DETROIT — Gonzaga fans are flocking to Detroit to support the Gonzaga men's basketball team in their Sweet 16 appearance against Purdue this weekend. Despite years of regrowth, Detroit still holds onto a bad reputation.
Detroit locals said the city has improved significantly in the last few decades, even in the heart of Downtown where Javon Adams works.
"It gives me like the southern hospitality feel," Adams said about the people in Detroit.
Nice people and beautiful scenery were what several Michiganders cited for reasons to love the city. They said there's a large art scene, good food and natural parks to enjoy.
"It's on the up and up, that's for sure. It's our little best kept secret," Mike Moody said.
Moody has lived in Detroit since 1989. He's excited about March Madness being in the city. He's planning on rooting for the underdogs in the tournament – even going as far as saying "Go Zags."
Speaking of Zags, the Gonzaga band is also in town to support the team. James Hagan plays the sousaphone. He had heard rumors that Detroit wouldn't be safe, but his first impression of the city was different.
"One thing that I've noticed is everyone's very nice here," Hagan said. "It's also very green here. I'm from Spokane, so normally in March it's still very brown and dark. But all the grass here is green and the trees are pretty green. Its a unique experience."
When taking the opinion of two Michiganders and a Spokanite into account, the myth of Detroit's bad reputation does not stand.
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