Construction officially starts at former site of old Tiger Stadium

DETROIT – Construction has officially started at the former site of Tiger Stadium in Detroit that's being redeveloped into a youth sports facility and Detroit Police Athletic League headquarters.

Crews began tearing up grass on Monday. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April.

The new $20 million, 2,500-seat stadium will be named for hometown sports hero Willie Horton. He spent 14 seasons with the Tigers and helped the team win the 1968 World Series. The team retired his No. 23, and a statue of his likeness stands at Comerica Park.

Tiger Stadium opened in 1912 as Navin Field. The Tigers left for Comerica Park after the 1999 season and the last portion of the old ballpark was demolished in 2009. A volunteer group called the Navin Field Grounds Crew maintained the field.