The Hamtramck School board on Wednesday night approved a lease that will allow Detroit City FC to move from its Detroit location at Cass Tech High to the school district's Keyworth Stadium.
The approval paves the way for the minor league soccer team to fund renovation work on the stadium, which is expected to cost up to about $ 1 million and be completed by April 2016. The team has the option of converting the field from artificial turf to real grass.
The team gains access to the stadium for up to 25 events per year, while Hamtramck schools can use it at other times.
DCFC co-owner Sean Mann says:
“We greatly appreciate Hamtramck Public Schools seeing the potential of this public private partnership and working with us to bring the rehabilitation of Keyworth Stadium one step closer.
"It is exciting for us as an organization to not only find a new home that will allow us to continue to grow, but in the process add years to life of a historic venue that has created priceless memories in this community for generations.”
Schools Supt. Thomas Niczay also issues a statement:
“Hamtramck Public Schools is confident that the Keyworth Stadium renovations will enhance the quality of life in our city. The renovated stadium will provide a generous amount of access for HPS athletic programming and community recreation activities in a first class facility.”
