Detroit stadium features three canopied grandstands, atmosphere inspired by classic European football
AlumniFi Field, a new home for the Detroit City Football Club will feature three permanent canopied grandstands and an atmosphere inspired by classic European football. The 15,000-seat privately funded venue will be constructed on the site of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital between Detroit’s historic Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods.
Detroit City FC has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2012. With fan support consistently exceeding the capacity of Keyworth Stadium, the club’s current 7,000-seat home, the team needs a larger facility to accommodate supporters. The new, purpose-built facility will include a natural grass pitch, in keeping with European stadium standards.
Beyond soccer, the stadium is envisioned as a community gathering place, capable of hosting other sporting events, concerts, and community programming while integrating organically into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhood. AlumniFi Field will rise on the site of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital.
The hospital, which opened in 1973, was black-owned and earned national distinction for its commitment to hiring black doctors and nurses at a time when such practices were rare. The hospital closed in 2006 and remained vacant until its demolition earlier this year.
As part of the construction process, Barton Malow will work with Detroit City FC to incorporate a permanent installation in the new stadium that honors the former hospital’s pioneering legacy and lasting contributions to the Detroit community.
Demolition of the hospital has concluded, and site work has begun. It will be followed by deep foundation work, structural steel installation, and interior buildout.
“We’re committed to building something that feels intimate, loud, and distinctly Detroit—where matchdays are electric but the doors stay open for the broader community every day,” said Sean Mann, CEO, Detroit City FC.
“Barton Malow’s selection as construction manager was driven by its integrated construction delivery model, combining construction management expertise with robust self-perform capabilities in civil, concrete, steel, and interior work,” according to a Barton Malow news release.
Owner and/or developer: Detroit City Football Club
Design architect: HOK
Architect of record: HOK
MEP engineer: Henderson Engineers
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
General contractor/construction manager: Barton Malow