Barton Malow has been selected as the construction manager for Detroit City F.C.’s new AlumniFi Field development.
Barton Malow said the privately funded, 15,000-seat venue will be built between Detroit’s Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods in Detroit.
Detroit City FC has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2012. With fan support consistently exceeding the capacity of Keyworth Stadium, the club’s current 7,000-seat home, a new, purpose-built facility is needed to meet its ambitions on and off the pitch.
AlumniFi Field is designed to evoke the atmosphere of classic European football stadiums, featuring a natural grass pitch and three permanent grandstands with canopies.
AlumniFi is a digital banking service, originally created by the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), which offers mobile banking and financial wellness tools to help the users manage debt, savings and the overall finances.
Beyond soccer, the stadium is envisioned as a true community gathering place, capable of hosting other sporting events, concerts, and community programming — all while integrating organically into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhood.
Detroit City FC is an American professional soccer club based in Detroit, Michigan (US) that competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of professional Men’s soccer in the United States.
The AlumniFi Field development will rise on the site of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital.
The hospital, which opened in 1973, was Black-owned and earned national distinction for its commitment to hiring Black doctors and nurses at a time when such practices were rare.
The hospital ultimately closed in 2006 and remained vacant until its demolition earlier this year.
As part of the construction process, Barton Malow will work with Detroit City FC to incorporate a permanent installation in the new stadium that honors the former hospital’s pioneering legacy and lasting contributions to the Detroit community.
AlumniFi Field project
Barton Malow’s selection for the AlumniFi Field development project was driven by its integrated construction delivery model, combining construction management expertise with robust self-perform capabilities in civil, concrete, steel, and interior work.
Demolition of the Southwest Detroit Hospital has concluded, and work is currently ongoing. Site work has commenced, followed by deep foundation work, structural steel installation, and interior buildout.
“This project represents everything we stand for — technical excellence, self-perform strength, and a genuine commitment to the communities where we build,” says Barton Malow Senior Vice President Sean Hollister. “We are proud to bring AlumniFi Field to life for Detroit City FC and for the city of Detroit.”
Sean Mann, CEO of Detroit City FC, said, “We built Detroit City FC on the belief that a club should reflect and serve its city, and AlumniFi Field is the next chapter in that promise — a home rooted unmistakably in Detroit’s character and authenticity.
“This will be a gathering place shaped by our supporters, our neighborhoods, and the creative energy that defines this city. We’re committed to building something that feels intimate, loud, and distinctly Detroit — where matchdays are electric but the doors stay open for the broader community every day.
“In partnering with Barton Malow, we’re teaming up with an industry leader to bring that vision to reality and create a uniquely Detroit space where memories will be made for generations to come.”
Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.
Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.