en.Wedoany.com Reported - Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) has begun construction on its new 15,000-seat stadium, AlumniFi Field, which will be built on the former Detroit Southwest Hospital site in Michigan, USA.
This development marks a significant step in DCFC's planned stadium project, with an investment of over $150 million. It is part of a larger $200 million mixed-use redevelopment aimed at transforming the area into a year-round sports and entertainment destination.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, representatives from development partners, and several city and project officials. DCFC co-founder and CEO Sean Mann stated that the club was built from scratch by Detroiters, and this moment reflects years of effort, belief, and investment from supporters and partners. He added that the groundbreaking of AlumniFi Field brings the club one step closer to creating a permanent home for its supporters and a development that reflects the city's pride, history, and future.
Mayor Sheffield expressed her approval of the project. She noted that this is exactly the kind of community investment she hopes to see across Detroit. The property had been vacant for too long, and now the redevelopment is creating lasting benefits for Detroit residents. She believes its impact will extend beyond the project itself, providing direct support for community organizations, local jobs, small businesses, and improvements that will benefit residents for years to come.
April Clobes, President and CEO of AlumniFi, the naming rights sponsor and official financial partner, said she is proud to collaborate with DCFC on this project, which both honors the site's history and creates new opportunities for the city of Detroit. She emphasized that at AlumniFi, they believe strong communities start with financial health, and they are committed to helping people build generational wealth to thrive and achieve their dreams.
The broader redevelopment of the site, acquired by DCFC in 2024, will also include a 421-space parking garage and a 104-unit residential building, featuring 76 affordable housing units. The Detroit City Council unanimously approved the project in November 2025, following a community benefits ordinance process.
The agreement includes over $2.27 million in commitments to the local community, such as $1.2 million for community organizations and 3,000 free tickets annually for nearby residents. It also stipulates a minimum wage of $17 per hour with a preference for local hiring, establishes a $200,000 small business revolving loan fund, and invests in public art, transportation, and pedestrian safety.
The stadium development is expected to create approximately 1,030 construction jobs and 142 permanent full-time positions. Currently, nearly 6,000 seat deposits have been secured for the 2028 season. DCFC and its partners plan to commemorate the legacy of the original hospital—recognized as Detroit's first to accept African American doctors and nurses—through commemorative markers and art installations within the stadium and surrounding development. Demolition of the hospital building was completed earlier this year, and the new stadium is scheduled to open in 2028.
