Detroit's Ford Field Will Not Host a College Bowl Game in 2026

Ford Field will not hold a college football bowl game in 2026, which will mark the first year that Detroit won't host a bowl game in 29 years. The announcement was made on Ford Field's Facebook page on February 10.

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The History of College Bowl Games in Detroit

Detroit first hosted a college football bowl game back in 1997. The first Motor City Bowl was played at the Silverdome (which, technically, is in Pontiac, not Detroit, but let's not get caught up in semantics.) The game has historically matched a MAC team and an ACC or Big Ten team.

The Motor City Bowl changed venues to Ford Field in 2002, the first year that the stadium was open.

The bowl game eventually changed names, a few times, in fact. In 2009, the Motor City Bowl was changed to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. Then, in 2014, the name changed again, this time to the Quick Lane Bowl. In 2024, there was another name change, and the game became known as the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

2025's GameAbove Sports Bowl featured Central Michigan University going up against Northwestern.

Why Ford Field Won't Host a Bowl Game in 2026

So, why the change? According to the social media post from Ford Field, it will not host a game because,

With the end of our current naming rights partnership, we felt this was the right time to adjust our focus to invest in sports at all levels and other entertainment events. We would like to thank everyone who made the bowl games a success, especially you the fans.

College football fans in Michigan are bummed that they won't have an option to attend a bowl game in-state (for now), but we'll see what the future holds.

Every Concert Coming to Grand Rapids' Acrisure Amphitheater in 2026 (So Far)

Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids will have its inaugural concert season in 2026, and the lineup is spectacular. Check out the acts coming to town in 2026!

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed

Every Show Coming to Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena in 2026

2026 is ramping up to be a big year for concerts in West Michigan. Let's take a look at all of the great artists, shows, and comedians you'll be able to see at Van Andel Arena in 2026. Of course, you'll have the usual Griffins, Gold, and Rise games, but there will also be a ton of other events, including concerts and even events for the whole family!

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed