13th Annual Meridian Winter Blast Returns to Campus Martius Park

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For 13 years, the Meridian Winter Blast presented by Quicken Loans has brought a winter wonderland to life in the heart of downtown Detroit.

Formerly known as Motown Winter Blast, the three-day weekend of festivities served as the official countdown to Super Bowl XL in Detroit in 2005. The larger-than-life event attracted more than 1 million people to the Motor City.

This year, the bash will be hosted at Campus Martius Park, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 through 9 p.m. Sunday. In partnership with Matrix Human Services, the Meridian Winter Blast requires a donation of $3 or three canned food items that will go to those in need.

Jonathan Witz, program director of the Meridian Winter Blast, previewed some of the attractions that will appeal to those seeking a little winter adventure.

“We have an all-new Meridian Winter Slide pitched at 30 feet where patrons will slide through a pitch-black tube and quickly drop them at a 40-degree angle,” says Witz. “In addition people can choose to ride the 40-degree Meridian Winter Wipeout or the 30-degree Meridian Winter Blast.”

During the day, families can enjoy free skating provided by St. John Providence, and on Saturday marvel at the new Ice Garden with ice sculptures paying tribute to Warner Bros. films, zip line across Campus Martius Park from 34 feet in the air on MetroPCS Zip Line Adventure, and more.

By night, adults can belly up to the Bedrock Ice Bar on Cadillac Street. At a bar crafted from ice, patrons can partake in a full selection of drinks and check out music from local musicians from 8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Meridian Winter Blast will also feature Comfort Zones where families can warm up in heated tents, a campfire for roasting marshmallows, and activities at the Marketing Associates Family Tent.

To curb hunger pangs, patrons can grab a bite at the Food Truck Rally spotlighting nearly a dozen local food trucks.

Parking is available for $10 at the Campus Martius Building Parking Garage, Kennedy Square Parking Deck, and The Z Deck garage.


For more information including music lineup, full schedule, and parking, visit winterblast.com or call 248-541-7550.