Michigan Central Station - Photos Grand Opening
Michigan Central Station
The concert's climax featured Eminem performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, followed by another surprise appearance from rapper Trick Trick.
We started documenting the day at around 3:00pm. Food trucks were getting ready for the crowds.
Eminem's quick test run around 3pm.
Michigan Central Station Grand Opening - ready for VIP guests.
While the iconic Corktown building will now serve as a hub for future technologies, there is a possibility that trains could return to the station at some point. Ford has had preliminary talks with Amtrak and government leaders about doing so.
CBS's Shaina Humphries interviewing Mayor Mike Duggan in the afternoon.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says Michigan Central Station's reopening "means so much to the city."
Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman being interviewed afterwards.
Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman being interviewed by CBS's Shaina Humphries.
Sirefman said Michigan Central is reopening with about two-thirds of its tower space booked. Ford is also close to securing a hotel partner for the site.
Everybody was in a good mood.
Thousands of people turned out for the grand reopening concert at the Michigan Central Station.
Thousands of people turned out for the grand reopening concert at the Michigan Central Station.
Michigan Central Station Grand Opening 6-6-2024. Almost time to open the gates.
Thousands of people turned out for the grand reopening concert at the Michigan Central Station.
Thousands of people turned out for the grand reopening concert at the Michigan Central Station.
Thousands of people turned out for the grand reopening concert at the Michigan Central Station.
Guests pack the lawn at Michigan Central Station’s reopening event on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The weather was windy, yet perfect, and the atmosphere was electric.
“This was a day Detroiters have waited to see for 40 years, and it was worth the wait,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
“Michigan Central Station is a living symbol of Detroit’s resurgence. Thousands of innovators and entrepreneurs will soon call it home, pursuing their ideas right here in Michigan." said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Bill Ford Jr. opened the show, welcoming the crowd to the Station, detailing its legacy, and sharing a preview of its role in the community in years to come.
Host John Mason and Bill Ford at Michigan Central Station’s reopening event.
“Six years ago, we gathered here and dreamt of what was possible. We dared to dream that this Station, which had become a symbol of a broken city, could once again shine as the symbol of the Motor City,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company. “I wanted to make Michigan Central Station a place where the best and the brightest could come together to solve our biggest challenges. I wanted the future of transportation to be created right here, in Detroit … where it was invented in the first place.”
Ford Motor Company executive chair Bill Ford, Jr., CEO Jim Farley and former CEO Jim Hackett speak at Michigan Central Station’s reopening event
Everyone eagerly anticipated the start of the extraordinary Michigan Central Open concert. The 20,000 were about to witness an event of sheer grandeur that would go down in history.
Diana Ross dazzled with a grand opening performance at the newly renovated Michigan Central Station. She opened the concert with the Pride Month anthem, “I’m Coming Out.”
The iconic venue provided the perfect setting for the Motown legend to captivate fans with her timeless classics.
The free concert showcased incredible musical talent, featuring top industry names.
Diana Ross embarked on an 11-minute set, culminating in her iconic Motown hit, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," leaving the crowd mesmerized and longing for more.
Rapper Big Sean introduced a new song and played hits like “Bounce Back” and “Blessed.” He also spoke on Michigan Central’s revival.
Big Sean performing at Michigan Central
Singer and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino also performed. Barrino said she is honored to be a part of a historic moment for Detroit.
Another highlight of the night included Fantasia Barrino, Melissa Etheridge and Jelly Roll singing a tribute to Detroit artist Bob Seger.
Chicago rapper Common joined hip-hop group Slum Village on stage to perform his hit song, “The Light,” which was produced by the late J Dilla.
Gospel legends The Clark Sisters energized Roosevelt Park with powerful renditions of songs like "Blessed and Highly Favored."
Jack White electrified the crowd near the show's end with "Hotel Yorba" and "Seven Nation Army," enhanced by pyrotechnics and special effects.
Jack White electrified the crowd near the show's end with "Hotel Yorba" and "Seven Nation Army," enhanced by pyrotechnics and special effects.
Bill Ford Jr. returned to the stage with members of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan’s autonomous racing team to introduce the final performer. “Today is a great day for the city of Detroit and it’s a proud moment for the Ford Motor Company. And to close the night, I’d like to welcome to the stage a legend who really needs no introduction. He’s a global ambassador for our city. He loves our city and our city loves him. He’s joined by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Ladies and gentlemen, Eminem!”
Eminem was joined by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Detroit native Eminem produced the concert but also ended the show with a surprise performance.
Eminem and Denaun Porter perform on stage.
Eminem and Denaun Porter perform on stage.
The concert's climax featured Eminem performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, followed by another surprise appearance from rapper Trick Trick.
Fireworks at the finale
Eminem closed with "Not Afraid," as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's strings added a cinematic touch to his powerful 2010 anthem of overcoming adversity. WHAT A NIGHT!