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It’s getting to be that time in Michigan a lot of us dread. You know, when winter isn’t official until Dec. 21, but the weather often becomes below freezing and our first snowfall isn’t too far away. Ugh. It is around this time where we begin to browse activities that can be accomplished indoors. Although it probably doesn’t make up for the annoyance and harsh conditions that winter brings, one silver lining is the variety of local indoor sports you can participate in. We’re here to focus on the positives, right?
Metro Detroit offers several venues for those of us who want to participate in a sport and activity this winter. Such sports and activities include flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer and more. Take your pick. We like to inform people around these “In the D” parts, so here are some options for you to relive your high school glory days.
Flag Football
High Velocity, 46245 Michigan Ave., in Canton, offers a ton of sports, but if you’re anything like me, you believe flag football is where the money is at. The current season kicks off tomorrow and yours truly will be playing. I am so excited! Maybe we’ll cross paths if you are also participating. High Velocity offers three indoor fields, as well as a brand new dome that will house games later in the season. There are eight games in the season, with each being played on Wednesday nights. Each team plays with six players on the field at a time, and the game is played with two 24-minute long halves with a running clock. If you missed this session, don’t fret. The second winter session begins in early January 2015!
Liberty Park of America Sports Complex is located at 33600 Mound Rd., in Sterling Heights. It is another complex offering a plethora of sports, but the focus here is flag football. The games here are played on Thursday nights and it is seven on seven as opposed to six on six at High Velocity. The halves are 24 minutes-long with a continuous running clock as well. At the beginning of each half the team on offense receives the ball at its own 10-yard line, as well as after a touchdown or a “declared” punt. The games at Liberty Park of America Sports Complex are played inside the sports dome. There are eight games and players must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Basketball
ComePlayDetroit is yet another avenue offering many recreational sports, but late fall/winter is prime time to hit the courts. On Tuesdays (starting today, actually) is the men’s “Bring Your Own Team Basketball.” While registration for this current session is closed, games are played at the Oak Park Jewish Community Center and are officiated by certified Michigan High School Athletic Association referees. The good news is that the next basketball league starts soon after on Nov. 23 for the men’s “Draft Basketball” where players are “scouted” and then drafted by team captains after participating in a pick-up game. Registration is currently open, but won’t be for long! For more on ComePlayDetroit, refer to our previous article.
Joe Dumars Fieldhouse resides at 45300 Mound Rd., in Shelby Twp., and has another location in Detroit. Once again; a dream venue with many options for sport lovers everywhere, but the place is named after and owned by former Detroit Pistons great Joe Dumars, so let’s talk basketball. The fieldhouse offers several basketball leagues, as you may have imagined. It has adult leagues for both men and women, as well as youth leagues. The next season for both adults and youths begins sometime in the first week of December and runs through the end of February. There are leagues and offerings in the spring, summer and fall to help you work on your dribble, sharpen your jump shot and become a rebounding machine year-round! ComePlayDetroit also uses Joe Dumars Fieldhouse for its games on occasion.
Soccer
Total Sports Complex offers locations in Wixom, Novi, Farmington and Monroe. Among the many sports offered is soccer. Both youth and adult leagues take place here. It is currently in its “Winter 1” phase, which started on Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 23. The second winter session begins in early January 2015 and runs through the end of February 2015. The adult leagues offer an 11 on 11 men’s over 40 league, an 11 on 11 men’s over 30 league and a men’s league and coed league that is eight on eight. There are also a ton of options for children and teens 18 years of age and younger. You can view the full schedule if you desire.
Volleyball
Stay & Play Social Club Detroit, 1831 N. Main St., in Royal Oak, is, well you’ve probably guessed by now, a social club. In addition to all of the sports leagues it offers, Stay & Play Social Club also provides tournaments, parties, trips, special events and philanthropic opportunities. One of the sports offered is volleyball, with both a coed and women’s only leagues available. Registration for the winter begins on Sunday, Nov. 16 and the season will start in January 2015. SPSCD uses several facilities throughout Metro Detroit to host its games. These facilities are often schools, athletic clubs and recreation centers. The social club is for adults 21 years of age and older.
As you can see, there are plenty of options to get up and get active while staying warm this winter. If I failed to mention a particular activity that suits you better, here are a few more options: dodgeball, indoor golf and roller hockey.
Hopefully I’ll see you on the flag football gridiron!
