Worth mentioning, "The District Detroit" project is expected to be completed in 2017. The project is an initiative to build a new stadium for the Detroit Red Wings and revitalize the surrounding area. This area is very close to Ford Field and Cobo Center where the event will be held. There should be plenty of new restaurants and things to do by the time FIRST comes to Detroit.
Cobo Center is also just wrapping up its major renovation project. I was there for the NAIAS and the venue was pretty incredible.
Details -
http://www.districtdetroit.com/