Why is Detroit no longer hosting a college football bowl game?

Detroit's 29-year run as a bowl game host city has ended because Ford Field will not have a postseason game in the 2026 season, attributed to the conclusion of a naming rights partnership.

When did Detroit start hosting a college football bowl game?

Detroit first hosted a bowl game in 1997 at the Pontiac Silverdome, with the tradition continuing at Ford Field starting in 2002.

What was the most recent name of Detroit's bowl game?

The most recent name for Detroit's bowl game, held at Ford Field for the past two years, was the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Home / Sports / Detroit Bowl Game Era Ends After 29 Years

Detroit Bowl Game Era Ends After 29 Years

11 Feb

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Summary

Detroit's 29-year bowl game tradition concluded with the 2026 season.
Ford Field will not host a postseason college football game next year.
The end of a naming rights partnership led to the game's discontinuation.

Detroit Bowl Game Era Ends After 29 Years

Detroit's long-standing tradition of hosting a college football bowl game has officially concluded, with Ford Field not scheduling a postseason event for the 2026 season. This decision brings a halt to the city's 29-year run as a bowl game host.

The future of postseason football in Detroit became uncertain following the end of a naming rights partnership for the bowl game. Ford Field's management cited this as the right moment to re-evaluate their focus on other sports and entertainment events.

The city first welcomed a bowl game in 1997 at the Pontiac Silverdome, moving to Ford Field in 2002. Over the years, the game adopted various names, including the Motor City Bowl, Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and most recently, the GameAbove Sports Bowl.