MICHIGAN HISTORY

10 years ago: Super Bowl XL in Detroit

Detroit shone in the spotlight on Feb. 5, 2006 as the city played host to Super Bowl XL at Ford Field. Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward was walking on air after his 43-yard touchdown catch in the fourth fourth from fellow receiver Antwaan Randle El.
Detroit shone in the spotlight on Feb. 5, 2006 as the city played host to Super Bowl XL at Ford Field. Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward was walking on air after his 43-yard touchdown catch in the fourth fourth from fellow receiver Antwaan Randle El.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
A year before Super Bowl XL, Roger Penske and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm leave a press conference in Jacksonville, Fla., host city of Super Bowl XXXIX. As chairman of the Detroit's host committee, Penske was key in raising millions for downtown improvements and coordinating efforts for the massive spectacle.
A year before Super Bowl XL, Roger Penske and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm leave a press conference in Jacksonville, Fla., host city of Super Bowl XXXIX. As chairman of the Detroit's host committee, Penske was key in raising millions for downtown improvements and coordinating efforts for the massive spectacle.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
NFL work crews, consisting of grounds keepers from numerous NFL teams, paint the Super Bowl logos onto Ford Field on Jan. 25, 2006.
NFL work crews, consisting of grounds keepers from numerous NFL teams, paint the Super Bowl logos onto Ford Field on Jan. 25, 2006.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
The Super Bowl crowd packs the Motown Winter Blast festival in Detroit on Feb. 2, one of many events and parties held in the week leading up to Super Bowl XL.
The Super Bowl crowd packs the Motown Winter Blast festival in Detroit on Feb. 2, one of many events and parties held in the week leading up to Super Bowl XL.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Randy Lourenco, 26, of Springfield, Ill. rides waves on the FlowRider at Campus Martius during the Motown Winter Blast.
Randy Lourenco, 26, of Springfield, Ill. rides waves on the FlowRider at Campus Martius during the Motown Winter Blast.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Katy Thiel, 11, center, of Davison, Mich. and her fellow AGA All-Star cheerleaders won the Junior All-Star Cheer division at the Super Bowl XL Cheer and Dance Team Competition at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center on Feb. 1. At left is Rachel Snitko, 11, and at right is Lauren Spencer, 13.
Katy Thiel, 11, center, of Davison, Mich. and her fellow AGA All-Star cheerleaders won the Junior All-Star Cheer division at the Super Bowl XL Cheer and Dance Team Competition at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center on Feb. 1. At left is Rachel Snitko, 11, and at right is Lauren Spencer, 13.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Tyran Allen, 6, of Farmington Hills smiles as he can barely stand up into the head of this Cleveland Browns uniform the Friday before the Super Bowl at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
Tyran Allen, 6, of Farmington Hills smiles as he can barely stand up into the head of this Cleveland Browns uniform the Friday before the Super Bowl at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Thousands of fans attended the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
Thousands of fans attended the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
NFL greats James Brown, left, and Terry Bradshaw chat it up at Radio Row in the Renaissance Center in Detroit on Feb. 1.
NFL greats James Brown, left, and Terry Bradshaw chat it up at Radio Row in the Renaissance Center in Detroit on Feb. 1.
David Coates, The Detroit News
Former Super Bowl MVP's stand with the new 2007 Cadillac Escalade at a media event on Feb. 1: From left, quarterbacks Bart Starr (Packers), Steve Young (49'ers), Jim Plunkett (Raiders), Terry Bradshaw (Steelers) and Roger Staubach (Cowboys). The Super Bowl XL MVP was to be awarded his choice of a Cadillac vehicle.
Former Super Bowl MVP's stand with the new 2007 Cadillac Escalade at a media event on Feb. 1: From left, quarterbacks Bart Starr (Packers), Steve Young (49'ers), Jim Plunkett (Raiders), Terry Bradshaw (Steelers) and Roger Staubach (Cowboys). The Super Bowl XL MVP was to be awarded his choice of a Cadillac vehicle.
John F. Martin, General Motors
Stevie Wonder, who would sing in the pregame show, says how pleased he is to be with Aretha Franklin, right, and to be home in Detroit on Feb. 2. Franklin, Aaron Neville and Dr. John would join forces on the national anthem.
Stevie Wonder, who would sing in the pregame show, says how pleased he is to be with Aretha Franklin, right, and to be home in Detroit on Feb. 2. Franklin, Aaron Neville and Dr. John would join forces on the national anthem.
Donna Terek, The Detroit News
Kanye West performs Feb. 2 during the Smash Super Bowl Bash at the State Theater in Detroit.
Kanye West performs Feb. 2 during the Smash Super Bowl Bash at the State Theater in Detroit.
Velvet S. McNeil, The Detroit News
Al Taubman, founder of Taubman Companies, with daughter-in-law Julie Taubman and son Robert Taubman attend the Super Fight Night Super Party at the Fisher Theatre on Feb. 2.
Al Taubman, founder of Taubman Companies, with daughter-in-law Julie Taubman and son Robert Taubman attend the Super Fight Night Super Party at the Fisher Theatre on Feb. 2.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
From left, Monty Whitson, 8, of Owosso, and Gheith Mohammed battle in a bout at the Super Fight Night Super Party and Superstar at the Fisher Theatre on Feb. 2.
From left, Monty Whitson, 8, of Owosso, and Gheith Mohammed battle in a bout at the Super Fight Night Super Party and Superstar at the Fisher Theatre on Feb. 2.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Johnathon Banks of Detroit's Kronk Gym knocks out Mike Word of Milwaukee in the seventh round during Super Fight Night Super Party and Superstar at the Fisher Theatre.
Johnathon Banks of Detroit's Kronk Gym knocks out Mike Word of Milwaukee in the seventh round during Super Fight Night Super Party and Superstar at the Fisher Theatre.
Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News
Snoop Dogg gives # 8 D'Angelo Ross and # 4 Darren Gardenhire a few pointers to improve their game during a practice for Snooper Bowl II, which would pit the Snoop Dogg All-Stars from California against a team from the Think Detroit Police Athletic League, at the Pontiac Silverdome the day before Super Bowl XL.
Snoop Dogg gives # 8 D'Angelo Ross and # 4 Darren Gardenhire a few pointers to improve their game during a practice for Snooper Bowl II, which would pit the Snoop Dogg All-Stars from California against a team from the Think Detroit Police Athletic League, at the Pontiac Silverdome the day before Super Bowl XL.
Charles V. Tines, The Detroit News
The giant XL lights up the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Detroit. More than 750 red and blue 25-watt bulbs spelled out "XL" in 135-foot tall displays on the north and south sides of the building, visible from both the U.S. and Canada.
The giant XL lights up the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Detroit. More than 750 red and blue 25-watt bulbs spelled out "XL" in 135-foot tall displays on the north and south sides of the building, visible from both the U.S. and Canada.
David Coates, The Detroit News
Holly Robinson Peete, wife of former Detroit Lion Rodney Peete, models during the Player Wives Fashion Show at the Troy Hilton on Friday, Feb. 3.
Holly Robinson Peete, wife of former Detroit Lion Rodney Peete, models during the Player Wives Fashion Show at the Troy Hilton on Friday, Feb. 3.
Elizabeth Conley, The Detroit News
The Seattle Seahawks Sea-Gals were on hand during the Super Bowl XL Cheerleading Spirit Clinic, Feb. 3 at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
The Seattle Seahawks Sea-Gals were on hand during the Super Bowl XL Cheerleading Spirit Clinic, Feb. 3 at the NFL Experience at Cobo Center.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Robert Harrelson, 8, and his sister Sami Harrelson, 12, of Seattle yell "No, Seahawks" when asked if the Steelers were going to win Super Bowl XL, while sitting in the driver's seat of a Cadillac made of ice at the Motown Winter Blast on Feb. 3.
Robert Harrelson, 8, and his sister Sami Harrelson, 12, of Seattle yell "No, Seahawks" when asked if the Steelers were going to win Super Bowl XL, while sitting in the driver's seat of a Cadillac made of ice at the Motown Winter Blast on Feb. 3.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Football fans in town for Super Bowl XL in Detroit spent Saturday afternoon ducking the rain and checking out some of Metro Detroit's other attractions, like The Henry Ford automotive and American history museum in Dearborn.
Football fans in town for Super Bowl XL in Detroit spent Saturday afternoon ducking the rain and checking out some of Metro Detroit's other attractions, like The Henry Ford automotive and American history museum in Dearborn.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Snoop Dog performs at the Budbowl 2006 party, held at Club 1620 in Old Tiger Stadium on Feb. 3.
Snoop Dog performs at the Budbowl 2006 party, held at Club 1620 in Old Tiger Stadium on Feb. 3.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Sean Corbett and Danielle Taylor of Mt. Clemens dance into the night during Budbowl 2006 at Club 1620 in Old Tiger Stadium.
Sean Corbett and Danielle Taylor of Mt. Clemens dance into the night during Budbowl 2006 at Club 1620 in Old Tiger Stadium.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
These models are part of the decor at Groove Detroit ... Art in Motion, a Super Bowl charity at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn to benefit the Children's Center on Feb. 4.
These models are part of the decor at Groove Detroit ... Art in Motion, a Super Bowl charity at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn to benefit the Children's Center on Feb. 4.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick arrives at the Maxim party at the Max Fisher Center on Feb. 4.
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick arrives at the Maxim party at the Max Fisher Center on Feb. 4.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Boxer Mike Tyson walks the red carpet at the Maxim party at the Max Fisher Center.
Boxer Mike Tyson walks the red carpet at the Maxim party at the Max Fisher Center.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
The GM headquarters at the Renaissance Center is lit up for Super Bowl XL.
The GM headquarters at the Renaissance Center is lit up for Super Bowl XL.
Morris Richardson II, The Detroit News
It's game day at last. Super Bowl XL fans enter Ford Field on Feb. 5, 2006.
It's game day at last. Super Bowl XL fans enter Ford Field on Feb. 5, 2006.
Ankur Dholakia, The Detroit News
Steelers fans Dan and Josh Dalla of Hagerstown, Md. are happy to be at Ford Field for Super Bowl XL.
Steelers fans Dan and Josh Dalla of Hagerstown, Md. are happy to be at Ford Field for Super Bowl XL.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Seahawk fans Jim Kubess, left, and Bob McLaughlin of Oregon walk the concourse of Ford Field before Super Bowl XL.
Seahawk fans Jim Kubess, left, and Bob McLaughlin of Oregon walk the concourse of Ford Field before Super Bowl XL.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waves to the crowd before the game.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waves to the crowd before the game.
Steve Perez, The Detroit News
Fans respond during the opening ceremony for Super Bowl XL.
Fans respond during the opening ceremony for Super Bowl XL.
Steve Perez, The Detroit News
John Legend performs during the pregame show.
John Legend performs during the pregame show.
Steve Perez, Detroit News
Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, India Arie and John Legend perform together in the pregame show.
Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, India Arie and John Legend perform together in the pregame show.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
The Terrible Towels are in full force as the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field for Super Bowl XL.
The Terrible Towels are in full force as the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field for Super Bowl XL.
John Greilick, Detroit News
Place kicker Josh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks kicks a 47-yard field goal in the first quarter of Super Bowl XL.
Place kicker Josh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks kicks a 47-yard field goal in the first quarter of Super Bowl XL.
Andy Lyons, Getty Images
The Seattle Seahawks' Peter Warrick makes up some yardage in the second quarter.
The Seattle Seahawks' Peter Warrick makes up some yardage in the second quarter.
Clarence Tabb, Jr., Detroit News
Seahawks fans Bill Korum, left, and Scott Rogers support their team at Super Bowl XL.
Seahawks fans Bill Korum, left, and Scott Rogers support their team at Super Bowl XL.
David Coates, The Detroit News
At halftime, fans flock around the stage, formed in the shape of the Rolling Stones' lips logo.
At halftime, fans flock around the stage, formed in the shape of the Rolling Stones' lips logo.
Max Ortiz And Dale Young, Detroit News
Mick Jagger connects with the crowd as the halftime show gets under way.
Mick Jagger connects with the crowd as the halftime show gets under way.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
The Rolling Stones perform three songs during halftime, "Start Me Up," "Rough Justice" and "Satisfaction."
The Rolling Stones perform three songs during halftime, "Start Me Up," "Rough Justice" and "Satisfaction."
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards performs during the halftime show.
The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards performs during the halftime show.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Willie Parker celebrates a score during Super Bowl XL.
Willie Parker celebrates a score during Super Bowl XL.
John T. Greilick, Detroit News
Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis, a Detroit native, carries the ball in the fourth quarter. The Steelers went on to win their fifth Super Bowl, 21–10.
Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis, a Detroit native, carries the ball in the fourth quarter. The Steelers went on to win their fifth Super Bowl, 21–10.
Morris Richardson, The Detroit News
Super Bowl XL-winning Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, right, hugs MVP wide receiver Hines Ward as the confetti falls on their storybook ending.
Super Bowl XL-winning Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, right, hugs MVP wide receiver Hines Ward as the confetti falls on their storybook ending.
Brandy Baker, Detroit News
Jerome Bettis kisses the Lombardi Trophy awarded to the winning team. "I'm a champion, and I think the Bus's last stop is here in Detroit," he said, announcing his retirement from the game.
Jerome Bettis kisses the Lombardi Trophy awarded to the winning team. "I'm a champion, and I think the Bus's last stop is here in Detroit," he said, announcing his retirement from the game.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tom Healy of Fairfax, Va. falls to his knees to celebrate the Steelers' victory.
Tom Healy of Fairfax, Va. falls to his knees to celebrate the Steelers' victory.
David Coates, The Detroit News
Long after the game's end and after a 15 1/2 hour day cleaning the bars, filling cups and serving food at the game, Levy Restaurants volunteer Angel Brandt takes a quick nap while waiting with other volunteers to go home. Some 8,000 volunteers worked all week to make the Super Bowl a success.
Long after the game's end and after a 15 1/2 hour day cleaning the bars, filling cups and serving food at the game, Levy Restaurants volunteer Angel Brandt takes a quick nap while waiting with other volunteers to go home. Some 8,000 volunteers worked all week to make the Super Bowl a success.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Hines Ward, Super Bowl XL Most Valuable Player, holds the Pete Rozelle Trophy for MVP as he poses with his new 2007 Cadillac Escalade at the Renaissance Center in Detroit on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006.
Hines Ward, Super Bowl XL Most Valuable Player, holds the Pete Rozelle Trophy for MVP as he poses with his new 2007 Cadillac Escalade at the Renaissance Center in Detroit on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006.
David Coates, The Detroit News
Metro Detroiters debated whether Detroit, symbolized by the city's Spirit of Detroit statue (seen here wearing a Super Bowl jersey) could continue the spirit of revival and hope visitors experienced once Super Bowl XL was over. In the 10 years since, the city was declared bankrupt, but has emerged with new vitality, despite the problems that remain.
Metro Detroiters debated whether Detroit, symbolized by the city's Spirit of Detroit statue (seen here wearing a Super Bowl jersey) could continue the spirit of revival and hope visitors experienced once Super Bowl XL was over. In the 10 years since, the city was declared bankrupt, but has emerged with new vitality, despite the problems that remain.
Dale G. Young, The Detroit News