Ford Field is a domed NFL stadium located at 2000 Brush Street in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Opened on August 24, 2002, it serves as the home of the Detroit Lions and replaced the aging Pontiac Silverdome as the franchise’s primary venue. The $500 million facility was built to seat 65,000 fans for football, with the capacity expandable to 70,000 for certain events.
One of the most architecturally distinctive stadiums in American professional sports, Ford Field incorporates a restored 1920s Hudson’s warehouse into its structure, and the playing field sits approximately 45 feet below street level. The stadium was designed by Rossetti Architects and quickly earned a reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events and entertainment well beyond Detroit Lions home games.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Detroit Lions (NFL); Michigan Panthers (USFL, 2023; UFL, 2024–2025)
- Location: 2000 Brush Street, Detroit, Michigan
- Opened: August 24, 2002
- Capacity: 65,000 (football); expandable to ~70,000
- Construction Cost: ~$500 million
- Surface: FieldTurf CORE
- Record Attendance: 80,103 — WrestleMania 23 (April 1, 2007)
Home of the Detroit Lions
Ford Field has served as the home of the Detroit Lions since its opening in 2002, providing the franchise with a modern indoor venue and helping anchor the revitalization of Detroit’s downtown core. The naming rights were acquired by Ford Motor Company for $40 million over 20 years — a natural fit, as the Ford family holds a controlling interest in both the automaker and the Lions franchise. The climate-controlled dome gives Detroit a significant home-field advantage during Michigan’s harsh winters, something the old Pontiac Silverdome never fully delivered.
In addition to Lions games, Ford Field hosted the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL) starting in 2023, their first season at the venue. When the USFL merged with the XFL to form the United Football League (UFL) ahead of the 2024 season, the Panthers continued playing at Ford Field under the new league banner, giving Detroit two professional football tenants under one roof.
Major Events and Milestones
Ford Field hosted Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10 in front of 68,206 fans, with the Rolling Stones headlining the halftime show. The stadium later set its all-time attendance record of 80,103 during WrestleMania 23 on April 1, 2007 — one of the largest indoor entertainment events ever staged in Michigan.
The venue also hosted the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, drawing 72,922 spectators to watch North Carolina defeat Michigan State 89–72. The 2010 NCAA Frozen Four made history as the first time the college hockey championship was played inside a football stadium, attracting a record 37,592 fans and proving Ford Field’s versatility as a multi-sport venue.
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Ford Field FAQs
What NFL team plays at Ford Field?
The Detroit Lions of the National Football League have played all of their home games at Ford Field since the stadium opened on August 24, 2002.
Has Ford Field hosted a Super Bowl?
Yes. Ford Field hosted Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, in which the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. The Rolling Stones performed at halftime in front of 68,206 fans.
What is the seating capacity of Ford Field?
Ford Field seats 65,000 for NFL games, expandable to around 70,000 for football. The stadium’s all-time record attendance of 80,103 was set during WrestleMania 23 in April 2007.
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Photo: Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.