Tiger Stadium and its legacy
Tiger Stadium once stood at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues in Detroit. Opened in 1896 as Bennett Park, it later became Navin Field and Briggs Stadium before taking the name Tiger Stadium in 1961. The Detroit Tigers played there for nearly nine decades, until the stadium closed in 1999. Though the original structure was demolished in 2009, the site’s baseball legacy lives on at The Corner Ballpark, and the Tigers now play at Comerica Park (MLB.com, Detroit PAL, This Great Game).
History
Bennett Park (1896–1911)
Bennett Park opened in 1896 at Michigan and Trumbull, with a wooden grandstand and simple amenities. As the Tigers’ fanbase grew, the park’s capacity and facilities became inadequate. Due to blue laws, owner James D. Burns held Sunday games at Burns Park, just outside the city, until restrictions eased in 1907 and Sunday play was permitted at Bennett Park (MLB.com).
Navin Field (1912–1937)
To accommodate larger crowds, owner Frank Navin commissioned a new concrete-and-steel stadium designed by Osborn Engineering. Navin Field opened on April 12, 1912, the same day as Fenway Park. It initially seated 23,000 and featured a towering scoreboard and a 125-foot flagpole in center field. The stadium underwent three expansions over the next 26 years (MLB.com).
Briggs Stadium (1938–1960)
Under owner Walter Briggs, the stadium was renamed Briggs Stadium in 1938. A second deck was added over the right-field warning track, a distinctive feature that challenged outfielders and raised capacity above 50,000. The stadium also hosted the Detroit Lions (NFL) and other major events. Night games began in 1948, making it the last American League stadium to install lights (This Great Game, MLB.com).
Tiger Stadium (1961–1999)
After John Fetzer acquired the team, the stadium became Tiger Stadium in 1961. It was home to players including Ty Cobb, Al Kaline and Mark Fidrych, and hosted four World Series championships (1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984) and 11 American League pennants. In addition to baseball, it hosted concerts, political rallies and boxing matches, becoming part of Detroit’s cultural fabric (This Great Game, MLB.com).
What to see
The Corner Ballpark and the historic field
At 4747 Michigan Ave, The Corner Ballpark is the modern reincarnation of Tiger Stadium’s grounds. Opened in 2018 by Detroit PAL, it preserves the original field’s orientation and dimensions, as well as the iconic flagpole. The field supports baseball, softball, football and other activities, with seating for approximately 2,500. Commemorative plaques and displays honor figures including Al Kaline and Hank Greenberg (Detroit PAL, Detroit Historical Society).
Tiger Stadium was known for its overhanging right-field upper deck, painted blue with contrasting orange seats, and its urban setting at “The Corner.” Its intimate design brought fans close to the game, despite limited parking (This Great Game).
The Willie Horton Field of Dreams
At the heart of The Corner Ballpark, the Willie Horton Field of Dreams is a multi-sport facility named for the Tigers legend. It maintains the original field’s orientation and dimensions and hosts athletic and community events (Detroit PAL).
Community and preservation
The Corner Ballpark serves as a youth sports facility and a symbol of Detroit’s resilience and revival. The site anchors Corktown’s renaissance and connects past and present through its preserved field, commemorative markers and community activities. The adjacent “Left Field” development supports affordable housing (Daily Detroit, Detroit Historical Society).
The ballpark hosts youth leagues, tournaments, concerts and community gatherings. Its events include the annual Tiger Town Showdown (Detroit PAL, FAAST D-Town Tiger Town Showdown).
Practical visiting information
The Corner Ballpark
The preserved field and flagpole are accessible to the public. Visiting hours are generally during daylight hours year-round; the ballpark is also listed as open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Hours may vary for special events, so check the Detroit PAL website.
There is no regular admission fee, and casual visits are free. Special events may require registration or tickets. Guided tours are offered occasionally and can be booked during major events; check with Detroit PAL for details (Detroit PAL).
The site is described as fully wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps. It is accessible from downtown and major highways. DDOT bus routes serve the area, street parking is limited, and designated lots are available. Public transit and rideshare are ideal during large events; rideshare is also recommended for larger events.
Facilities include modern restrooms, concession stands and a rentable banquet facility. Corktown’s eateries and shops are within walking distance (Daily Detroit).
Comerica Park
Comerica Park, at 2100 Woodward Ave., has been the Tigers’ home since 2000. Gates open 90 minutes before game time. Check schedules and ticket information at Detroit Tigers Tickets. Tickets are available online or by phone, and prices vary by seat and event; ticket information is also available at Tigers.com/Tickets.
Comerica Park is ADA-compliant, with accessible seating available throughout the stadium. Parking can be reserved in advance, especially for popular games (thestadiumsguide.com, rateyourseats.com).
The park offers a variety of seating, including premium Tiger Den seats with in-seat service, as well as family-friendly areas. Children 3 and under may enter free if seated on an adult’s lap (rateyourseats.com, mlb.com).
Entry involves multiple gates, bag inspections and metal detectors. Only small bags are permitted; coolers are not allowed. The park prohibits large bags and smoking, and has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior. Review the visitor guidelines before attending (mlb.com).
Food options include vegan and vegetarian choices. Empty water bottles are permitted for use at fountains. Family attractions include a Ferris wheel, carousel and family zones. Sundays feature “Chevy Sunday Kids Day,” with autographs and special activities (wxyz.com).
Fridays bring live music, specials and fireworks as part of “Friday Night Party in the Park.” Theme nights and giveaways are also common. Behind-the-scenes tours cost $20 per person and include access to restricted areas (mlb.com).
Virtual tours and interactive maps are available on the official Corner Ballpark website. Comerica Park images and planning tools are available at mlb.com.
Tips for a great visit
- Arrive early Enjoy pregame experiences and avoid lines.
- Dress accordingly Detroit weather varies; bring layers, especially for outdoor sites.
- Hydrate Bring an empty water bottle for refills.
- Plan ahead Check event calendars for special activities and buy tickets in advance.
- Photography The preserved field and flagpole are photo subjects, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Choose the season Spring and summer coincide with Detroit’s festival season; late spring through early fall offers the best weather and most vibrant atmosphere for visiting baseball sites and historic attractions.
Detroit’s downtown and Corktown are described as safe and lively, especially during events (michaelvisitsall.com).
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include the Detroit Historical Museum, Motown Museum, Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Riverwalk, Corktown Historic District, Michigan Central Station and Comerica Park. Corktown also has dining options such as Mom’s Spaghetti (hofftoseetheworld.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tiger Stadium’s or The Corner Ballpark’s visiting hours?
The Corner Ballpark is generally open during daylight hours; it is also listed as open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with variations for special events. Check Detroit PAL for event-specific access.
Do I need tickets to visit The Corner Ballpark?
Admission is typically free. Special events may require registration or tickets.
Is the site accessible?
The Corner Ballpark is described as fully wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps. Comerica Park is ADA-compliant.
Are guided tours available?
Tours are offered occasionally at The Corner Ballpark, especially during major events. Comerica Park also offers guided tours.
What are the best nearby attractions?
The Detroit Historical Museum, Corktown, Michigan Central Station and Comerica Park are nearby.
