Cobo Center, Detroit Hosts The 59th Autorama

Feb 23, 2011

Detroit, MI – Since 1961, Cobo Center has been hosting its longest running public show in the facility, Autorama, produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc., North America’s largest producer of indoor hot rod shows. This year, 700 customized cars and hot rods are expected to fill Cobo Center with entries from 27 American states and three Canadian provinces. 

“We are proud to be back in Detroit for our 59th Annual Detroit Autorama,” said Bob Larivee, Jr., CEO
of Championship Auto Shows, Inc. “Our show is supported by the community more in Detroit than any other city. Chrysler, GM and Ford will show their newest muscle cars, along with private owners coming from all over North America.” 

The Detroit Autorama is hosted by the Michigan Hot Rod Association and runs from noon Friday, February 25 to 8 PM Sunday, February 27. One of the many highlights of the event is the presentation of the prestigious Ridler Trophy, awarded to the car that best emphasizes creativity, engineering and workmanship. The vehicle must make its first public showing at the Detroit Autorama. The winner will carry the reining title of “Ridler Winner” along with a cash prize of $10,000, special jacket, special accolades in the lobby of Cobo Center and the winning car featured on all 1st place trophies the following year. The winning builder will receive a 1/3 scale Ridler trophy. 

“Cars are embedded in the culture of Detroit and the Cobo Center,” said Thom Connors, General Manager of Cobo Center and Regional Vice President of SMG. “Autorama is part of that culture, and brings in visitors from the United States and Canada.” 

About Cobo Center: With 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, Cobo Center boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the country. Since 2010, Cobo Center has been operated by SMG.

About SMG: Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition centers. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet of exhibition space. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides construction and design consulting, pre-opening services, venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming.

Visit www.smgworld.com for more information. 

Contact: Mary Klida, Cobo Center Detroit
313-877-8701
mklida@cobocenter.com