Michigan Central Station reopens, in photos: Detroit brings joyous noise
Michigan Central Station reopened with a 90-minute concert and party on Thursday night, bringing 20,000 revelers and a Who’s Who of talent to Detroit.
From Diana Ross and Eminem to Barry Sanders and Jalen Rose, Detroit luminaries showed the city heaps of love during a televised show to celebrate the restoration of the landmark that had fallen into disrepair after closing in 1988.
“For most of my life, it was just a big eyesore,” said one performer, Big Sean, who grew up in the city. “What’s cool about the train station is it’s been through every era of Detroit. It really is a diamond that came out of the rough.”
He and other artists performed on a stage in front of the train station, which Ford Motor Co. bought for $90 million in 2018. The Dearborn-based automaker invested some $950 million to refurbish the 1913 building and intends to use it as a tech and mobility campus.
The free concert kicked off a public celebration that continues Friday with free public tours that last through June 16. All are sold out.
The reopening of Michigan Central Station proves that here in Michigan, we can do big things. To everyone who doubted our city, just take a look at this crowd.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 7, 2024
Detroit never left. https://t.co/DgOwrIhWz6
Beyond performances from artists including Common, Slum Village, the Clark Sisters and others, the event featured several Michigan celebrities including actor Taylor Lautner, TV judge Greg Mathis and Detroit Lions players including Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“Right behind me is the greatest symbol of how far we’ve come,” said retired Lions running back Barry Sanders.
The concert ended with a performance from Eminem, who was accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He closed the show with fireworks and a message that was bleeped on television.
"Our city’s up!" he said, adding a profanity for effect.
Check out more images from photographers Jasmine and David Sumlin:
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