Huntington Place

{{Infobox venue

| name = Huntington Place

| image = File:Huntington Place (2022).jpg

| image_caption = Huntington Place in 2022

| nickname =

| logo_image = File:Huntington Place Logo (2021) (Gray).svg

| address = 1 Washington Boulevard

| location = Detroit, Michigan

| coordinates = {{coord|42|19|34|N|83|2|49|W|region:US-MI_type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline,title}}

| publictransit = {{rint|detroit|dpm}} Convention Center

| type = Convention center

| genre =

| owner = Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority

| operator = ASM Global

| broke_ground =

| built =

| architect = Giffels & Rossetti{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Duggan|title=Rossetti redux: Preserving the Cobo legacy, undoing the past|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110501/SUB01/305019972/rossetti-redux-preserving-the-cobo-legacy-undoing-the-past|newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business|date=May 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604194303/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110501/SUB01/305019972/rossetti-redux-preserving-the-cobo-legacy-undoing-the-past|archive-date=June 4, 2019|access-date=August 31, 2019}}

| opened = {{start date and age|1960}}

| renovated = 1989,{{cite web|title=Media Kit|url=https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/press-room/media-kit|website=Huntington Place|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224124129/https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/press-room/media-kit|url-status=live}} 2015

| expanded = 2015

| closed =

| former_names = Cobo Hall (1960–2010){{cite web|title=About Us|url=https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/about-us|website=Huntington Place|access-date=December 24, 2021}}
Cobo Center (2010–2019)
TCF Center (2019–2021)

| website = [https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/ Official website]

}}

Huntington Place (formerly known as Cobo Hall, Cobo Center, and briefly TCF Center) is a convention center in Downtown Detroit, owned by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) and operated by ASM Global. Located at 1 Washington Boulevard, the facility was originally named after former Mayor of Detroit Albert Cobo.

The largest annual event held at Huntington Place is the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which has been held at the center since 1965.

Facilities

Huntington Place is {{convert|2400000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} in size and has {{convert|723,000|sqft|m2|}} of exhibition space, with {{convert|623000|sqft|m2|}} contiguous.{{cite web|title=Cobo Center Brochure|url=https://www.tcfcenterdetroit.com/assets/doc/Cobo-Brochure-2018-02-28-WEB-5b6ae8ce9f.pdf|year=2018|format=PDF|website=TCF Center|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=2020-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330075707/https://www.tcfcenterdetroit.com/assets/doc/Cobo-Brochure-2018-02-28-WEB-5b6ae8ce9f.pdf|url-status=live}} It previously featured an arena, Cobo Arena, which hosted various concerts, sporting events, and other events. In 2015, the facility completed a renovation that repurposed the Cobo Arena space, adding additional meeting halls, a glass atrium with a view of the Detroit riverfront, and the {{convert|40,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Grand Riverview Ballroom.{{cite news|first=John|last=Gallagher|title=Cobo Center gets ready to show off|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/01/02/cobo-detroit-auto-show/21168403/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=January 2, 2015|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=September 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928024304/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/01/02/cobo-detroit-auto-show/21168403/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Sherri|last=Welch|title=Groups laud improved Detroit convention experience, but there's room to grow|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170212/NEWS/170219980/groups-laud-improved-detroit-convention-experience-but-theres-room|newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business|date=February 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608193223/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170212/NEWS/170219980/groups-laud-improved-detroit-convention-experience-but-theres-room|archive-date=June 8, 2017|access-date=August 31, 2019}}

It is served by the Detroit People Mover with its own station.{{cite web|title=Cobo Center|url=https://www.thepeoplemover.com/station-guide/cobo-center|website=Detroit People Mover|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519061257/https://www.thepeoplemover.com/station-guide/cobo-center|archivedate=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 18, 2020}} Huntington Place has several large, attached parking garages, as well as parking on the roof of the facility, and direct access to the Lodge Freeway.{{cite web|title=Parking|url=https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/parking|website=Huntington Place|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118192256/https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/parking|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Getting Here|url=https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/attendees/getting-here|website=Huntington Place|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118185516/https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/attendees/getting-here|url-status=live}} The facility is located along the Detroit International Riverfront, and within walking distance of several downtown hotels.{{cite web|title=Hotel Information|url=https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/attendees/hotel-information|website=Huntington Place|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809165752/https://www.huntingtonplacedetroit.com/attendees/hotel-information|url-status=live}}

History

File:CoboHallDetroit.jpg passing under the center {{convert|300|yd|m}} from ending at street level (and becoming/leaving Jefferson Avenue)]]

The facility and its attached arena initially cost $56 million. It was designed by the Detroit architectural firm Giffels & Rossetti and took four years to complete. Louis Rossetti was the chief architect. The facility is on the site where Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French colonist, first set foot and landed on the banks of the river in July 1701 and claimed the area for France in the name of King Louis XIV. The first convention at the facility was held in 1960 by the Florists' Telegraph Delivery (FTD). The first event was the 43rd Auto Industry Dinner on October 17, 1960, at which President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the keynote speaker. In 1989, a renovation was completed to expand its size to {{convert|2,400,000|sqft|m2}}.

Joe Louis Arena, named after boxer and former heavyweight champion Joe Louis, was built adjacent to the facility.{{cite news| first=Louis| last=Aguilar| title=Life after the Joe: Big changes proposed for site| newspaper=The Detroit News| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2018/03/11/joe-louis-arena-site-big-changes-proposed/32849035/| date=March 11, 2018| access-date=August 27, 2019| archive-date=July 28, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728204928/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2018/03/11/joe-louis-arena-site-big-changes-proposed/32849035/| url-status=live}} It served as the home of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League from 1979 until its closure in 2017 when the team moved to Little Caesars Arena. Demolition of the arena began in 2019.{{cite web| first=Charles E.| last=Ramirez| title=Demo crews begin removing Joe Louis Arena's exterior panels| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/06/17/crews-begin-removing-joe-louis-arenas-exterior-panels/1475797001/| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=June 17, 2019| access-date=August 27, 2019| archive-date=July 28, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728172754/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/06/17/crews-begin-removing-joe-louis-arenas-exterior-panels/1475797001/| url-status=live}}

In 2009, Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. vetoed the Detroit City Council's resolution against the expansion of the facility.{{cite news| first=Nancy| last=Kaffer| title=Mayor vetoes council's rejection of Cobo Center plan| url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090304/FREE/903049974/mayor-vetoes-council-s-rejection-of-cobo-center-plan| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731232433/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090304/FREE/903049974/mayor-vetoes-council-s-rejection-of-cobo-center-plan |archive-date=July 31, 2020| access-date=August 27, 2019}}{{cite web| title=Issues - Cobo Center Expansion, 2008-2009| url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/111837| website=Deep Blue| access-date=August 27, 2019}} Shortly after, the facility came under ownership and operation, through a 30-year capital lease, of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA). The five-member Authority Board consists of one representative from each of five government agencies – the City of Detroit, State of Michigan and the three Metro Detroit counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb. Consensus agreement from the authority is needed for all decisions, and it has become a model for regional cooperation in Southeast Michigan.{{cite news |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20120504/BUSINESS06/205040443/ |title=Cobo's rebirth delivers business: $299-million renovation attracts events, shows regional cooperation |last1=Gallagher |first1=John |date=May 4, 2012 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131111211222/http://www.freep.com/article/20120504/BUSINESS06/205040443/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |url-status=live }}

In October 2010, the DRCFA awarded a management contract to SMG, which merged with AEG Facilities to form ASM Global in 2019.{{cite web |last1=Schneider|first1=Marc |date=October 1, 2019 |title=AEG Facilities & SMG Finalize Merger to Form ASM Global |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8531818/aeg-facilities-smg-merger-asm-global |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102015331/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8531818/aeg-facilities-smg-merger-asm-global|archive-date=November 2, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019|website=Billboard|publisher=Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group}} It extended the contract for three years in September 2013 and again in June 2017.{{cite news| first=Sherri| last=Welch| title=Authority extends SMG's management contract of Cobo for 3 more years| url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130927/NEWS/130929862/authority-extends-smgs-management-contract-of-cobo-for-3-more-years| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=September 27, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731230547/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130927/NEWS/130929862/authority-extends-smgs-management-contract-of-cobo-for-3-more-years |archivedate=July 31, 2020 |access-date=January 23, 2018}} In 2015, a five-year, $279 million renovation was completed, including a new atrium, ballroom, and meeting spaces, constructed mainly within the former Cobo Arena building.

File:Detroit December 2015 57 (Cobo Center).jpg

In 2017, in the wake of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit riot, current mayor Mike Duggan proposed that Cobo Center be renamed due to modern reappraisals of Cobo's tenure as mayor. Cobo had upheld exclusionary covenants against African Americans, and was accused of responding poorly to allegations of harassment and police brutality against African American residents.{{cite news| first1=Christine| last1=Ferret| first2=George| last2=Hunter| title=Detroit Mayor Cobo's legacy remains divisive| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/10/10/detroit-mayor-cobo-legacy/106511526/ | newspaper=The Detroit News| date=October 10, 2017| access-date=August 24, 2019| archive-date=August 24, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824182359/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/10/10/detroit-mayor-cobo-legacy/106511526/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=Dan| last=Austin| title=Meet the 5 worst mayors in Detroit history| url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2014/08/29/5-worst-mayors-in-detroit-history/14799541/| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| date=August 29, 2014| access-date=August 24, 2019 | archive-date=August 24, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824182400/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2014/08/29/5-worst-mayors-in-detroit-history/14799541/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=Chad| last=Livengood|title=Duggan pushes to strip Cobo name from convention center| url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170825/news/637301/duggan-pushes-to-strip-cobo-name-from-convention-center| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=August 25, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728181114/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170825/news/637301/duggan-pushes-to-strip-cobo-name-from-convention-center| archive-date=July 28, 2020| access-date=August 31, 2019}} In 2018, the DRCFA stated that it had already been considering the sale of naming rights to the facility, for the first time in its history.

File:Michigan National Guard - 49770211353.jpg.]]

In June 2018, the DRCFA approved a 22-year naming rights agreement with Chemical Bank, which took effect on July 1, 2018; the following month, Chemical announced that it would relocate its headquarters to downtown Detroit. The parties agreed to delay the official announcement until February 20, 2019, after Chemical and TCF Financial Corporation announced their intent to merge.{{cite news| first=Chad| last=Livengood| title=Chemical Bank buys naming rights to Cobo Center| url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/chemical-bank-buys-naming-rights-cobo-center| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=February 20, 2019| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611062054/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/chemical-bank-buys-naming-rights-cobo-center |archivedate=June 11, 2020 |access-date=August 31, 2019}} Chemical stated that it would wait until after the completion of the merger to announce Cobo Center's new name, but that it was expected to carry the TCF branding. In the meantime, Chemical Bank logos appeared on advertising and signage at the facility, and a ceremonial bust of Albert Cobo was removed from public display.{{cite news| first=Breana| last=Noble| title=Chemical Bank to pay $33M to rename Cobo Center| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/02/20/chemical-bank-wins-cobo-center-naming-rights/2924973002/| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=February 20, 2019| access-date=February 20, 2019| archive-date=February 21, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221023325/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/02/20/chemical-bank-wins-cobo-center-naming-rights/2924973002/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=Chad| last=Livengood| title=TCF Bank set to replace Cobo Center name next week| url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/news/tcf-bank-set-replace-cobo-center-name-next-week| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=August 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728184207/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/news/tcf-bank-set-replace-cobo-center-name-next-week| archive-date=July 28, 2020| access-date=August 24, 2019}} The merger between Chemical and TCF was completed on August 1, 2019, with the combined company taking on the TCF name.{{cite news| first=Chad| last=Livengood| title=TCF, Chemical Bank finish merger with eye out for buying more banks| url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/tcf-chemical-bank-finish-merger-eye-out-buying-more-banks| newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business| date=August 1, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526210133/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/tcf-chemical-bank-finish-merger-eye-out-buying-more-banks| archive-date=May 26, 2020| access-date=August 31, 2019}} Cobo Center was officially renamed TCF Center on August 27, 2019.{{cite news |title=It's official: Cobo's new name is TCF Center |first=Breana |last=Noble |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/08/27/detroit-cobo-center-renamed-tcf-center/2094936001/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827153450/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/08/27/detroit-cobo-center-renamed-tcf-center/2094936001/ |url-status=live }}

On December 13, 2020, Huntington Bancshares announced its intent to acquire TCF.{{cite news |last=Kelly| first=Dane| date=December 13, 2020 |title=TCF Center to be renamed again after TCF, Huntington banks announce merger |work=WDIV News |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/12/14/tcf-center-to-be-renamed-again-after-tcf-huntington-banks-announce-merger/ |access-date=December 14, 2020 |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214032540/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/12/14/tcf-center-to-be-renamed-again-after-tcf-huntington-banks-announce-merger/ |url-status=live}} The merger was completed in June 2021,{{cite news |first=Nick |last=Manes |title=Huntington Bank completes acquisition of TCF |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/huntington-bank-completes-acquisition-tcf |newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business |date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609220441/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking/huntington-bank-completes-acquisition-tcf |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021}} and on December 9, 2021, TCF Center was renamed Huntington Place.{{cite news |last=Ramirez|first=Charles E. |title=Detroit's TCF Center changes name to Huntington Place |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2021/12/09/detroits-tcf-center-changes-name-huntington-place/6445502001/|newspaper=The Detroit News |date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210071455/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2021/12/09/detroits-tcf-center-changes-name-huntington-place/6445502001/|url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2021/12/09/detroit-tcf-center-renamed-huntington-place/6445560001/| title=TCF Center in Detroit changes name to Huntington Place| first=Adrienne| last=Roberts| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| date=December 9, 2021| access-date=July 28, 2024| archive-date=July 28, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728181514/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2021/12/09/detroit-tcf-center-renamed-huntington-place/6445560001/| url-status=live}}

Notable events

File:2018 North American International Auto Show (27382553118).jpg exhibit at the 2019 North American International Auto Show]]

In 1961, the show car event Detroit Autorama moved to the facility, and has been held there annually since.{{cite book| title=Hot Rod Detroit| last=Larivee| first=Bob| publisher=DP Publishing| year=2015| isbn=978-0-692-30899-8| location=Oxford, Michigan| pages=45–46}}

Since 1965, the largest event held at Huntington Place is the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This event draws thousands of international press and suppliers during its initial five days and has a charity preview party for 11,000 guests before the public opening.{{cite news |last=Kovanis |first=Georgea |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130118/BUSINESS03/130118042/2013-Detroit-auto-show-charity-preview-Want-to-get-in-on-the-glitz-and-glamour-It-s-not-too-late/ |title=2013 Detroit auto show charity preview: Want to get in on the glitz and glamour? It's not too late |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=January 18, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109033832/http://www.freep.com/article/20130118/BUSINESS03/130118042/2013-Detroit-auto-show-charity-preview-Want-to-get-in-on-the-glitz-and-glamour-It-s-not-too-late/ |url-status=live }} Since 1976, the Charity Preview has raised an average of $2.4 million yearly for southeastern Michigan children's charities.{{cite news| archive-date=November 21, 2013| access-date=January 23, 2018| url=http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/viewart/20131114/THINGSTODO02/311140017/| newspaper=Lansing State Journal| date=November 14, 2013| archive-url=https://archive.today/20131121153533/http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/viewart/20131114/THINGSTODO02/311140017/| title=Sheryl Crow to play at Detroit auto show preview| agency=Associated Press}} After the Charity Preview party, the NAIAS is open to the public for ten days, drawing, on average, 735,000 attendees.{{cite news |title=2013 North American International Auto Show is a hit with car fans |url=https://www.wxyz.com/money/auto-news/auto-show/2013-north-american-international-auto-show-is-a-hit-with-car-fans |work=WXYZ News |date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190432/https://www.wxyz.com/money/auto-news/auto-show/2013-north-american-international-auto-show-is-a-hit-with-car-fans |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2019}}{{cite news| title=Detroit auto show attendance highest in nearly 10 years| url=http://www.mlive.com/naias/index.ssf/2013/01/2013_detroit_auto_show_attenda_2.html| first=Michael| last=Wayland| date=January 28, 2013| newspaper=MLive| access-date=January 23, 2018| archive-date=January 23, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190707/http://www.mlive.com/naias/index.ssf/2013/01/2013_detroit_auto_show_attenda_2.html| url-status=live}} The show was originally held in January, but was to move to June beginning in 2020.{{cite news| first=Breana| last=Noble| title=Cobo struggles to find winter replacements for auto show| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/06/24/cobo-center-talks-auto-shows-winter-replacements/1503877001/| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=June 23, 2019| access-date=August 24, 2019| archive-date=June 24, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624184839/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/06/24/cobo-center-talks-auto-shows-winter-replacements/1503877001/| url-status=live}} On March 29, 2020, organizers announced that the 2020 NAIAS had been cancelled due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/28/2020-detroit-auto-show-canceled-due-to-coronavirus.html|title=2020 Detroit auto show canceled after venue chosen for coronavirus field hospital|last=Wayland|first=Michael|date=2020-03-29 |website=CNBC |language=en |access-date=2020-03-29 |archive-date=2020-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404052813/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/28/2020-detroit-auto-show-canceled-due-to-coronavirus.html |url-status=live}} The 2021 NAIAS was also cancelled and replaced by a downsized outdoor event in Pontiac, Michigan.{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Kayla |date=September 21, 2020 |title=North American International Auto Show moves reimagined show to Sept. 28 through Oct. 9, 2021 |work=WDIV News |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/09/21/north-american-international-auto-show-moves-reimagined-show-to-sept-28-through-oct-9-2021/ |access-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019221307/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/09/21/north-american-international-auto-show-moves-reimagined-show-to-sept-28-through-oct-9-2021/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web| last=Ewing| first=Steven| title=2021 Detroit Auto Show canceled, replaced by outdoor Motor Bella event| url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-detroit-auto-show-canceled-motor-bella/|date=January 11, 2021| access-date=January 13, 2021| website=CNET| language=en| archive-date=January 14, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114001753/https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-detroit-auto-show-canceled-motor-bella/| url-status=live}}

Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Emanuel Augustus, then known as Emanuel Burton, via a ninth-round TKO on October 21, 2000. The fight took place at Cobo Hall rather than Cobo Arena.{{cite news| title=Mayweather stops Burton in 9| url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/10/22/mayweather-stops-burton-in-9/| newspaper=St. Petersburg Times| date=October 22, 2000| access-date=July 1, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701084833/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/10/22/mayweather-stops-burton-in-9/| archive-date=July 1, 2024}}{{cite news| first=Anson| last=Wainwright|title=Floyd Mayweather: Just how good was the former pound-for-pound king?| url=https://www.ringtv.com/604979-floyd-mayweather-just-how-good-was-the-former-pound-for-pound-king/| magazine=The Ring| date=July 14, 2020| access-date=July 1, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606121833/https://www.ringtv.com/604979-floyd-mayweather-just-how-good-was-the-former-pound-for-pound-king/| archive-date=June 6, 2023}}

The anime convention Youmacon has been held annually at Huntington Place since 2012.{{cite news| first=Adam| last=Graham| title=What's your con? Astronomicon kicks off crowded calendar of Metro Detroit fan fests| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2020/02/05/whats-your-con-astronomicon-kicks-off-crowded-calendar-metro-detroit-fan-fests/4658390002/| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=February 5, 2020| access-date=June 16, 2023|archive-date=June 16, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616121928/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2020/02/05/whats-your-con-astronomicon-kicks-off-crowded-calendar-metro-detroit-fan-fests/4658390002/| url-status=live}}

Cobo Arena

{{Infobox venue

| name = Cobo Arena

| image = CoboArena2.jpg

| built = 1960

| closed = 2010

| capacity = 12,000

| tenants = Detroit Pistons (NBA) (1961–1978)
NCAA Division I Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships (NCAA) (1965–1981)
Detroit Loves (WTT) (1974)
Michigan Stags (WHA) (1974–1975)
Detroit Mercy Titans (NCAA) (1989–1994; 1997–1999)
Detroit Ambassadors (OHL) (1990–1992)
Detroit Rockers (NPSL) (1990–2001)
Motor City Mustangs (RHI) (1995)
Detroit Dogs (ABA) (2000–2001)

}}

Cobo Arena was an arena built in 1960 with seating for 12,000 that served as the home court of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association from 1961 to 1978 and the host of the NCAA Division I Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships from 1965 to 1981.{{cite web| first=Daniel| last=McFadin| title=A half-century of memories| url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/trackfield-indoor-men/50th-di-mitf/2014-02-21/half-century-memories| website=NCAA| date=February 21, 2014| access-date=August 26, 2019| archive-date=August 26, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826205921/https://www.ncaa.com/news/trackfield-indoor-men/50th-di-mitf/2014-02-21/half-century-memories| url-status=live}} The short-lived Michigan Stags of the World Hockey Association and the Detroit Loves of World TeamTennis called Cobo Arena home in 1974, as did the Detroit Rockers of the National Professional Soccer League, the Detroit Mercy Titans basketball team of the NCAA, and the Motor City Mustangs of Roller Hockey International.{{cite news| title=Detroit Loves sign No. 1 pick, Casals| url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=29671528&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjIxMDIxMzMxNCwiaWF0IjoxNjE1ODUyMzI3LCJleHAiOjE2MTU5Mzg3Mjd9.RugXgE3aFPol_prZBr7hq3GeKM3j1NawLvMSdSaeSMs| newspaper=The Times Herald| location=Port Huron| date=November 7, 1973| access-date=March 16, 2021| archive-date=August 7, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807233224/https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=29671528&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjIxMDIxMzMxNCwiaWF0IjoxNjE1ODUyMzI3LCJleHAiOjE2MTU5Mzg3Mjd9.RugXgE3aFPol_prZBr7hq3GeKM3j1NawLvMSdSaeSMs| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=Larry| last=O'Connor| title=Finnerty family sees soccer legacy remain in safe hands| url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/05/08/finnerty-family-sees-soccer-legacy-remain-safe-hands/1125151001/| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=May 8, 2019| access-date=March 16, 2021| archive-date=July 28, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728172337/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/05/08/finnerty-family-sees-soccer-legacy-remain-safe-hands/1125151001/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=Milt| last=Northrop| title=RHI TAKES SMALL STEP BACK ROLLER HOCKEY LEAGUE SHRINKS BY FIVE TEAMS| url=https://buffalonews.com/news/rhi-takes-small-step-back-roller-hockey-league-shrinks-by-five-teams/article_c048bc66-a07a-54fa-a21d-8b6df99b2ad0.html| newspaper=The Buffalo News| date=June 1, 1995| access-date=March 16, 2021| archive-date=November 2, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102073653/https://buffalonews.com/news/rhi-takes-small-step-back-roller-hockey-league-shrinks-by-five-teams/article_c048bc66-a07a-54fa-a21d-8b6df99b2ad0.html| url-status=live}}{{cite book|first1=Mike| last1=Stone| first2=Art| last2=Regner| title=The Great Book of Detroit Sports Lists| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FzhXDgAAQBAJ|year=2008| page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FzhXDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT44&lpg=PT44 44]| publisher=Running Press| isbn=978-0-7867-4171-7}}

Cobo also hosted rock concerts, by such artists as Van Halen, The Doors, J. Geils Band, Jefferson Starship, Queen, Black Sabbath, Journey, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Iron Maiden (twice in 1982), David Bowie, Ted Nugent, Prince, The Tragically Hip, The Who, Grateful Dead,Judy Garland, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Parliament-Funkadelic, Duran Duran, the Cure, Phish, Sex Pistols, Madonna, Anthrax, Exodus, Green Day, and Helloween.{{cite news| first=Ashley C.| last=Woods| title=End of an era: Looking back at Cobo Arena's storied history| url=https://www.mlive.com/music/2012/04/goodbye_cobo_arena_demolition.html| newspaper=MLive| date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611051755/https://www.mlive.com/music/2012/04/goodbye_cobo_arena_demolition.html|archive-date=June 11, 2019|access-date=August 29, 2019}}{{cite news| title=Prince plays Detroit: 30+ years of concert reviews| url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/22/prince-concerts-reviews-detroit-free-press/83375360/| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| date=April 22, 2016| access-date=September 2, 2019| archive-date=September 2, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902150104/https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/22/prince-concerts-reviews-detroit-free-press/83375360/| url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=Cobo Arena, Detroit, MI, USA Concert Setlists|url=https://www.setlist.fm/venue/cobo-arena-detroit-mi-usa-3bd638c4.html| website=Setlist.fm| access-date=September 2, 2019| archive-date=September 2, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902150103/https://www.setlist.fm/venue/cobo-arena-detroit-mi-usa-3bd638c4.html| url-status=live}}

Notable live albums that have been recorded at the arena include:

Bob Seger recorded all of Live Bullet and part of Nine Tonight at Cobo Arena.{{cite news| first=Gary| last=Graff|title=Remembering Bob Seger's key tours before his final road trip| url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2018/11/19/remembering-bob-segers-key-tours-before-his-final-road-trip/| newspaper=The Oakland Press| date=November 19, 2018| access-date=September 2, 2019| archive-date=August 5, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805061005/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2018/11/19/remembering-bob-segers-key-tours-before-his-final-road-trip/| url-status=live}}{{cite web| first=Donielle| last=Flynn| title=Live Bullet – The Story Behind The Album| url=https://wcsx.com/2022/12/11/live-bullet-the-story_behind_the_album/| website=WCSX| date=December 11, 2022| access-date=December 28, 2023| archive-date=December 28, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228052747/https://wcsx.com/2022/12/11/live-bullet-the-story_behind_the_album/| url-status=live}}

Yes recorded two songs at Cobo Arena for their Yesshows album, released in 1980.

Kiss recorded most of live album Alive! and video Animalize Live Uncensored at the arena and it is featured in their video for "Modern Day Delilah".

On August 4 and 5, 1980, Journey recorded most of their live album Captured at Cobo Arena.{{cite web| first=Bobby|last=Guy| title=Classic Michigan Concerts: Journey Live at Cobo Hall 1980| url=https://wrkr.com/journey-live-detroit/| website=WRKR| date=November 18, 2021|access-date=November 4, 2022| archive-date=November 4, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104111103/https://wrkr.com/journey-live-detroit/|url-status=live}}

The Tragically Hip recorded their Live Between Us live album at the arena in November 1996 during the band's Trouble at the Henhouse tour.

As the venue for Big Time Wrestling on every other Saturday night in the 1960s and 1970s, it was considered to be "The House the Sheik built."{{cite news| url=http://www.candgnews.com/news/local-man-preserves-detroit-wrestling-through-photographs| title=Local man preserves Detroit wrestling through photographs| first=Robert| last=Guttersohn| date=May 8, 2013| work=Royal Oak Review| access-date=January 23, 2018| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529165158/http://www.candgnews.com/news/local-man-preserves-detroit-wrestling-through-photographs| archivedate=May 29, 2014 }} It also hosted Skate America in 1995.{{cite news| first=Philip| last=Hersh| title=Bobek, Bonaly Fall Short Of Mark| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-10-28-9510280021-story.html| newspaper=Chicago Tribune| date=October 28, 1995| access-date=August 27, 2019| archive-date=August 27, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827130103/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-10-28-9510280021-story.html| url-status=live}}

WWE and WCW hosted numerous house shows at the arena during the 1980s and 1990s.{{cite web|title=Cobo Arena|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&view=search&sEventName=&sPromotion=&sDateFromDay=01&sDateFromMonth=01&sDateFromYear=1984&sDateTillDay=31&sDateTillMonth=12&sDateTillYear=2010&sRegion=&sEventType=&sLocation=&sArena=Cobo+Arena&sAny=|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=December 25, 2024}} Additionally, WWE returned to the arena for a Saturday Night's Main Event special on March 18, 2006.{{cite web|title=Saturday Night's Main Event to air on TV20 in Detroit|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/tv20detroit|website=WWE.com|access-date=December 25, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529223133/https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/tv20detroit|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Schramm|title=Reflections on SNME's return from Cobo|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2006/03/19/reflections-on-snmes-return-from-cobo/|website=Slam Wrestling|date=March 19, 2006|access-date=December 25, 2024|archive-date=July 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714014159/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2006/03/19/reflections-on-snmes-return-from-cobo/|url-status=live}}

On June 23, 1963, following the Detroit Walk to Freedom civil rights march, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the original version of his "I Have a Dream" speech at Cobo Arena to a full house.{{cite web| title=Address at the Freedom Rally in Cobo Hall| url=http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_speech_at_the_great_march_on_detroit/| publisher=The King Institute| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830014801/http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_speech_at_the_great_march_on_detroit/| archivedate=August 30, 2009| access-date=January 23, 2018}}{{cite news| first=Morgan| last=Whitaker| title=MLK's first 'I have a dream' speech| url=http://www.msnbc.com/politicsnation/mlks-first-i-have-dream-speech| work=MSNBC| date=June 21, 2013| access-date=August 27, 2019| archive-date=August 27, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827131304/http://www.msnbc.com/politicsnation/mlks-first-i-have-dream-speech| url-status=live}}

In January 1994, during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Joe Louis Arena, skater Nancy Kerrigan was bludgeoned in her right lower thigh by an assailant in a corridor of Cobo Arena, which was being used as a practice facility. The assault, which was dubbed "the whack heard 'round the world",{{cite news|first=Richard|last=Deitsch|title=Kerrigan opens up about 'the whack heard 'round the world'|url=https://www.si.com/olympics/2014/02/21/nancy-kerrigan-tonya-harding-nbc-documentary|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=August 27, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712214859/https://www.si.com/olympics/2014/02/21/nancy-kerrigan-tonya-harding-nbc-documentary|url-status=live}} was planned by rival Tonya Harding's ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt, in a plot to prevent Kerrigan from competing at the championships and the 1994 Winter Olympics.{{cite news| last=Brennan| first=Christine| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2014/01/02/christine-brennan-tonya-harding-nancy-kerrigan/4294753/| title=Tonya, Nancy reflect on The Whack heard 'round the world| newspaper=USA Today| date=January 3, 2014| access-date=January 23, 2018| archive-date=January 18, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118030043/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2014/01/02/christine-brennan-tonya-harding-nancy-kerrigan/4294753/| url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1994/02/14/130460/anatomy-of-a-plot-even-in-their-version-of-events----which-differs-from-tonya-hardings----the-confessed-conspirators-in-the-nancy-kerrigan-assault-were-at-once-goons-and-buffoons |first=E. M. |last=Swift |title=Anatomy of a Plot |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=February 14, 1994 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623141054/https://www.si.com/vault/1994/02/14/130460/anatomy-of-a-plot-even-in-their-version-of-events----which-differs-from-tonya-hardings----the-confessed-conspirators-in-the-nancy-kerrigan-assault-were-at-once-goons-and-buffoons |url-status=live }}

Cobo Arena closed in 2010 as part of a major renovation completed in 2015. The space was used to construct new facilities, including the {{convert|40000|sqfoot|adj=on}} Grand Riverview Ballroom, a new atrium area, 21 additional meeting rooms, and an outdoor terrace.{{cite news| first=John|last=Gallagher| title=Latest Cobo upgrade will be an eye-popper| url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/05/30/detroit-cobo-video-downtown/28087343/| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| date=May 30, 2015| access-date=August 24, 2019| archive-date=August 24, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824183544/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/05/30/detroit-cobo-video-downtown/28087343/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| first=AJ| last=Williams| title=Cobo Center Unveils Grand Riverview Ballroom And Atrium|url=https://michiganchronicle.com/cobo-center-unveils-grand-riverview-ballroom-and-atrium/| newspaper=Michigan Chronicle| date=September 11, 2013| access-date=August 24, 2019| archive-date=August 24, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824183554/https://michiganchronicle.com/2013/09/11/cobo-center-unveils-grand-riverview-ballroom-and-atrium/| url-status=live}}