Tulsa World: Williams & Williams to sell dome

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Williams & Williams to sell dome

Detroit Lions players Bryant Westbrook and Johnnie Morton celebrate with fans after the team's final game at the Pontiac Silverdome on Jan. 6, 2002. Associated Press file

By KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer
Published: 10/7/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 10/7/2009 4:41 AM

The Pontiac Silverdome, former home of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons, will be sold to the highest bidder by Tulsa auction house Williams & Williams.

The real estate auctioneer was hired by property firm CB Richard Ellis and the city of Pontiac, Mich., to sell the storied stadium.

The facility is one of the largest venues in professional football history and was host to a Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, WrestleMania and even the pope.

"This sale is perhaps our most interesting because the dome is so iconic," said Pam McKissick, chief operating officer of Williams & Williams. "We've all watched games there."

Williams & Williams is accustomed to selling mansions, high-rises and shopping centers, but Amy Bates, senior vice president of marketing, said the Silverdome is the most high-profile sale the company has ever handled.

The stadium and surrounding property is owned by the city of Pontiac, and the Detroit suburb is paying about $1.5 million a year for upkeep and security at the site.

The facility has been largely unused since the Detroit Lions moved to Ford Field after the 2001-02 NFL season. It can seat some 80,300 people under its massive, inflatable roof.

McKissick said Pontiac is selling the stadium "absolute," meaning no stipulations have been placed on future use.

The 127-acre site could attract anyone from residential developers to industrial users or even someone who plans to use the stadium for recreational purposes, McKissick said.

There's no minimum bid, but any bidders would need to ante up $200,000 to show they are serious.

Williams & Williams is taking secret bids on the site until Nov. 12, then the city of Pontiac will get the option to accept the highest offer or invite the five highest bidders back for a final auction.

"We're excited about the Pontiac Silverdome auction and finding a new owner to become a key member of our community," said Pontiac emergency financial manager Fred Leeb, who was appointed by the governor of Michigan to tackle the city's fiscal problems.

The city previously tried to sell the stadium for a reported price of $17.5 million, but the deal fell through. Now it is willing to take the highest offer, even if it's next to nothing.

However, McKissick said strong interest already has been expressed from around the globe.

"This is going to sell for something, not for nothing," she said.

Pontiac Silverdome

Pontiac, Mich.

Built: 1975

Cost: $55.7 million

Capacity: 80,300

Site: 127 acres

Tenants: Detroit Lions (1975-2001 ), Detroit Pistons (1978-1988)

Events: 1979 NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl XVI (1982)

Kyle Arnold 581-8380
kyle.arnold@tulsaworld.com By KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Tulsa auction house to handle sale of Pontiac Silverdome," which was published on 10/6/2009.

	Report Comment okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (10/6/2009 11:46:16 PM) I remember when williams auction was way out in the country when i sold there the first time. the last time i went i could hardly find it with every thing built up around it. They are a good auction co and know how to get what they want.
	Report Comment tyjr8, (10/7/2009 9:22:50 AM) I don't think it is the williams auction you are thinking about... the one with the little red sale barn. The one in this story is Williams & Williams and they have been selling real estate all over the country since the 1950's and moved to Tulsa in the 80's. It is good to see a local company making a big splash on such a high profile property. They are a great company and no doubt will get top dollar.
	Report Comment Liberty64, Mounds (10/7/2009 6:03:38 PM) They might get top dollar, I doubt it. Just hope nothing gets damaged during the auction, they won't fix it even it is their fault.
	Report Comment okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (10/7/2009 9:20:12 PM) tyjr8, you may be right. the one i had in mind was i think on 81 st. in the 60`s.
	Report Comment Elusive, the burbs (10/30/2009 1:06:37 AM) You must have meant Southside Auction on 71st near Lewis. There is a Williams Auction as well in west Tulsa but Williams and Williams is a large real estate auction company that always sold real estate on site.

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