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Detroit’s GameAbove Sports Bowl canceled after 29-year run

End of an era for Detroit’s annual college football tradition

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 26: Head coach David Braun of the Northwestern Wildcats hoists the GameAbove Sports Bowl trophy after defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field on December 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) (Nic Antaya, 2025 Nic Antaya)

The GameAbove Sports Bowl is being canceled after a 29-year run at Detroit’s Ford Field and the Pontiac Silverdome.

Ford Field posted a statement on social media regarding the bowl game no longer being held at the venue:

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It is the third bowl game to be canceled in the past year.

The college football bowl game had many names over the years including the Motor City Bowl (1997-2008), Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (2009-2013), Quick Lane Bowl (2014-2023) and most recently, the GameAbove Sports Bowl (2024-2025).

The bowl game was first played in 1997 at the Pontiac Silverdome until 2001. When the Detroit Lions relocated to its current downtown Detroit home, Ford Field in 2002, the bowl game was also moved to the new location.

The game traditionally featured teams from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) against opponents from the Big Ten or ACC.

The most recent matchup was between Northwestern and Central Michigan, where Northwestern won 34-7.


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