Detroit Selected to Host Men's Hoops 2027 Final Four

Submitted by winterblue75 on November 22nd, 2022 at 12:22 PM

robpollard

November 22nd, 2022 at 1:20 PM ^

Times moves fast -- it was in 2017 they spent the $100 million. They did a good job.

https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/30/ford-field-renovation-upgrades-removing-seats-rod-wood/

My guess is they'll do some additional improvements in the next 5 years (e.g., perhaps outside?), but it's not necessary. Ford Field is no SoFi or JerryDome, but is very well-kept, modern facility.

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 14005

leidlein

November 22nd, 2022 at 4:40 PM ^

I really like Ford Field. Very well done. Only been there for two Lions games. But also went there a couple times to get family COVID jabs.

I went to JerryWorld for UM vs Alabama. I hated it. That screen is a monstrosity. It is a magnet for your eyes. I was in the upper deck and could not help but stare at that thing and had a sore neck by the end of the game. After the game I was thinking why did I pay all that money to go to Dallas to watch the game on TV?

Joined: 09/23/2015

MGoPoints: 1097

TrueBlue2003

November 22nd, 2022 at 6:07 PM ^

I went to the finals in San Antonio and sat in a pretty low section on the sideline (yeah, yeah I'm kind of bragging) and the sightline was pretty good.  But yeah if you're on the baseline or in a higher section, it would't be ideal.

I will continue to go because I will want to be there in person for the experience and the celebration when we finally frickin break through and win one.

But yeah, I wouldn't attend as a casual if Michigan wasn't in it.  Not worth it.

Joined: 01/05/2010

MGoPoints: 38075

J. Redux

November 22nd, 2022 at 12:55 PM ^

… A team that you build now for the 2027 Final Four would be full of four-year college types.  I’m not saying you don’t want a couple on your team, but Michigan has definitely been trending toward the Kentucky college-is-a-pit-stop model for a while now — even prior to Coach Howard being hired.  I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Unless by “build that team now,” you mean “build relationships with the high school freshmen and sophomores who will star on it?”

Joined: 10/15/2020

MGoPoints: 21517

TrueBlue2003

November 22nd, 2022 at 6:15 PM ^

That seemed like a one-off last year and only with Diabate and Houstan (not a Kentucky-like full class of one and dones).

We currently start only two underclassmen and one is the coaches son.

And other than that coaches son, no one in the 2022 or 2023 class projects to be an early entry player I don't think.

Joined: 01/05/2010

MGoPoints: 38075

Amazinblu

November 22nd, 2022 at 1:04 PM ^

On a bit of a tangent, should the B1G football CCG “move around”?   I think the model - an indoor stadium in the conference footprint is the approach.  So, Indy, Detroit, and Minny would all be options.  And, of course, in the future, the Rose Bowl might also be a venue to consider.

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 41682

robpollard

November 22nd, 2022 at 1:22 PM ^

I went to the Regional Finals when they were at Ford Field in 2008. Saw Steph Curry (who I had no idea about) absolutely light up Wisconsin. I think the other teams were Kansas and Nova.

Glad Detroit is in the mix for these. No reason Indy should get all the Midwest events.

Joined: 06/03/2009

MGoPoints: 14005