American Football: Detroit City FC
A trip that almost wasn’t. After getting to my gate for a 9:50 PM departure, it soon became evident that no one was getting on this plane. With only 10 minutes until boarding, well, there was no plane to board. In fact, it never even left the airport it was supposed to depart from.
After the third updated arrival time, my confidence was low. I scrambled to look for alternative flights and solutions, but it became clear that if this plane didn’t make it, I’d have to kiss the opportunity goodbye. And well, obviously, I got there, or else I wouldn’t be making this post lol. Come on now! Shortly after they pushed the arrival time for the third time, we suddenly got an update through the flight tracker, the plane had finally taken off. Although it felt like Sergi Roberto scoring at the 95th minute during La Remontada against PSG, I soon realized this next part was actually the first leg, where we got smashed 4-0 in Paris.
Once I landed in Detroit at 2 AM, I attempted to reach my Airbnb host, who assured me they would stay up despite the flight delay. They never picked up. With nowhere to go and all nearby hotels booked due to flight cancellations, I scrambled to find a motel. At the shuttle location, I was finally able to get a hit on a place that had one room available.
After arriving and checking in, I knew I was in for a trip. As I opened the door to the “Jacuzzi Suite,” I was met with a cocktail of smells you wouldn’t want mixed together - mold, old soccer cleat bags, and a hint of an old person’s home, topped off with humidity. Fighting every urge to go back to the airport and sleep there, I powered through. If I wanted to be a photojournalist, I needed to talk the talk, and this experience truly humbled me. There’s more to this story, like no hot water, only hand towels being available, and a mix-up on my part in buying Leave-in Conditioner and Anti-Frizz Serum instead of shampoo and conditioner (they were in identical bottles), but I feel like I’ve already set the tone for the “first leg.”
Fast forward to Hamtramck, MI—the suburb that is home to Keyworth Stadium, but more importantly, a deep and beautiful Muslim community. With roughly 60% of residents being Muslim and an all-Muslim city council, it was great to feel and see the unity of this community as I walked from one block to another. From kids playing in the streets to families moving from one community-organized event to another, it surpassed any neighborhood environment I have been around that is so close to a football stadium in the U.S.
With two hours until kickoff for the CBS nationally broadcasted game against Rhode Island, the neighborhood started to change a bit. Many residents took to their homes, well aware of the chaos that was about to unfold. Police vehicles began closing off streets, pools of people started lining up outside the stadium, which was situated right on a residential street, and smoke flares filled the air.
As the stadium filled up, the famed Northern Guard Supporters (NGS) began making themselves heard and known. I was in awe. They’re known for their creative and passionate banners and chants, but although they seem rough at first glance, they are made up of truly amazing community members. They are bound by social justice and a commitment to keeping the game pure, against the influence of deep pockets that look to corrupt the sport. It was my first time seeing a physical representation of what I felt.
The match itself was an exciting one. With the opener coming from Le Rouge, it was 1-0 for the majority of the match—until a last-minute equalizer shook things up. That’s what happens when you get too comfortable at home.
And well, that concluded my time at Keyworth Stadium. Shortly after the final whistle, I hustled my way to the airport to catch my flight, which—yep, you guessed it—was delayed lolllll. It turned out to be yet another 2 AM flight arrival for me. But I can’t complain—it made for a hell of a story, and that’s what life is all about.
Want to give a HUGE thank you to Gabriel Bayona and Clubeleven for the trust in covering this game, and the main man, GianMarco for being incredible to work with on-site. Looking forward to whenever we cross paths again, brother!