$3 billion entertainment complex planned in Romulus
Developers are planning a $3 billion, 452-acre major tourism, entertainment, sports and hospitality destination site next to Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.
The proposed Motown Sports Village is planned for a 452-acre site north of the airport, bordered by Wick, Vining, Ecorse and Wayne roads. Members of the Romulus planning commission approved the concept last year, according to developers who said construction could begin in 2027 and some facility openings as early as 2029.
“This project will transform the entire Detroit metro area into a youth travel sports and entertainment destination resort for families, boosting the economy of Romulus and the surrounding communities,” Kenneth W. Bardwell, chairman and CEO of Motown Sports Group Holdings, said in a statement.
Romulus Mayor Robert A. McCraight said the project could be a boon to the community.
“With its location adjacent to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and along the I-94 corridor, Romulus is uniquely positioned to host a project of this magnitude,” McCraight said in a statement. “We are excited by Motown Sports Village’s potential to generate thousands of jobs and to establish Romulus as a premier sports and entertainment destination.”
The project will be funded by JLL Capital Markets and Motown Sports Group Holdings, Inc. according to information provided by company officials.
"Motown Sports Village, located along Interstate 94 in Romulus, offers easy access to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and sits 20 miles from downtown Detroit and 25 miles from Ann Arbor," the statement noted. "The site's location provides access to 2.5 million residents within a 25-mile radius and 8.6 million within 100 miles, while benefiting from visibility to approximately 100,000 vehicles daily on I-94."
A 9,000 to 11,000-seat arena for major tournaments, basketball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, concerts and family shows is planned along with a youth sports complex featuring 12 basketball and volleyball courts; four hockey rinks convertible to indoor soccer fields; a half-mile indoor running track and family entertainment amenities like an arcade, bowling, rock climbing and an IMAX theater.
Also projected for development at the site is a 450,000-square-foot indoor water and surf park; outdoor football and soccer fields; a 96-tee golf center and three hotels with 2,000 rooms
"The city stands ready to support Mr. Bardwell and his team through infrastructure coordination, intergovernmental communication and a fast-track approval process,” commented McCraight."
