Ford Field will not host college football bowl game in 2026

Ford Field in Detroit will no longer host college football bowl games starting in 2026, following the end of its partnership with the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Announced via social media, Ford Field stated the decision aligns with a shift in focus towards investing in sports at all levels and other entertainment events. The bowl game, which offered a $2 million payout, previously had affiliations with the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Big 10, replacing the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) from 2014 to 2019. Central Michigan's win over Northwestern marked the final GameAbove Sports Bowl matchup. Ford Field, however, will continue to host the Mid-American Conference championship, a tradition since 2004. The venue has seen various bowl games over the years, including the Quick Lane Bowl and Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, succeeding the Motor City Bowl from the Pontiac Silverdome era.