Features
Silverdome’s Second Act
The aging
New venue owners Triple Properties Investment Group announced plans to house six to eight events at the 90,000-capacity Pontiac Silverdome annually.
The arena, which sat mostly empty after the Detroit Lions left in 2002, was sold in November to the Canadian investment group for $583,000, to the chagrin of several city officials who’ve filed suits to stop the sale.
City council members wrote in a statement that they want “what is in the best interests of the city of Pontiac and its citizens,” the Oakland Press reported. “Regardless of the outcome of the court’s decision and its determination of the ownership of the Silverdome, we wish the owners great success in the city of Pontiac.”
The Silverdome opened as the largest stadium in the NFL in 1975 at a cost of $55.7 million.
TPIG officials announced during a press conference that the arena has undergone renovations including updated suites with flat-screen TVs, new paint and restored public areas. The Silverdome’s restaurant and banquet hall are reportedly next on the list.
City Commissioner Mattie Hatchett, who previously moved to stop the sale, told the Oakland Press she was impressed with TPIG’s dedication to the community and is ready to accept the group’s ownership of the building.
“I’m going to believe them,” she said. “They’re putting their money where their mouth is.”
Other events on the books for the Silverdome are the Green Soccer Bowl May 20-23 and A.R. Rahman June 19.