Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce that a new public gathering space will soon be coming to downtown Saginaw with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. One of several placemaking activities currently taking place in Saginaw, the Memorial Cup Legacy Project will serve to enhance the image of the city and commemorate the 2024 Memorial Cup taking place in spring 2024.
“The Memorial Cup Legacy Project underscores our commitment to supporting our neighborhoods as attractive places to live, work and play by transforming underutilized properties into productive spaces. This project is another step forward in our strategy to grow Michigan’s economy by helping communities across the state ‘make it’ in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer.
The Memorial Cup Legacy Project plans to redesign and enhance a 300-foot section of Symphony Lane, a city-owned street near the Dow Event Center entertainment district. The street will be rebuilt and transformed into a vibrant public gathering space with bump-outs and infrastructure for food trucks, electrical access, Edison-style street lighting, a pedestrian-friendly crossing, a Memorial Cup sculpture, lighting, landscaping and connections to the Dow Event Center.
The Michigan Strategic Fund awarded the city of Saginaw a $1 million Michigan Strategic Fund performance-based grant in support of the project. The city of Saginaw is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program.
Earlier this year, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced that Saginaw and the Saginaw Spirit hockey team will host the 2024 Memorial Cup games. The city of Saginaw is a key partner for this unique international event. In the 100-plus year history of the Memorial Cup, this is the first time it has been hosted in Michigan, and only the fifth time in the United States. The local regional economic benefit from the Memorial Cup games is anticipated to be approximately $20 million within the region.
This project is one of several that the city and community groups are undertaking to commemorate the Memorial Cup event. At the Henry Marsh Bridge (I-675), adjacent to Symphony Lane, a mural has been commissioned to honor the legacy and contributions of Mayor Henry G. Marsh. At Hoyt Park, additional park infrastructure will be installed to enhance the usability of the park. These signature placemaking projects ensure residents and visitors can be proud of telling the story of their city to an international audience.
“Major events like the 2024 Memorial Cup in Saginaw bring thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in economic impact to Michigan communities,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “These improvements will create a new public gathering space that will help Saginaw and Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay region shine on an international stage during the Memorial Cup, and will continue to draw visitors to the city’s riverfront and entertainment district for years to come.”
The project will also serve as a gateway to downtown Saginaw, and the improved entrance will enhance the image of the entire downtown business district. With the proposed improvements, Symphony Lane will become a community asset that will aid in the attraction and retention of quality talent by improving the quality of life in the city of Saginaw. Beyond the Memorial Cup, this project’s legacy will serve the community as a public gathering place for years to come.
Michigan continues to attract national and global attention for major sports attractions and events in the coming years, in addition to the 2024 Memorial Cup. In 2024, the NFL draft will take place in Detroit at Ford Field on April 25-27. On Saturday, April 3, 2027 the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four will take place at Ford Field, with the national championship game tipping off on Monday, April 5, 2027.
