U-Matic

Cobo Hall Expansion, 08/19/1985
Cobo Hall's 25th Anniversary
Balloon Release
Mayor's Speech
McDonald's Sports Promotional Speech

U-Matic S tape containing footage shot at Cobo Hall's 25th anniversary celebration, including the removal of the Spirit of Transportation sculpture, the balloon release, Mayor Coleman A. Young's speech about the expansion plans, and Young recording a short promotional video about the 1986 McDonald's All-American High School Basketball game to be played in Detroit.

The video begins with a brief shot of a helicopter airlifting the Carl Milles sculpture Spirit of Transportation away in preparation for Cobo's expansion. Footage then follows of a balloon release above the convention center.

Several shots of the stage set up outside of Cobo Arena. A "Happy 25th Birthday Cobo Hall" banner is hung behind the podium, and two pieces of concept art showing plans for the renovation flank the podium. Following a cut, Mayor Young is shown greeting the other people positioned on the dais. The recording then cuts to Robert B. Evans as he calls Mayor Young to the podium. In his speech, Young first talks about the importance of Republicans and Democrats working together for projects like Cobo Hall. He then turns to the subject of the plans for Cobo Hall's expansion. He talks about the need for Cobo to keep up with facilities in other cities, and also notes that the 20,000 balloons released represent the 20,000 jobs to be created through the project. He then speaks disparagingly about the need to complete an environmental impact study for the expansion first. Finally, he expresses a need for a future third phase of Cobo's expansion, increasing the site's area to a million square feet by 1990.

Following the speech, the camera rolls as the dignitaries on the dais interact, and make their way off the dais. Several members of City Council briefly speak with Evans. The picture briefly drops out as audio from the event continues, resuming as Mayor Young, accompanied by Bob Berg and Tina Bassett, prepares to shoot a short promotional spot for the McDonald's All-American High School Basketball game to be hosted in Detroit, with the stage for the Cobo event in the background. The shoot is delayed as they turn off the event's music. A slow flipping of cue cards by an off camera individual results in Young declaring the first take to be disjointed. Following a cut and some off camera adjustments, Young's delivery is much smoother in the second, although he has trouble with the basketball prop at the end.

The recording ends with another shot of the banner, and close-ups of the two pieces of concept art--the first showing the interior of the lobby, the second showing the new facade from the outside.

The recording is contained on a 3M MBU-18 U-Matic S tape, with a City of Detroit Department of Public Information Video Production label. The tape is contained in a latching plastic case with a 3M label on its cover.