Rocker Jack White sounds off on new name of Tigers' home ballpark
The Detroit News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Detroit Tigers announced that their home ballpark will be renamed from Comerica Park to Fifth Third Park starting in 2027, following the recent merger involving Fifth Third Bank and Comerica.
- The renaming has sparked significant fan backlash on social media, with notable figures like musician Jack White expressing strong dislike for the new name and a preference to continue calling the venue "Tiger Stadium."
- Comerica had a longstanding 30-year naming rights deal with the Tigers, which transferred to Fifth Third Bank after its acquisition; despite fan suggestions to incorporate "Tiger Stadium" into the new name, Fifth Third chose not to do so.
- Fifth Third Bank already holds naming rights for several minor-league baseball stadiums, including the Toledo Mud Hens' Fifth Third Field, and plans to install the new signage before the 2027 season opener on March 25.
- Corporate naming rights are common in Major League Baseball, with 22 of 30 stadiums featuring corporate sponsors, though fan reactions to such changes often vary widely.
