Detroit sees end of an era

The Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan, is set to fall by the end of the summer, according to news reports. Vacant since the end of the 1999 baseball season, at least 75% of the historical structure has been approved for demolition.

The remaining 25%, a dugout to dugout corner, may possibly be saved to function as a community centre and museum if preservationists can raise US$369,000 by 1^st June to continue with their US15 million plan.

The contract for the demolition has been awarded by Detroit’s Economic Development Corporation to MCM Management Corp and the Farrow Group, who will generate their revenue from the sale of the demolition debris and scrap, with the city paying nothing.

Should the preservation plan fall through, the remaining section of the stadium will also be demolished, with the contractors paying the city US$300,000.

The stadium site was used for professional baseball in Detroit since 1895, with the stadium itself dating back to 1912.