The Detroit Lions Very First Stadium Will Be Preserved Thanks to $25,000 Grant
The very first stadium the Detroit Lions called home was in danger of demolition but will be preserved thanks to a $25,000 grant.
The venue is Spartan Memorial Stadium in Portsmouth, Ohio. The Portsmouth Spartans were the forerunners of today's Lions. Spartan Stadium, which dates back to 1930, was in danger of demolition after the city, which owns the venue, attempted unsuccessfully to sell the property.
The stadium has been spared after a community effort to win a $25,000 grant from State Farm Insurance, which was awarded in December of 2016.
The stadium is historic for hosting the first night game in NFL history on September 24, 1930 when the Spartans blanked the Brooklyn Dodgers 17-0.
The stadium is currently the home of the the city's Notre Dame High School football team.