Detroit's Ford Field to host USFL games during 2023 season

DETROIT – The USFL returns to Detroit.

On Thursday, the league announced that Detroit would be the host city for two of its franchises, the Michigan Panthers and the Philadelphia Stars, with games to be played at Ford Field, home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

The announcement comes roughly 40 years after Michigan won the 1983 USFL championship, coincidentally defeating Philadelphia in the title game.

“We’re back!” said Daryl Johnston, USFL executive vice president of football operations. “With the help of some great partners, the USFL is making history by announcing that the Michigan Panthers have returned home in 2023 to play at Ford Field. The USFL is proud to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Detroit and we’re excited. about elevating Motown music and building a fan base for pro spring football in Michigan.”

The Panthers and Stars will arrive in the Detroit Metro region in mid-March for the start of training camp. When the USFL’s 10-week regular season begins on April 15, both teams will begin on the road before arriving at Ford Field on April 30 for the first of several weekends of pro football games in the downtown detroit

Fans can pre-register for USFL in Detroit tickets through Ticketmaster to make a $25 deposit and lock in priority access, or visit USFL.com for more information.

Last season, all eight USFL teams played their regular season games in Birmingham, Alabama. But during the playoffs in Canton, Ohio, last June, the USFL announced it would expand to more cities for the 2023 season, as the league gradually moves teams into its namesake markets until they all play in front of fans of the hometown.

As part of this process, the 2023 season will have four host cities. They are:

Detroit, home to the Panthers and Stars
Birmingham, home to the Birmingham Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers
Memphis, home to the Memphis Showboats and Houston Gamblers
Canton, Ohio, home to the Pittsburgh Maulers and the New Jersey Generals

The USFL is the first major professional spring football league in nearly 40 years to complete a successful inaugural season and returns for Season 2.

“We are excited to bring high-quality, competitive professional spring football to fans across the country who want more football,” Johnston said. “The USFL has proven to be a stable league led by experienced football leaders who provide an enjoyable, fun and affordable stadium experience while being a catalyst for the evolution of football through innovative rules.”

FOX Sports Top Stories:

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience