Cobo Arena

Address: 600 Civic Center Drive Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 567-7444 Hockey Capacity: 12,191 Tenant: Detroit-Mercy Titans (NCAA) Former Tenants: Michigan Stags (WHA) 1974-1975 Detroit Pistons (NBA) 1961-1978 Detroit Rockers (NPSL) ????-1996

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Image of Downtown Detroit by John Penrod

The Cobo Arena plays host to concerts, sporting and civic events. In addition to the Rockers, Cobo is home to the Unversity of Detroit-Mercy Titans Basketball team. Cobo has also welcomed such prestigious events as the Bill of Rights Tour, filming of scenes from the Hollywood movie "Hoffa", appearances by President Bill Clinton, former President George Bush, "Regis and Kathy Lee Live", Bob Seger got his start at Cobo Arena and the North American Karate Championship.

For 1974-75, the now renamed and relocated Michigan Stags began play at Cobo Arena in Detroit. The idea was to offer the club as an alternative to Red Wings Fans. However, the team had overextended itself in player contracts, leaving no money for advertising. Crowds of less than 2,000 were evident on most nights, and the WHA's schedule maker had helped the problem by booking Gordie Howe and the Houston Aeros into Cobo Arena in February. The opportunity for Red Wings fans to see Howe play was scuttled when the Stags folded on January 18, 1975, playing their last game that day in Cleveland, losing 2-1 to the Crusaders.

The WHA, not wanting to see a franchise fold in midseason, formed the Baltimore Blades to play out the Stags' schedule. Atrocious attendance and few victories spelled doom for the Blades. Although there was a planned move to Seattle, it never materialized, and the Blades folded in late May 1975. A dispersal draft was held in June.

Courtesy of Olympia Entertainment

Baltimore Blades/Michigan Stags/Los Angeles Sharks LA Arena 1972-1974 WHA 1972-1979 Baltimore Arena 1975-1975

Detroit Pistons North Side High 1948-1952 Memorial Coliseum 1952-1957 Olympia Stadium 1957-1961 NBA 1949-Present Silverdome 1978-1988 The Palace 1988-Present

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