Man Wants to Turn Silverdome into Kidsdome

There's another idea for the Pontiac Silverdome that involves turning it into a sports mecca for kids.

"The Lions moved out. Now, we can move in," said Michael Crowder.

If 25,000 people from across metro Detroit come up with ten dollars each, they might be able to purchase the Silverdome at auction.

Crowder is leading the charge. He's just a guy from the neighborhood who sees logic in trying to turn the vacant Silverdome into "Kidsdome." "And do kids' sports out of the Silverdome," he said.

We asked Crowder if he thinks there's enough of an interest in such a thing. He responded, "Kids sports, believe it or not, is probably the most exciting sports that you could ever see."

All Crowder needs is a quarter of a million dollars, all refundable, of course, if the plan fails, and to get the money, he's casting a wide net.

"Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Oakland," said Crowder. "Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Macomb. All the counties that have kids that play sports."

The dome isn't much to look at these days. A depilated marquee hints of a recent car auction. Another sign warns that it's a pyrotechnic testing area. Of course, there are the blank, drive-in movie screens that line the south side.

Looking at the outdoor practice facility, it's hard to imagine an NFL team once practiced there. Even the Lions, the first 0-16 squad, aren't as bad off as their old home.

Perhaps no sign on the property says it better than the one reading "Silverdome premises for legitimate business use only."

Crowder says "Kidsdome" is legit. "When you think about the AAU league and how people travel across the United States to play AAU sports, we can bring them here," he said.

Crowder has three weeks to raise the necessary funds to bid at auction. For more information about his plan, visit www.letsbuythesilverdome.net .