The National Basketball Association is a multi-billion dollar industry that strives to grow its game by any means necessary. Whether the NBA hosts games overseas or events with massive attendance, it will keep people invested. The NBA All-Star game is one of the league’s most popular events, held every season. Hundreds of thousands flock to the host city to watch the three-day weekend featuring the league’s best players and the hottest celebrities. If selected to host an All-Star weekend, cities see a substantial boost to their local economies.
With Phoenix selected to host the 2027 event, some wonder when the city of Detroit will get its chance. Despite having one of the NBA’s newer arenas, Detroit has remained overlooked as a host since Little Caesars Arena opened in 2017. Detroit has grown significantly since then, becoming one of the more popular cities. Critics argue that Detroit isn’t ready for a significant event, but the success of the 2024 NFL Draft reassures us.
The three-day Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza event drew a record attendance of over 775,000 people for the NFL Draft. Viewership for the draft averaged 5.9 million, with 12.1 million watching the first round alone. Detroit saw an economic impact of 213.6 million dollars, with 161.3 million dollars being new spending in the area. Detroit is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a city to draw a crowd and generate substantial profit.
So why is Detroit constantly overlooked? Will Detroit get its chance sooner rather than later? Let’s talk about it.
NBA All-Star Game: Why Detroit’s Time Might Be Coming Soon
Detroit vs. NBA?
Detroit has a history of hosting other major sporting events in the 20th century, including the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park and the 2006 NFL Super Bowl at Ford Field. However, the NBA hasn’t held an All-Star game in Detroit since 1959, so it’s time for the league to bring this marquee event back to the city.
The NBA did hold its 1979 All-Star game at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, which featured some historic firsts. It was the first All-Star game without a representative from the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks. Additionally, the game marked the first All-Star event held in a football or baseball stadium, setting a new precedent.
The last NBA event held in Michigan was the 1993 NBA Draft, which took place in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Golden State Warriors selected hometown kid Chris Webber with the No.1 overall pick. The energy in the building was unmatched, making for an entertaining experience for the 20,000 attendees and those watching at home.
Why Hasn’t Detroit Been Chosen For An NBA All-Star Game?
Detroit boasts a state-of-the-art arena, one of the largest U.S. airports, a vibrant and improving downtown, and a population ready to shine in the spotlight. So, what’s the problem? The delay in development around Little Caesars Arena might be a key factor. In 2013, Olympia Development promised to renovate or construct ten buildings around the arena, adding 1.2 million square feet of office space, nearly 150,000 square feet of retail space, and two new hotels.
Although they built the stadium, developers haven’t delivered on the promised surrounding projects. Instead, they constructed different buildings, disappointing many Detroiters. This lack of progress has also deterred the NHL from considering Detroit for its All-Star game, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman withholding until the projects are complete. It’s likely the NBA shares this reasoning.
In March 2023, Olympia proposed a $1.5 billion construction plan to start that summer, but the work has yet to begin. In March 2024, the timeline was updated to target 2025 for construction on two of the ten planned buildings. This revised plan prioritizes one hotel and one residential building while pushing back the timeline for office buildings. Despite these delays, there is hope that completing these projects will make Detroit a prime candidate for future All-Star games.
The Last Word
Detroit’s journey to hosting the NBA All-Star game has been a long, winding road filled with promise and frustration. Detroit has a top arena, vital transport, a revitalized downtown, and a passionate community, making it an ideal host. Despite these advantages, the delay in fulfilling development promises around Little Caesars Arena has stalled Detroit’s bid.
As Detroit continues to pursue its development plans, the hope remains that the NBA will recognize the city’s efforts and potential. Completing new projects around Little Caesars Arena could help Detroit secure the NBA All-Star game and boost its economy. It’s time for the NBA to give Detroit the chance it has long earned.
