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Over 36,000 Attend Match at Detroit’s Comerica Park

ICC Comerica Park

Wednesday’ International Champions Cup at Detroit’s Comerica Park saw a strong turnout, as over 36,000 spectators watched AS Roma square off against Paris Saint-Germain. 

This particular ICC contest was significant on a few levels. It was the first soccer match to be played at Comerica Park, the home of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers that originally opened in 2000. Furthermore, the game came at a point where Detroit is looking to boost its chances of landing an MLS expansion franchise.

While the success of Detroit City FC has provided a sign of the city’s growing soccer scene, Wednesday night marked another positive for soccer supporters in the area. The final attendance for the international friendly between AS Roma and Pair Saint-Germain was reported at 36,289, and the clubs noted how well prepared Comerica Park was for the event. More from The Detroit Free Press:

Both teams said the playing conditions of the pitch were great, considering the short turnaround the grounds crew had to put it together. Last week, a Metallica concert damage most of the grass in centerfield. After the crew repaired the damages for a Tigers game, they got to work on constructing the pitch Sunday.

The field was ready to play Wednesday, featuring grass covering both the base paths and the pitching mound.

“I thought it was in good condition,” [PSG coach Unai] Emery said. “The players in warmups all said that it played well. It was obvious there were some parts they obviously made adjustments (to) the field, but you can tell there was a lot of work put into getting it in the best condition possible.”

Detroit’s MLS bid is being being backed by Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores, who have proposed constructing a new stadium at a downtown location that is currently occupied by an unfinished jail. Whether they are able to secure an agreement with Wayne County for the site remains to be seen, but the strong turnout at Comerica Park on Wednesday does reflect well on the city’s interest in the sport.

RELATED STORIES: ICC 2017 Preview: Europe’s Big Rivalries Come to America

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