Ford Field will see major upgrades before next season

Not to be outdone by the new Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Lions have announced $100 million in upgrades to Ford Field in time for the 2017 season. These upgrades include new video displays (twice the size of current displays), an updated sound system, and big renovations to suites and social areas.

Detroit-based ROSSETTI has designed the renovations, including:

• Complete suite renovations with two levels of finishes, identified as the Red Zone suites and the 20’s suites
• Redesign and re-brand of The Corner Lounge which will become Corner Bar and celebrate great players from the franchise’s past and present
• New concept club with communal experience and no assigned seating
• Renovated current and addition of new spaces (Grid Iron Club and Terrace Suite) for suite and club members on the north side of stadium
• Fully updated club space on the south side (currently Huntington Club) of stadium that will feature addition of Loge box seating

ROSSETTI led the original design of Ford Field from its design inception through completion in 2002. “The design elements converge throughout the renovated areas to acknowledge the drive and dedication of the team, the loyalty of its fans and the culture of Detroit,” said Kirk Phillips, Design Lead at ROSSETTI. “We were especially inspired by the urban environment in the neighborhood and used the lighting, materiality, and details to create a new experience that will be completely different for fans.”

ROSSETTI provided Curbed with many renderings to showcase the renovations. Here’s a sneak peek of what Lions fans (and Ford Field events guests) will see starting in the fall.

Grid View

• Gridiron Suite
• North Club Concessions
• North Club Entry
• North Side Premium
• South Suite
• South Club Bar
• South Club Center Bar
• South Club Hall of Legends
• South Club Loge
• South Club
• South Club West Entry
• South Red Zone Suite
• South Suite Corridor
• South Suite
• Terrace Club
• Terrace Club Suite

ROSSETTI says the design aesthetic reflects Detroit in two different ways. On the south side, they took cues from the original Hudson’s warehouse to celebrate Detroit’s history. The north side aesthetic is influenced by auto industry styling and midcentury modern design. For the first time since the stadium was built, the North side will have a full kitchen creating more opportunities for corporate events.

And yes, Ford Field is working on the wifi situation in the stadium.