Detroit Ends 29-Year Run as College Football Bowl Host City

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Detroit's nearly three-decade tradition of hosting a college football bowl game has come to an end. Ford Field will not host a postseason game in 2026, as the venue's naming rights partnership with the bowl game has concluded. The decision comes as Ford Field stated this provided the 'right time to adjust our focus to invest in sports at all levels and other entertainment events'.

Why it matters

The cancellation of a long-running bowl game reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics and the economic considerations venues must balance when allocating resources. The decision to prioritize broader sports investment and entertainment events suggests a shift in strategic focus for Ford Field.

The details

The first bowl game hosted by Detroit was the Motor City Bowl in 1997, played at the Pontiac Silverdome. For the past two years, Ford Field hosted the GameAbove Sports Bowl. The most recent game, played in December, saw Northwestern defeat Central Michigan 34-7. Prior to that, the game was known as the Quick Lane Bowl and the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, among other names.

• The first bowl game hosted by Detroit was the Motor City Bowl in 1997.
• For the past two years, Ford Field hosted the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
• The most recent game, played in December, saw Northwestern defeat Central Michigan 34-7.

What’s next

The decision to end the Detroit bowl game hosting comes as other postseason games, such as the LA Bowl, are also facing changes.