Preservation efforts for the historic facility have apparently come up short, as the Detroit Economic Development Corp. board votes 7-1 to immediately tear down the remaining Navin Field grandstand.
Preservation efforts for historic Tiger Stadium have apparently come up short, as the Detroit Economic Development Corp. board votes 7-1 to immediately tear down the remaining Navin Field grandstand.
The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy had been raising funds for a $33.4 renovation of the original grandstand after most of the ballpark was torn down last year. But after some initial successes and the inclusion of federal funds for the project, the Economic Development Corp. determined the money just wasn't there, causing them to pull the trigger on demolition.
The commission has already been discussing demolition with two scrap-metal firms, and the work will begin as soon as a contract can be arranged.
For the historic facility, it's an ignoble end of the road. Navin Field opened the same day as Fenway Park and served as the home of the Detroit Tigers until Comerica Park opened in 2000. Tiger Stadium — also known as Briggs Stadium for many years — also served as the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions and other big events in the Detroit area, including the annual Goodfellows football game.
RELATED STORIES: Federal money for Tiger Stadium receives initial approval; Tiger Stadium preservation takes another step forward; Tiger Stadium preservationists: We have the money
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