The Michigan Panthers are officially returning to Ford Field for the 2024 season. After a long period of silence from both parties, the USFL announced today that the stadium has been locked in for next year.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! The @USFLPanthers are RETURNING TO FORD FIELD in 2024!#USFL #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/UR4cnGWiAc
— Panthers Shadow (@USFLShadow) October 24, 2023
This is huge news for the league, and the Panthers in general. Over the past month, the USFL-XFL merger news has shaken up the world of spring football to its core. At first, the Michigan Panthers future was, potentially, in jeopardy.
However, recent reports have indicated that Michigan – alongside all eight USFL teams – will be safe in the new league. Now, this news further supports the notion that the Panthers will be playing professional football in their home state, back at Ford Field for another season.
DEVELOPING: Multiple sources have indicated that there is a strong possibility that all eight #USFL teams will survive the USFL-XFL merger.
A 12 team league could feature just four #XFL teams. STL, DC, SA, & Arlington would be the likeliest organizations to survive.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) October 20, 2023
In 2023, Detroit was introduced as a market for the USFL. The Michigan Panthers and Philadelphia Stars both played in the city, with Michigan seeing some excellent crowds at Ford Field.
After an up and down campaign, the Panthers ultimately clinched a postseason berth in front of a fired up crowd, taking down Philadelphia in week ten.
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Exceptional fan turnout last night for the @USFLPanthers. Without a doubt, the loudest it’s been all year.
The #USFL is here to stay in Detroit. Excited to see the growth in year three. What a special season it turned out to be at Ford Field. pic.twitter.com/IqKplzRLQw
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 19, 2023
Now, the franchise is set to return to Michigan for 2024. While the…