r/UnitedFootballLeague • u/AdvancedCFB • Jul 24 '25

Discussion Michigan Panthers Should Change Stadiums Instead of Relocating

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Keyworth has a capacity of 7,933, which is lower than Michigan's 11,681 average attendance, but would essentially guarantee sold out home games for the Panthers. Clearly the fanbase exists, unless Keyworth would be unwilling to install a football field for the UFL I think this is the best option.

The future is also bright. Detroit City FC is the primary tenant of Keyworth, and they are developing the 15,000 seat Corktown stadium. When this Stadium opens it gives the UFL two options: to either take over Keyworth as the primary tenant or move into Corktown. Both are great options that are more sustainable than the Detroit Lions stadium costs and does not abandon a growing Michigan Panthers fan base.

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u/talmudicdeer Seattle Dragons Jul 24 '25

Keyworth has two extremely big knocks against it besides size: it's extremely old, and extremely dilapidated. The Northern Guard and allies were able to save the stadium outright and fundraise for some improvements, but it would take a much more considerable effort to improve that stadium to UFL levels. Additionally, DCFC games in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Hamtramck have a charm, but when we're talking UFL that can quickly become a nightmarish traffic jam on gameday.

I love the idea, but in terms of what people are going to say in terms of "absolutely not", it's basically that.

12

u/Professional_Feed268 Jul 24 '25

The TV networks would push back heavily against Keyworth. A stadium without any infrastructure for TV would be a major problem for broadcast budgets.

1

u/Neither-Gate1681 Jul 24 '25

I agree Keyworth likely isn’t suitable for pro football, but just to play devil’s advocate; DCFC has had several games on ESPN and CBS. I’m assuming FOX and ESPN would want a couple more cameras for football, but networks have got in there and really showcased it well.

5

u/Professional_Feed268 Jul 24 '25

It's not a couple more cameras. It's close to 10x. Those shows are likely run through low-level packages, with 2-3 cameras and minimal audio. UFL broadcasts have 20+ cameras and 30+ microphones. Plus Skycam, which would likely require 4 cranes to be brought in to run from.

Basically, that boils down to a ton of rental infrastructure each week, plus likely an extra 1/2 set up day to run cables, especially if they want it removed for soccer games in between UFL games. The costs associated with that blow up in a hurry.

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u/Neither-Gate1681 Jul 24 '25

Fair enough. Just saying the CBS and ESPN soccer broadcasts have looked really good from Keyworth. I’m sure a football broadcasts is a whole different animal.

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u/Professional_Feed268 Jul 24 '25

Yeah, apples and oranges, unfortunately.