Friday's Ramblings

I've gotten a number of emails and comments about my first Tiger Stadium post; mostly negative.

It seems most of you don't get it.

"The stadium should have been torn down almost a decade ago". "It is just an old falling apart building that lived a great life, move on". Etc. I agree, those statements are true. I'm not disputing that. Or the fact that the city and possible investors dragged this on for far too long. And yeah, I was tired of every week a new article saying the stadium will be saved. Then now it is being torn down. And then now it is being saved again. Ugh.

But what you don't get is the process of documenting something important and sharing those past memories. This just isn't some old vacant home or commercial high-rise that has fallen into disrepair. It is a place where tens of millions of visitors have shared something together. A local professional sport(s) stadium is an important part of the community. It is the place where kids can dream and see their hero(s) play. It is a place where tradition is passed down from parent to child. It is a place where old friends gather to celebrate. And a it is a place where new friendships are formed.

I plan on making several more trips downtown and will continue to document the demolition process. I would have done the same back in 1999 if the city had torn it down the day after it closed. I will do the same when Joe Louise Arena comes down. I will do the same when the Pontiac Silverdome comes down too.

Why? Because the local print and TV media coverage isn't personal enough for me. Because in another 10 years from now I would regret not taking these photos. Because it is important to me. Because I want to experience it. Feel it. Touch it. Film it.

Then share it.

Do you get it now?

- Hooter