River Rouge, Michigan: Gas Tank Basketball
Large spherical tank at the Marathon oil refinery painted to resemble a basketball -- the Detroit Pistons are acknowledged on one side, and women's Shock team on the other. It was once painted as a baseball.
- Address:
- S. Schaefer Hwy, River Rouge, MI
- Directions:
- On I-75 near the River Rouge/Detroit border, a few miles north of the giant tire and not far south of the I-75 Rouge River bridge, north side at the Schaefer Hwy on-ramp.
- Hours:
- Drive-by sight. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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I pass by the basketball at least two times a week. They have been painting these tanks with beautiful artwork for years. The neighborhood is not the best and this tank is right off of an exit ramp, so be careful.
[Bordeauxbarb, 05/09/2019]
This tank was painted like a Piston's basketball about a year ago, for the Piston's 2004 victory. The other side is painted for the Detroit Shock (Detroit's women's basketball team). It was for years painted like a giant baseball, but although pretty neat, was nowhere near as eye-catching as this. I have passed by it many times and it still looks the same.... it has not faded at all.
If you want to take a picture, a small step ladder (or cooler) will give you an unobstructed view of the subject. It is on the I-75 service ramp so is very easy to reach.
[Richard Weiss, 10/02/2005]Alongside Interstate 75 in south Detroit is a Marathon Oil refinery. They have a large spherical storage tank that was first painted as a large baseball in 1972 to honor the Detroit Tigers. It was recently repainted as a basketball and adorned with the logos of the Shock (Detroit's entry in the Women's NBA and 2003 champions) and the Pistons (Men's NBA champions for 2004). As a fan and advocate of women's sports I was especially happy to see the Shock logo appear on the tank!
[Vince Prygoski, 04/16/2005]Nearby Offbeat Places
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