The team was supposed to stay at the Silverdome until 2006. However, the new $300-million, 1.3-million-sf Ford Field stadium is currently under construction next to the Detroit Tigers new ball park, Comerica Park along Woodward Avenue. The Lions have said they will open their first game of the season at Ford Field.
There has been no formal announcement for what the city plans to do with the large domed stadium after the team leaves. Many in the commercial real estate community speculate it either could stay as a large convention center or be demolished to create space for an industrial park.
The property neighbors the city of Auburn Hills, one of the hottest office and research/development markets in Southeast Michigan.
Ford Field is also set to host Super Bowl XL in 2006.
Also Wednesday, Lions officials said the stadium kept up alleged harassment because of the court case. The Lions attempted to practice in the Silverdome for their early afternoon workout. However, Silverdome officials initially began piping in noise to interrupt the practice session. As the team continued with their practice session, the playing surface was altered by stadium officials and became unsafe.
For the safety of the players, head coach Marty Mornhinweg moved the team into the practice bubble located adjacent to the Silverdome.
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