Remembering “The Corner” is easy when you are standing right here. This isn’t just a ballpark. It’s a place reborn. It’s The Corner Ballpark.
The Corner Ballpark stands in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. It occupies the hallowed ground of the former Tiger Stadium. The stadium opened in 2018. It proudly serves as the home of the Detroit Police Athletic League.
Before this beautiful ballpark, proposals were submitted to the city of Detroit. These proposals aimed to redevelop the Tiger Stadium site. One plan even suggested converting the stadium into residential lofts, retail stores, and an athletic club. This club would overlook the field.
Demolition became inevitable. Former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the stadium’s fate. The Detroit City Council approved the demolition in July 2007.
After Tiger Stadium’s demolition, nature began to reclaim the field. A group of citizens formed the “Navin Field Grounds Crew.” They worked on the field without the city’s approval. They even organized vintage baseball games.
In 2014, plans were approved to redevelop the site. These plans included retail space, rental units, and condos. The Detroit Police Athletic League headquarters relocated here. They preserved the historic playing field for youth sports.
The Corner Ballpark includes a 125-foot flagpole. It stands in fair play to the left of dead center field. This is the original flagpole from Tiger Stadium.
Along left field, you’ll find the Detroit Police Athletic League headquarters. There is also a “walk of heroes” here. A banquet hall sits underneath the grandstands.
The Corner Ballpark isn’t just for baseball. It’s a multi-purpose stadium. Detroit City FC once played an exhibition soccer game here.
The Corner Ballpark can host various events. These events include weddings, anniversary parties, and corporate events. The Champion’s Club Banquet Hall is perfect for any type of event. It overlooks the field and the city skyline. It can host up to 300 seated guests or 500 standing guests. Guests often feel surprised and delighted in this space.
The Willie Horton Field of Dreams can hold up to 4000 seated guests. Full stadium lighting can make any wedding lavish. The field covers 92,000 square feet.
So, remember The Corner Ballpark. It’s more than just a field. It’s a dream realized and a testament to Detroit’s spirit.