There have been countless pro sports teams named for race cars and race car drivers over the years. But the short-lived Detroit Safari, who played indoor soccer at the Palace of Auburn Hills during the summer of 1997, stand alone as the only team named for a minivan…
The Detroit Rockers were an indoor soccer team that earned a modest following in the Motor City during the 1990’s. The Rockers won the championship of the National Professional Soccer League during their second season in the winter of 1991-92. Fan favorites included forward Andy Chapman, player-coach Pato Margetic, forward Drago Dumbovic, and long-time goalkeeper Bryan Finnerty.
The Detroit Fury of the Arena Football League were a short-lived joint venture between Bill Davidson’s Palace Sports & Entertainment (owners of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons) and Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford, Jr. An earlier Motor City entry in the league, the Detroit Drive (1988-1993), won four Arena Bowl championships and drew large crowds to the Joe Louis Arena downtown. But the Fury were unable to replicate that success at the suburban Palace of Auburn Hills during four seasons from 2001 to 2004.
Women’s National Basketball Association (1998-2009) Born: 1998 – WNBA expansion franchise Moved: October 20, 2009 (Tulsa Shock) First Game: June 13, 1998 (L 78-69 vs.
The Detroit Neon indoor soccer team drew their name from a title sponsorship with the Chrysler Corporation, who introduced their Neon sub-compact car in 1994, the same year the soccer club debuted at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Neon remained one of the better draws in the Continental Indoor Soccer Leage during its existence, despite being absolutely dreadful. The Neon twice had the worst record in the CISL and posted a 32-80 record over four seasons of play.
*Like our new look? Next up: site speed. You can help with a tip for our Speed Fund today. Thank you!
