Fundraising efforts to restore Hamtramck Stadium received a boost from Jack White, as the rock star has contributed $10,000 to the campaign.
An effort is underway to bring the venerable Negro Leagues facility in Hamtramck, MI back into working order through a renovation. As envisioned, the restoration would bring new life to Hamtramck Stadium by converting it into a multi-purpose recreation and community space that could be used for several sports, including baseball and soccer.
It was revealed on Monday that White, a baseball fan and Detroit native, has donated $10,000 to a fundraising campaign led by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), Piast Institute, and Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium. White’s donation helps to jump start the campaign, which has a fundraising goal of $50,000 by April 2. More from the Detroit Free Press:
The goal of the campaign, which is being offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patroncity, is $50,000 by April 2.
If the campaign hits that benchmark, the project will win a matching grant through the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program, a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patroncity.
Funds raised will be used to pay for renovations to the field, art installations, and signage.
“The restoration of the historic stadium in Hamtramck will not only honor the past significance of the space but create new use of the space for a diverse community,” MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Katharine Czarnecki said in statement.
You can read more about White’s donation and the ongoing fundraising efforts here.
Hamtramck Stadium originally opened in 1930 and was home to a variety of Negro Leagues teams, including the Detroit Stars and Detroit Wolves. Its preservation effort is notable in several respects, as it is among a small number of Negro League ballparks that remains standing today. Should the restoration be completed, Hamtramck Stadium would serve a wide range of sports as well as community events.
Image courtesy Hamtramck Stadium preservation group.
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