{{cite web|title=This Day in Kisstory 1996|url=https://www.kissonline.com/news?n_id=123200|website=Kiss Online|date=June 28, 2023|access-date=February 5, 2024|archive-date=February 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205133606/https://www.kissonline.com/news?n_id=123200|url-status=live}}

Notable moments and facts

File:1961 Roger Maris Tiger Field home run.jpeg of the New York Yankees strikes out against Detroit Tigers pitcher Jim Bunning in the top of the 3{{sup|rd}} inning of a game on September 17, 1961, at Tiger Stadium.]]

When Ty Cobb played at Navin Field, the area of dirt in front of home plate was kept wet by the groundstaff to slow down Cobb's bunts and cause opposing infielders to slip as they fielded them.{{cite book|last=Dickson|first=Paul|title=The Dickson Baseball Dictionary|year=1989|publisher=Facts on File|location=United States|isbn=0816017417|page=[https://archive.org/details/dicksonbaseballd00dick/page/105 105]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/dicksonbaseballd00dick/page/105}} The area was nicknamed "Cobb's Lake".

On July 18, 1921, Babe Ruth hit what is believed to be the longest verified home run in Major League Baseball history. The home run went to straightaway center field, clearing the stadium and landing into the street. The distance of the home run has been estimated at up to {{convert|575|ft|m}}.{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Ford|title=Babe Ruth birthday: He owned the Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/02/06/babe-ruth-birthday/2764820002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230621/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/02/06/babe-ruth-birthday/2764820002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Huber|title=July 18, 1921: Babe Ruth's 560-foot blast against Tigers sets career home run record|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-18-1921-babe-ruth-s-560-foot-blast-against-tigers-sets-career-home-run-record|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230621/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-18-1921-babe-ruth-s-560-foot-blast-against-tigers-sets-career-home-run-record|url-status=live}} On July 13, 1934, at the stadium, Ruth hit his 700th career home run off Tigers' pitcher Tommy Bridges.

On May 2, 1939, ailing New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig voluntarily benched himself at Briggs Stadium, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,130. Due to the progression of the disease named after him, it was the final game of his career.{{cite web|first=Zlati|last=Meyer|title=Lou Gehrig ended streak at Tigers game|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/04/25/lou-gehrig-streak-detroit-yankees-tigers-michigan-history/26369221/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 25, 2015|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230620/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/04/25/lou-gehrig-streak-detroit-yankees-tigers-michigan-history/26369221/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Ashley|last=MacLennan|title=This Day in Baseball: Lou Gehrig's historic run ended in Detroit|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/5/2/17312384/lou-gehrig-historic-consecutive-games-run-ends-detroit-briggs-stadium|website=Bless You Boys|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503003919/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/5/2/17312384/lou-gehrig-historic-consecutive-games-run-ends-detroit-briggs-stadium|url-status=live}}

The last scoreless tie in the NFL was played at Tiger Stadium between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants on November 7, 1943.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=The only scoreless tie in NFL history was played in Detroit|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/scoreless-tie-nfl-history-played-detroit/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=December 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229141817/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/scoreless-tie-nfl-history-played-detroit/|url-status=live}}

The stadium hosted the 1941, 1951 and 1971 MLB All-Star Games. All three games featured home runs.{{cite web|title=All-Star Game History: 1941|url=http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1941/|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130132114/http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1941/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=All-Star Game History: 1951|url=http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1951/|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130130152/http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1951/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=All-Star Game History: 1971|url=http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1971/|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130132138/http://m.mlb.com/history/all-star-game/1971/|url-status=dead}} Ted Williams won the 1941 game with a walk-off three-run home run. The ball was also carrying well in the 1951 and 1971 games. Of the many home runs in those games, the most often replayed is Reggie Jackson's drive to right field that hit so high up in the light tower that the TV camera lost sight of it, until it dropped to the field below. Jackson dropped his bat and watched it sail, seemingly astonished at his own power.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Landers|title=Reggie Jackson's All-Star Game homer off the Tiger Stadium roof is still jaw-dropping|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/reggie-jackson-hits-all-star-game-home-run-onto-tiger-stadium-roof/c-241532670|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=July 12, 2017|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230619/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/reggie-jackson-hits-all-star-game-home-run-onto-tiger-stadium-roof/c-241532670|url-status=live}}

Toward the end of the Lions' game against the Chicago Bears at the stadium on October 24, 1971, Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes collapsed and later died of a heart attack, making Hughes the only NFL player to date who died during a game.{{cite web|title=Detroit Lions Player Dies After Collapsing on Field|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/25/archives/detroit-lions-player-dies-after-collapsing-on-field-pro-player-dies.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 25, 1971|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421144207/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/25/archives/detroit-lions-player-dies-after-collapsing-on-field-pro-player-dies.html|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2023}}{{cite web|first=Les|last=Carpenter|title=Football Thursday: Legacy of Chuck Hughes goes deeper than being only NFL player to die on field during a game|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--legacy-of-chuck-hughes-goes-deeper-than-being-only-nfl-player-to-die-on-field-135805723.html|website=Yahoo Sports|date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421144209/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--legacy-of-chuck-hughes-goes-deeper-than-being-only-nfl-player-to-die-on-field-135805723.html|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2023}}

On April 7, 1986, Dwight Evans hit a home run on the first pitch of Opening Day.{{cite web|title=Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, April 7, 1986|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198604070.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230620/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET198604070.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Walsh|title=Baseball season opens with a bang|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/04/08/Baseball-season-opens-with-a-bang/2830513320400/|website=United Press International|date=April 8, 1986|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230621/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/04/08/Baseball-season-opens-with-a-bang/2830513320400/|url-status=live}} This was also the first game on MLB's schedule that season, giving Evans the record for the earliest home run to start a season in terms of at bats.{{cite web|first=Saul|last=Wisnia|title=Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox Opening Day: Remember What Happened in 1986?|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1133588-detroit-tigers-boston-red-sox-opening-dayremember-what-happened-in-1986|website=Bleacher Report|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905230621/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1133588-detroit-tigers-boston-red-sox-opening-dayremember-what-happened-in-1986|url-status=live}}

File:Tiger Stadium 1961.jpeg

There were over 30 home runs hit onto the right field roof over the years. It was a relatively soft touch compared to left field, with a {{convert|325|ft|m|adj=on}} foul line and with a roof that was in line with the front of the lower deck. In left field, it was {{convert|15|ft|m}} farther down the line, and the roof was set back some distance. Only four of the game's most powerful right-handed sluggers (Harmon Killebrew, Frank Howard, Cecil Fielder and Mark McGwire) reached the left field rooftop. In his career, Norm Cash hit four home runs over the Tiger Stadium roof in right field and is the all-time leader.The Final Season, p. 85, Tom Stanton, Thomas Dunne Books, An imprint of St. Martin's Press, New York, 2001, {{ISBN|0-312-29156-6}}

Tiger Stadium saw exactly 11,111 Major League home runs.{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Home run facts from The Corner in Detroit|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/04/20/home-run-facts-from-the-corner-in-detroit/|newspaper=Vintage Detroit Collection|date=April 20, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=March 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309041351/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/home-run-facts-from-the-corner-in-detroit/|url-status=live}}

=The final game=

{{Main article|1999 Detroit Tigers season#Final game at Tiger Stadium}}

On September 27, 1999, the final Tigers game was held at Tiger Stadium; an 8–2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capped by a late grand slam by Robert Fick, which hit the right field roof. It was the final Major League hit, home run, and RBI in Tiger Stadium's history.{{cite web|first=Gregory H.|last=Wolf|title=September 27, 1999: Tears and cheers: Tiger Stadium hosts final game|url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-27-1999-tears-and-cheers-tiger-stadium-hosts-final-game|website=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=September 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921105504/https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-27-1999-tears-and-cheers-tiger-stadium-hosts-final-game/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers Box Score, September 27, 1999|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET199909270.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213239/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET199909270.shtml|url-status=live}} Following the game, an emotional ceremony with past and present Tigers greats was held to mark the occasion. The Tigers moved to the newly constructed Comerica Park for their 2000 season, leaving Tiger Stadium unused.{{cite web|first=Nathan|last=Bierma|title=Closing ceremony brought a lineup of stars back to Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/09/28/closing-ceremony-brought-lineup-stars-back-tiger-stadium/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=March 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309041350/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/closing-ceremony-brought-lineup-stars-back-tiger-stadium/|url-status=live}}

Final years

On July 24, 2001, the day Detroit celebrated its 300th birthday, a Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League game between the Motor City Marauders and the Lake Erie Monarchs was played at Tiger Stadium. It was an effort by a local sports management company to bring a Frontier League franchise to Detroit.{{cite web|title=Detroit Plans a 300th Birthday Splash|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-01-21-0101210366-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|agency=N.Y. Times News Service|date=January 21, 2001|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127011358/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-01-21-0101210366-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=The Unknown Kid Who Hit the Real Last Home Run at Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/unknown-kid-hit-real-last-home-run-tiger-stadium/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 7, 2014|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150115/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/unknown-kid-hit-real-last-home-run-tiger-stadium/|url-status=live}}

In February 2006, a tent on Tiger Stadium's field played host to Anheuser-Busch's Bud Bowl 2006.{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium rises from the ashes for Bud Bowl 2006|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2316560|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=February 2, 2006|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016065202/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2316560|url-status=live}} Among performers at the nightclub-style event was Snoop Dogg.{{cite web|first=Wayne|last=Drehs|title=A six-pack to go at Tiger Stadium's hallowed ground|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2317676|publisher=ESPN|date=February 6, 2006|access-date=September 9, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402153225/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2317676|url-status=live}} Anheuser-Busch promoted the event as Tiger Stadium's Last Call.

In 2006, the feature-length documentary Stranded at the Corner: The Battle to Save Historic Tiger Stadium was released.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Jackman|title=Stranded at the Corner|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/stranded-at-the-corner-2285297|website=Detroit Metro Times|date=June 21, 2006|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021104640/https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/stranded-at-the-corner-2285297|url-status=live}} Funded by local businessman and ardent stadium supporter Peter Comstock Riley, and directed by Gary Glaser, it earned solid reviews and won three Telly awards and two Emmy awards for the film's writer and co-producer, Richard Bak, a local journalist and the author of two books about the stadium.{{cite web|title=DVD's|url=https://www.glaserproductions.com/dvds|website=glaserproductions|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831123723/https://www.glaserproductions.com/dvds/|url-status=live}} It was also shown at the inaugural National Baseball Hall of Fame Film Festival in November 2006.{{cite web|title=2006 Film Festival|url=https://baseballhall.org/node/2269|website=Baseball Hall of Fame|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120225854/https://baseballhall.org/node/2269|url-status=live}}

=Demolition=

Image:Tiger stadium demolition.jpg

There were many proposals to redevelop the site.{{cite web|first=Steven|last=Thomas|title=Detroit Should Sell Tiger Stadium As Is – Summer of Privatization|url=https://www.mackinac.org/7826|website=Mackinac Center for Public Policy|date=July 26, 2006|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018093017/https://www.mackinac.org/7826|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Dan|last=Epstein|title=The Navin Field Grounds Crew: Detroit Diehards Stand on Sacred Grounds|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/keepers-of-the-corner-the-navin-field-grounds-crew-57584/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 17, 2014|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415051016/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/keepers-of-the-corner-the-navin-field-grounds-crew-57584/|url-status=live}} By 2006, however, demolition appeared inevitable when then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the stadium would be razed.{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium to be razed|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/tiger-stadium-to-be-razed-1.629915|website=CBC Sports|date=June 16, 2006|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124003431/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/tiger-stadium-to-be-razed-1.629915|url-status=live}} In June 2007, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation approved a plan to demolish the stadium, which needed approval from Detroit City Council.{{cite web|first=Aaron|last=Harris|title=Detroit EDC OKs plan to tear down Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20070607/SUB/70607004/detroit-edc-oks-plan-to-tear-down-tiger-stadium|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=June 7, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117194936/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20070607/SUB/70607004/detroit-edc-oks-plan-to-tear-down-tiger-stadium|archivedate=January 17, 2021|access-date=September 12, 2019}} In July 2007, Detroit City Council voted 5–4 in approval of the demolition.{{cite web|title=Council OKs Detroit ballpark's demolition|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-07-29-0707280244-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=July 29, 2007|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417225244/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-07-29-0707280244-story.html|url-status=live}}

In October 2007, an online auction of the stadium's memorabilia was held by Schneider Industries, which drew $192,729. The city used the proceeds to defray the demolition costs.{{cite web|title=NEW! Online auction of Tiger Stadium memorabilia draws $192,729|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2007/10/14/new-online-auction-of-tiger-stadium-memorabilia-draws-192729/|website=The Oakland Press|agency=Associated Press|date=October 24, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=January 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124094045/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2007/10/14/new-online-auction-of-tiger-stadium-memorabilia-draws-192729/|url-status=live}}

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation awarded the demolition contract on April 22, 2008, with the speculation that demolition revenue would come from the sale of scrap metal.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Ankeny|title=Contract approved for Tiger Stadium demolition|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20080422/SUB/231427376/contract-approved-for-tiger-stadium-demolition|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=April 22, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124070400/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20080422/SUB/231427376/contract-approved-for-tiger-stadium-demolition|archivedate=January 24, 2021|access-date=September 12, 2019}} Demolition began on June 30, 2008. A week into demolition, it was announced that the field, foul poles, and flagpole would be preserved.{{cite web|title=Tiger Stadium Field, Foul Poles to Be Saved|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3481389|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121184237/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3481389|url-status=live}}

After a hiatus wherein various plans to preserve portions of the stadium were considered,{{cite news|title=Partial Demolition of Tiger Stadium Almost Done|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2008/09/partial_demolition_of_tiger_st.html|work=MLive|agency=Associated Press|date=September 8, 2008|access-date=May 10, 2014|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126092214/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2008/09/partial_demolition_of_tiger_st.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Zachary|last=Gorchow|title=Remnants of Tiger Stadium Safe – For Short Time|url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881010081|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 11, 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731184831/http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810110370|archive-date=July 31, 2012|access-date=September 12, 2019}}{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Leubsdorf|title=So long: Detroit board OKs leveling Tiger Stadium|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-06-02-4237471120_x.htm|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=June 2, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120806/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-06-02-4237471120_x.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Demolition of Tiger Stadium Resumes|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090608&content_id=5208774&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|website=MLB.com|date=June 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612045935/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090608&content_id=5208774&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det|archive-date=June 12, 2009|access-date=September 12, 2019}} demolition was completed on September 21, 2009.

File:Tiger Stadium site 2011.jpeg

=Redevelopment=

During the summer of 2010, a group calling itself "The Navin Field Grounds Crew" began maintaining the playing field and hosting vintage baseball, youth baseball, and softball games at the site.{{cite web|first=James|last=Hughes|title=Saving Tiger Stadium|url=http://grantland.com/features/tiger-stadium-navin-field-grounds-crew-demolition-resurrection/|website=Grantland|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617225153/https://grantland.com/features/tiger-stadium-navin-field-grounds-crew-demolition-resurrection/|url-status=live}} There was at one time also a sign on the enclosing fence labeling the site "Ernie Harwell Park".{{cite web|author=DetroitDerek Photography|title=Ernie Harwell Park ( site of former Tiger Stadium )|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/detroitderek/8455022770|website=Flickr|date=November 12, 2012|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120183622/https://www.flickr.com/photos/detroitderek/8455022770|url-status=live}}

On December 16, 2014, a $33 million project by Larson Realty Group to redevelop the old Tiger Stadium site was approved by Detroit's Economic Development Corporation. Development plans included a four-story building along Michigan Avenue with about {{convert|30000|sqft}} of retail space and 102 residential property rental units, each averaging {{convert|800|sqft}}. Along Trumbull Avenue, 24 town homes were planned for sale. Detroit's Police Athletic League (PAL) headquarters would relocate to the site and maintain the field. PAL would build its new headquarters and related facilities on the western and northern edges of the site while preserving the historic playing field for youth sports, including high school and college baseball.{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Austin|title=Renderings reveal future of Tiger Stadium, field|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2014/12/15/tiger-stadium-development-deal/20466685/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216091249/http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2014/12/15/tiger-stadium-development-deal/20466685/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Louis|last=Aguilar|title=Key approval given to Tiger Stadium plans|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2014/12/15/latest-plan-tiger-stadium-residential-retail/20467759/|newspaper=The Detroit News|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=December 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217054912/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2014/12/15/latest-plan-tiger-stadium-residential-retail/20467759/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Bertha|title=Who wants to live at Tiger Stadium? Development deal to include houses, preservation of field|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/who-wants-to-live-at-tiger-stadium-development-deal-to-include-houses-preservation-of-field/c-104221028|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021231601/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/who-wants-to-live-at-tiger-stadium-development-deal-to-include-houses-preservation-of-field/c-104221028|url-status=live}} Construction of the project began in June 2016.

In 2018, the Corner Ballpark opened at the site.

Films and television

The stadium was seen in the 1980 feature film Raging Bull where it was the site of two of Jake LaMotta's championship boxing matches.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Merron|title=Reel Life: 'Raging Bull'|url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/closer/020703.html|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329230238/http://www.espn.com/page2/s/closer/020703.html|url-status=live}}

It was depicted in Disney's award-winning Tiger Town, a 1983 made-for-television baseball film written and directed by Detroit native, Alan Shapiro, starring Roy Scheider, Sparky Anderson, Ernie Harwell and Mary Wilson.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title="Tiger Town" film was shot on location at Tiger Stadium in 1983|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/12/28/tiger-town-film-shot-location-tiger-stadium-1983/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 28, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It was also seen in Renaissance Man and Hardball.{{cite book|first=William A.|last=Gordon|title=Shot on This Site: A Traveler's Guide to the Places and Locations Used to Film Famous Movies and Television Shows|url=https://archive.org/details/shotonthissitetr00gord|url-access=registration|publisher=Carol Publishing Group|year=1995|page=[https://archive.org/details/shotonthissitetr00gord/page/121 121]|isbn=978-0806516479}}{{cite web|title=Detroit Next Stop for Reeves' Baseball Movie|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-10-27-0010280005-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=October 27, 2000|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082453/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-10-27-0010280005-story.html|url-status=live}}

In the summer of 2000, the HBO movie 61* was filmed at Tiger Stadium. The film dramatized the efforts of New York Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris during the 1961 season to break fellow Yankee Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. For the film, computer-generated visual effects were used to make Tiger Stadium resemble Yankee Stadium in 1961. Yankee Stadium is listed in the credits at the end of the film as being played by Tiger Stadium.{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Duffy|title=Billy Crystal directing HBO docudrama on Maris and Mantle|url=https://journaltimes.com/billy-crystal-directing-hbo-docudrama-on-maris-and-mantle/article_e566ee7d-e39b-58a6-900b-55c680420a31.html|website=The Journal Times|date=June 23, 2000|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082454/https://journaltimes.com/billy-crystal-directing-hbo-docudrama-on-maris-and-mantle/article_e566ee7d-e39b-58a6-900b-55c680420a31.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Beth|last=Harris|title=HBO revisits Mantle, Maris home-run race of '61|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/sports/other/20010425hbonet.asp|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|agency=Associated Press|date=April 25, 2001|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082453/http://old.post-gazette.com/sports/other/20010425hbonet.asp|url-status=dead}}

During the last days in which part of Tiger Stadium was still standing, scenes for the film Kill the Irishman, which were used to depict Cleveland Stadium, were shot at the stadium.{{cite web|title=Film shoots at Tiger Stadium ahead of demolition|url=https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2009/06/04/Film-shoots-at-Tiger-Stadium-ahead-of-demolition/stories/feed/feed/index.rss|website=Toledo Blade|agency=Associated Press|date=June 4, 2009|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082454/https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2009/06/04/Film-shoots-at-Tiger-Stadium-ahead-of-demolition/stories/feed/feed/index.rss|url-status=live}}

The pilot of the HBO series Hung featured the stadium's demolition in its opening scene.{{cite news|title='Hung' Speaks to People Disillusioned with the American Dream|first=Reed|last=Johnson|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-28-ca-hung28-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 28, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2010|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209082453/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-28-ca-hung28-story.html|url-status=live}}

Seating capacity

{{col-begin}}{{col-break}}

class="wikitable"

|+ Baseball

scope="col" style="{{Baseball primary style|Detroit Tigers}};"| Years

! scope="col" style="{{Baseball primary style|Detroit Tigers}};"| Capacity

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1912–1922

| 23,000{{cite news |title=Most Popular|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1168656/1/index.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717023515/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1168656/1/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2012|publisher=CNN|access-date=November 4, 2011}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1923–1936

| 30,000{{cite web|title=Past Detroit Tigers Venues|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/det/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=pastvenues|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=April 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413145717/http://mlb.mlb.com/det/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=pastvenues|url-status=live}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1937

| 36,000

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1938–1960

| 58,000{{cite news|title=Mickey Coachrane Fired As Manager of Detroit Tigers|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HOhHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2298,3265196&dq=en|newspaper=Meriden Record|date=August 8, 1938|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016071720/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HOhHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2298,3265196&dq=en|url-status=live}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1961

| 52,904{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1961 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_61.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1961|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111090645/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_61.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1962

| 52,850{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1962 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_62.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1962|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111085348/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_62.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1963–1968

| 53,089{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1963 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_63.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1963|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111090012/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_63.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1969–1977

| 54,226{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1969 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_69.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1969|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111090710/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_69.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1978–1979

| 53,676{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1978 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_78.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1978|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111085057/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_78.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1980

| 52,067{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1980 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_80.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1980|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111085422/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_80.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1981

| 52,687{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1981 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_81.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1981|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111085955/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_81.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1982–1988

| 52,806{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers 1982 Guide|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_82.pdf|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|year=1982|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111090247/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/downloads/mediaguides/mediaguide_82.pdf|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1989–1996

| 52,416{{cite journal |title=American League Park Directory|journal=Baseball Digest|volume=55|issue=4|page=126|publisher=Lakeside Publishing Company|date=April 1, 1996|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wy4DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA126}}

scope="row" style="{{Baseball secondary style|Detroit Tigers}};"|1997–1999

| 46,945{{cite journal |title=American League Park Directory|journal=Baseball Digest|volume=58|issue=4|page=92|publisher=Lakeside Publishing Company|date=April 1, 1999|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MS4DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92}}

{{col-break}}

class="wikitable"

|+ Football

scope="col" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions}};"| Years

! scope="col" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions}};"| Capacity

scope="row" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions}};"|1938–1967

| 52,555{{cite news |title=Packers Expect Gross Profit to Hit $50,000|newspaper=Janesville Daily Gazette|date=December 13, 1957|page=16}}

scope="row" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions}};"|1968–1970

| 54,082{{cite news |title=Pivotal Encounter for 49ers|first=Michael|last=Watson|newspaper=The Argus (Fremont)|date=November 22, 1970|page=13}}

scope="row" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Detroit Lions}};"|1971–1974

| 54,418[http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/football/profootball/detroit.html "Detroit Lions"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104215239/http://rauzulusstreet.com/football/profootball/detroit.html |date=November 4, 2011 }}. Rauzulu's Street.

{{col-break}}{{col-end}}

Gallery

Image:Tiger Stadium, Detroit.jpg|An empty Tiger Stadium in January 2005

Image:thecorner001.jpg|Tiger Stadium showing signs of neglect in 2006

Image:Tiger Stadium lettering removed.jpg|Tiger Stadium with facade lettering removed in November 2007

Image:TigerStadium No Seats 11 07 1.JPG |The visitors' bullpen and right field from lower deck in November 2007

Image:Tiger Stadium RF Nov 2007 2.JPG|Tiger Stadium with seats removed in November 2007

Image:Tiger Stadium exterior April 2008 - Detroit Michigan.jpg|Abandoned in April 2008; Tigers now play in Comerica Park

Image:Tiger Stadium Demonstration 1920.jpg|Demonstration against a School Amendment at Navin Field in 1920

References

{{reflist}}