Detroit Business Daily

How does Detroit get so many sporting events?

A few years ago they had the Super Bowl and now the Final Four. Why? Detroit sucks. No offense, but everyone knows Detroit sucks. It's full of poverty, violence, drugs, gangs, welfare bums, and homeless people. Why the heck does Detroit get all this big events when other, much nicer, cities don't? Seems like they are being rewarded for their poor behavior. I wonder if some $$$ is exchanging hands somewhere. Toastee, I notice that you bragged about your teams, as if anyone could care about that, but failed to debate the level of poverty, crime, and the overall disgusting mess that is Detroit.

Public Comments

1. dumbass you put in bids for the superbowl years ahead of time, then a committe looks at the plan set up for the event and its chosen from the proposals set up by the cities. Detroit kicks ass, thats why we get these events. We have all the best teams...sometimes they suck for a couple years, but most of our big teams come back strong. EDIT: Every large city has there fair share of poverty and crime, just so happens that the economy sucks in michigan right now making it a little worse than norm. Detroit is actually a great city, so are the surrounding areas. I can tell you have never been here and are buying into the hype set on us...thats ok, we dont mind. No one ever complains when something is going on in Chicago or new york...you think there is no crime or poverty there? Or does everyone just ignore that in those places?
2. Don't forget the Red Bull Air Races, Go Stillers. They're an international event and coming back to this area this summer. As the above poster commented, the selection is based on what a committee determines to be the best proposal. Obviously, these committees see something in Detroit that you don't. And, despite its problems, Detroit is a GREAT sports town with GREAT fans...win or lose, Detroit fans support their teams.
3. Most large cities have there fair share of sporting events, no matter what else is going on. I agree that some of the major part of Detroit is definitely a place full of everything you said, but Detroit also has some nice parts you can't forget. So, the reasoning behind why they get many of the Sporting Events is, to attract large crowds which will bring in more money of course. In a time of need with money, a very large city is the place to hold a sporting event because of the amount of people. Also, most of the Sporting Events are pre-planned, like the Super Bowls are always pre-planned four years in advance as the March Madness Final Four is pre-planned two years in advance. So the reason why, is big population will bring in a big crowd which will bring in a lot of cash. Also most of the sporting events are pre-planned.
4. We also had the MLB All-Star game in 2005. The area around Comerica and Ford field is really not that bad. Also, Detroit FANS are awesome!
5. Detroit has nice places that visitors can go and visit. For example, when Detroit host the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four (NCAA Hockey Championship), there will be plenty of places that visitors can see and do in Detroit and the Detroit area. Here are five places visitors can see; 1) Greektown. Visitors can eat at Greek Restaurants, visit merchants and go to Greektown Casino. http://www.visitgreektown.com 2) Detroit Institute of Art. Visitors can visit a world class museum with Art from all over the world and they only spend less than $10 a person to see wonderful art. http://www.dia.org 3) Have lunch at the Westin Book Cadillac. The Book Cadillac Hotel was built in 1924 and has hosted Presidents, actors, athletics and movies have been filmed there. Although it went vacant in the 1980's, the Westin Hotel purchased the hotel and revitalized the hotel and now its a jewel once again. http://www.bookcadillacwestin.com 4) Tour the Renaissance Center. The Renaissance Center provides free tours every Monday through Friday at 10 AM, 12 Noon and 2 PM http://www.gmrencen.com 5) Visit The Henry Ford in Dearborn. This includes the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Villiage and learn about the history and heritage of the United States of America. http://www.hfmgv.org Also, Detroit is not alone with the problems that they face. Every major city in the United States has its problems but the downtown area is experiencing a renaissance of change and is much better today than it was 10 years ago.
6. "I wonder if some $$$ is exchanging hands somewhere." Jeez, I wonder! Of course there are financial transactions. Having sporting events come to a city is an investment and a way to spark a revitalization. The city spends a ton of cash to get the city ready for these events, then in turn, the city's image gets better, etc...
7. Of course it's about the money. The car companies are the biggest advertisers in the world But if Senator John Kerry gets his way, companies which get loans from the Federal government won't be able to sponsor high-profile events any more. Then, there won't be anything in Detroit unless the hometown teams win something. It all goes around.
8. Well. I guess if Detroit sucks, so does every large city in the entire U.S. Detroit doesn't have any social problems that differ from any other metropolitan city. So why don't you go and, move out into the country, ass face.
9. Several reasons. First of all, Detroit has top notch sporting facilities. The Palace, Ford Field, and Comerica Park are all modern facilities. Second, the auto companies spend millions of dollars in advertising in all sports. Their influence can not be discounted. Finally, people in the Detroit area will support these events by buying tickets and selling out the place.
10. Your only saying that because your probably from Pittsburgh which means all you have alot going for you is the Steelers. Pirates suck (don't argue bout that) and the Penguins suck, your probably doing this too because your sore from last year). We at least have THREE teams that we LOVE to cheer for. We have better fans and better arenas to play in. I wouldn't call Pittsburgh as "nice" city either. You've probably never been to Detroit and seen some of the better areas. Sure we have blight and poverty but there's history of WHY this happened, we aren't proud of it but hell, we have to put up with it everyday. I think someone is jealous that all the big event aren't coming to Armpittbugh.