Re: Ford field attendance
it's too bad that many of you have very closed minds of the city of Detroit. Reality is not nearly what preception is.
I can deal with you all complaining about Ford Field (but that horse died just after they announced the venue- it's NOT going to change).
But to keep finding fault in Detroit is just stupid. Did any of you wander around St. Louis? And the vast array of interesting things within walking distance of the hotels, the hockey stadium, and the baseball stadium- oh, yea, there WEREN'T ANY! Downtown St. Louis was just as abandoned as downtown Detroit is- which is to say there are a good number of bars, restaurants and clubs that are a safe walk away from the stadium and hotels.
To base your opinion on Detroit on a trip you made up to 6 years ago misses what has been happening here, and it's sad that you are so afraid of coming here to understand what Detroit is, and what it can be. The one thing I wish was here before the FF or any other national event is the light rail (similar to what was in Denver) that connects the center of downtown to the New Center area- which also includes the museums in between.
Is 40 square miles being torn down? Yes, people have moved away, and abandoned houses- that in the burbs area, not downtown. Are there old buildings downtown that need to be taken down? Of course, just like St. Louis. Are there places to eat? Yes- over 100 bars and restaurants in the square mile of downtown. Can you walk safely? Yes- for the past 3 years, we've spent the CCHA final weekend downtown, and have had a great time- wandering around, checking bars and places to see. Are there homeless- just like DC. If you can't accept homeless people, you need to wake up to the reality of life in the US... just pointing that out.
With Tigers opening day on Friday, the FF on Thurs and Sat- downtown will be quite active the weekend of April 8-10.
If you are afraid of Detroit- must suck to live in fear of such a great city. I actually feel sorry for you, always looking over your shoulder for the boogy man....
If you don't come becuase some homeless guy might ask you for money, you may want to pull your head out of your arse and understand that there are a lot of people in this country who don't have jobs, and can't afford the luxury of going all over the country to watch a simple little hockey championship.
OTOH, if you are willing to check it out, you'll find cool architecture, cool bars, cool restaurants, and a nice view south to Canada. If you can get up to the museums- the Detroit Institute of Art is amazinng, Motown is always available, Historical Society is fun, Science Center is cool, etc etc. And with a car, there's always the Henry Ford. All in all, there are plenty of things to do and see.
