Detroit to tear down last remains of Tiger Stadium

Many Detroiters have fond memories of Tiger Stadium, a well-deserved staple in Detroit sports history.

Today, the city’s Economic Development Corp. board voted 7-1 to authorize the complete demolition of the stadium. Detroit Economic Growth Corp. vice president Waymon Guillebeaux says the stadium will be leveled as soon as a contract is negotiated with a contractor.

Tiger Stadium opened in 1912 as Navin Field. The Tigers departed for nearby Comerica Park after the 1999 season. Much of the stadium was demolished last year. But a section stretching from dugout to dugout was spared while a nonprofit group Friends of Tiger Stadium tried to raise money to redevelop the remaining structure.

For Thomas Linn, the news of the vote came as a surprise. In his interview on WDET’s Detroit Today he said that his group wasn’t informed the vote will take place Tuesday.

If you’re curious as to the whereabouts of the demolition to date, the City of Detroit has the Historical Society in charge of preserving our unique history. From Al Kaline’s jersey to the original scoreboard you can re-visit Tigers memorabilia. The picture above is evidence that it may be gone from Trumbull Avenue but preserved both in our memories and via DHS’ dedicated staff.

WZZM first broke the news to us via AP. We’ll be sure to keep you posted to any updates regarding today’s vote.

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Detroit commission votes to level Tiger Stadium