The United Soccer League (USL – an organizer of various professional and amateur soccer leagues in the United States league system) Championship team Detroit City FC, its development partners and the Mayor of Detroit Mary Sheffield were at the future AlumniFi Field site in Detroit, Michigan (US) on July 16th to celebrate the next phase in bringing the club’s stadium development to life.
The AlumniFi Field is slated to open in 2028 and the objective is to provide community-focused entertainment.
‘detcityfc.com’ stated that the groundbreaking marks a major step forward for the 15,000-seat soccer-specific stadium and broader mixed-use project rising at the former Southwest Detroit Hospital site.
The USL Championship is a Men’s professional soccer league in the second tier of the United States league system.
The Detroit City FC is an American professional soccer club based in Detroit, Michigan (US) that competes in the USL Championship.
The Keyworth Stadium is a 7,933-seat multipurpose stadium located in Hamtramck, Michigan, an enclave of Detroit (US). It serves as the home facility of the Detroit City FC.
The AlumniFi Field is a soccer-specific stadium under construction in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, United States. It will be home to the USL Championship team Detroit City FC. It is expected to have 15,000 seats and will cost US $150 million to construct.
The AlumniFi is a digital-first banking brand created by the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). AlumniFi offers high-yield savings, fee-free checking and tech forward tools to help the people simplify their finances and build confidence with every money move.
‘Forever Home’
Said Sean Mann, Co-Founder and Head Honcho, Detroit City FC, “As a club built from the ground up by the Detroiters this moment reflects years of work, belief and investment from our supporters and the partners. Breaking ground on the AlumniFi Field brings us one step closer to creating a forever home for our supporters and a development that reflects the pride, history and future of this city.”
Community Event
‘detcityfc.com’ further stated that the Detroit City FC continued the day’s celebration with a community event at the Michigan Central tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Semifinal broadcast.
Year-round Sports and Entertainment Destination
The $150 million-plus stadium project is part of a $200 million development that will enhance and connect Southwest Detroit as a year-round sports and entertainment destination. In addition to the stadium the overall project includes a 421-space parking garage and a 104-unit residential building including 76 affordable housing units.
‘Community Commitment’
Added April Clobes of AlumniFi, “This project represents what happens when organizations come together around a shared commitment to community. We’re proud to partner with the Detroit City FC on a development that honors the history of this site while creating new opportunities for the city of Detroit. At AlumniFi, we believe the strong communities start with financial well-being and we’re committed to helping people build the generational wealth needed to thrive and achieve their dreams.”
The groundbreaking follows the Detroit City Council’s unanimous approval of the development in November 2025 following the Community Benefits Ordinance process. That agreement included more than $2.27 million in total community benefits including:
- $1.2 million dedicated to the neighborhood organizations;
- Three thousand (3,000) free tickets for the neighbors each year;
- A $17-an-hour minimum wage, local hiring priorities;
- A $200,000 revolving loan fund for the small businesses; and
- Investments in public art, transportation, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood improvements.
Southwest Detroit Hospital Legacy
As the site enters a new chapter the Detroit City FC and its development partners continue to recognize the legacy of the Southwest Detroit Hospital which opened in 1973 and was the first hospital in Detroit to accredit the African-American doctors and nurses. The club plans to honor that history through artistic installations, historical markers and storytelling elements incorporated throughout the new stadium development.
With the demolition of the long-vacant hospital property completed earlier this year the project is closer to returning the site to productive use ahead of the stadium’s planned 2028 opening.
‘Neighborhood Investment’
Maintained Mayor Sheffield, “This is exactly the kind of neighborhood investment we want to see across Detroit. This property sat vacant for far too long – now this redevelopment is creating lasting benefits for the Detroiters. It will extend beyond the project itself with direct support for the neighborhood organizations, local hiring, small businesses, and improvements that the residents will benefit from for years to come.”
The State’s only privately-owned major sports stadium is expected to create 1,030 construction jobs and 142 new permanent full-time positions.
Community-focused Entertainment
Nearly 6,000 seat orders have already been secured through deposits for the 2028 season underscoring the strong demand for professional soccer and community-focused entertainment in Detroit.
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