Ford Field No Longer Hosting College Football Bowl Game

Detroit's 29-year run as a bowl game host city has ended, as Ford Field will not have a postseason game in the 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After nearly three decades of hosting a college football bowl game, Ford Field in Detroit will not have a postseason game in 2026. The city first hosted the Motor City Bowl in 1997 at the Pontiac Silverdome, and the game later moved to Ford Field in 2002 and was renamed several times over the years. However, the end of Ford Field's naming rights partnership with the bowl game has led the venue to adjust its focus to invest in other sports and entertainment events.

Why it matters

The loss of the college football bowl game in Detroit is significant, as it has been a long-standing tradition in the city and has provided an economic boost through tourism and fan engagement. The decision highlights the evolving landscape of college football postseason games and the challenges venues face in maintaining these events long-term.

The details

Ford Field noted that the end of its naming rights partnership with the bowl game created the "right time to adjust our focus to invest in sports at all levels and other entertainment events." The bowl game, which was previously known as the Motor City Bowl, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and GameAbove Sports Bowl, typically featured teams from the Mid-American and Big Ten conferences, as well as some ACC teams.

  • The Motor City Bowl was first hosted in 1997 at the Pontiac Silverdome.
  • The bowl game moved to Ford Field in 2002.
  • The game was later renamed the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and GameAbove Sports Bowl.
  • Ford Field will not host a college football bowl game in the 2026 season.

The players

Ford Field

The stadium in Detroit, Michigan that has hosted a college football bowl game for nearly 30 years.

Central Michigan

The last team to play a college football bowl game in Detroit, though they did not win the game.

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What’s next

It is unclear if Detroit or Ford Field will be open to hosting another college football bowl game in the future.

The takeaway

The loss of the college football bowl game in Detroit is a significant change, as the event has been a long-standing tradition in the city. This decision highlights the evolving landscape of college football postseason games and the challenges venues face in maintaining these events long-term.