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Silverdome
Home of the Detroit Lions for more than 25 years, the Silverdome
was one of the largest stadiums in the NFL. Prior to moving into
the Silverdome, the Detroit Lions had played at Tiger Stadium
since 1938, which was also the home of the Detroit Tigers (MLB).
Tiger Stadium was primarily a baseball stadium, but served as the
home to the Lions for more than 30 years. In the late 1960s, the
team wanted a new football only stadium. After several
bonds were passed allowing the team to build a stadium, the
Lions bought land in nearby Pontiac, MI.
Because of the area's cold winter weather, the team decided to
build a dome stadium. Construction on the stadium, which was named
the Pontiac Silverdome, began on September 19, 1973 and was
completed in 23 months.Opening day
for the Lions at the Silverdome was on October 6, 1975. The
Silverdome became the largest stadium in the NFL with a capacity
of 80,311. Three tiers of blue seats circled the entire Astroturf
playing field. The roof at the Silverdome consisted of
Teflon-coated fiberglass panels. In 1985 after a heavy snowstorm
the roof was structurally damaged. However during the next several
months a new canvas and steel-girder reinforced roof was added.
The Silverdome had several amenities which included 93 executive
suites and a club restaurant. Besides hosting football games, the Silverdome hosted many other events including tractor pulls,
soccer and basketball games, and concerts. The first Super Bowl
played in a northern city, Super Bowl XVI between the Cincinnati
Bengals and San Francisco 49ers was played at the Silverdome. In
the mid 1990's, the Lions became dissatisfied with the Silverdome.
By 1997, bonds were passed allowing construction of a new domed
stadium in downtown Detroit. The Lions played their final game at
the Silverdome on January 6, 2002. The team moved into Ford Field
in August 2002. Today, the Silverdome continues to host numerous
events.
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Facts and Figures |
Silverdome Pictures |
-Name: Silverdome
-Location: Pontiac, MI
-Tenant: Detroit Lions
-Capacity: 80,311
-Surface: Astroturf
-Construction Began: September
19, 1973
-Opened: October 6, 1975
-Closed: January 6, 2002
-Cost: $55 Million
-Architect:
O'Dell/Hewlett & Luckenbach |

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