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Detroit landmark going green for Michigan State's playoff berth (PHOTOS)
Michigan might always be a state divided in its college football loyalties, but the city of Detroit is getting behind Michigan State's College Football Playoff appearance.
On Monday morning, the famous "Spirit of Detroit" statue in downtown Detroit donned a Spartans jersey for the first time, continuing a time-honored tradition.
MSU director of athletics Mark Hollis called the moment "truly exciting" in a statement released by the school.
“It’s a public symbol of support for our football program as it prepares for the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama, and I’m positive many MSU alums will stop by the statue to pose for photos," Hollis said. "The sustained success of our football program has energized the entire university and our fan base.”
The school also offered more about the history of the statue.
The Spartans take on Alabama on New Year's Eve in the Cotton Bowl with a chance to play for the national championship on the line.
"Spirt of Detroit" getting a Spartans jersey this AM. @freep pic.twitter.com/XcMGB6zYf5
— Katrease Stafford (@KatreaseS_freep) December 21, 2015
Fans now taking photos in front of the Spirit of Detroit, wearing a @michiganstateu jersey. @freep pic.twitter.com/qkdJe67OGF
— Katrease Stafford (@KatreaseS_freep) December 21, 2015
According to the Detroit Historical Society, the “Spirit of Detroit,” which was dedicated in 1958, was the largest cast bronze statue (26-foot sculpture) since the Renaissance at the time it was built. The statue often features jerseys of Detroit’s professional teams during the playoffs. It marks the first time the “Spirit of Detroit” statue has worn a Spartan jersey.
