In a powerful and emotional announcement today, Detroit Lions Chair and CEO Sheila Ford Hamp revealed a visionary $4.6 billion renovation plan for Ford Field Stadium — a groundbreaking project she described as her “last wish” before stepping away from the organization in the near future. With sweeping changes that blend Detroit’s northern architectural tradition with cutting-edge sustainability and immersive fan experiences, the Detroit Lions are poised to create one of the most advanced stadiums in the history of the NFL.

A Legacy Move

“This is about the future,” Ford Hamp said during an emotional press conference inside the Lions’ current home. “It’s about Detroit. It’s about the fans. And yes, it’s a gift — one final wish before I close this chapter. I want to leave behind something iconic, something bold, something that says: ‘This is Lions football.’”

Ford Hamp, 73, has been at the forefront of the Lions’ transformation over the past decade, overseeing the team’s transition from perennial underdog to legitimate Super Bowl contender. Now, with the team’s future looking brighter than ever, she has set her sights on leaving behind a stadium worthy of that trajectory.

A Vision Like No Other

The ambitious renovation — set to begin in early 2026 and expected to finish by 2029 — will include a full redesign of luxury suites, ultra-modern seating with embedded biometric comfort sensors, interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences, and even a dedicated “Fan Command Center” allowing attendees to influence lighting, music, and even sideline features in real time.

Ford Hamp said the goal is to make Ford Field not just a place to watch football, but a living, breathing entertainment ecosystem.

“We’re not just renovating. We’re reimagining. This will be a stadium that moves with the fans, that adapts to their energy, and that honors the past while launching us into the future.”

Sustainability at the Core

One of the cornerstones of the renovation is a massive push toward sustainability. The new Ford Field will include:

• Solar-paneled roof systems to power over 70% of stadium operations

• Rainwater capture and recycling systems

• A zero-waste initiative for game-day operations

• Reclaimed steel and Michigan-sourced wood used in construction

Ford Hamp emphasized that Detroit — once the heart of American industry — is now leading the way in green innovation.

“If we’re going to build the future, it has to be sustainable. This isn’t just about football. This is about responsibility, about legacy.”

Redefining the Fan Experience

Perhaps the most buzzworthy features are those aimed at the fans. Beyond improved sightlines and acoustic upgrades, the new Ford Field will include:

• Holographic player introductions

• AR-enabled seatbacks with instant replays, stats, and interactive polls

• VIP “Tunnel Walk” experiences allowing fans to walk through the player tunnel pregame

• Hyper-local food courts featuring Detroit’s most beloved restaurants

Season ticket holders will also be eligible for early access to the Lions’ new “Virtual Sideline Pass” — a real-time app experience offering alternate camera angles, live coach mic’d audio (on delay), and fan-voted camera switches.

“It’s the NFL meets the Metaverse,” joked Lions President Rod Wood. “But make it Detroit.”

Community-Focused Features

The new stadium plan also includes a 24/7 community center connected to the field, offering indoor football facilities for local schools, classrooms for STEM programs, and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs.

The center will be accessible year-round and aims to provide free access to under-resourced neighborhoods around Detroit. Ford Hamp, a long-time advocate for community development, said this was a non-negotiable part of the plan.

“The Lions belong to Detroit. So this stadium must belong to Detroit too — not just eight days a year, but every single day.”

What’s Next?

The Lions will continue to play in the current Ford Field while phased renovations occur during offseasons and bye weeks. No home games will be relocated. Funding will come from a combination of private investment, league stadium credits, and a recently approved public-private infrastructure partnership with the City of Detroit.

The reaction across the league and city has been overwhelmingly positive. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the plan “a blueprint for the future of professional sports.” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan praised the project as “a turning point not just for football, but for the city.”

A Farewell Gift

For Sheila Ford Hamp, the renovation isn’t just a construction project — it’s a legacy, a love letter to the fans, and the closing note to her remarkable leadership.

As she wrapped up the announcement, she smiled through tears and said:

“I may be stepping away soon, but part of me will always be here — in every seat, every cheer, every kickoff. This is my final drive, and I hope it ends in the end zone.”

With this unprecedented move, the Detroit Lions are not only rebuilding a stadium — they’re building the future of football.