Select Stadium Series Merchandise Available at The Team Store as Early as February; Tickets For Outdoor Game Available Online

The Detroit Red Wings players work hard to stay focused on the present moment, but they’re certainly excited for the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on March 1, which will see the club face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium.

Another level of anticipation for the marquee event was added last Thursday, when the NHL and Fanatics unveiled the uniforms for both the Red Wings and Blue Jackets.

“I think it gets a little bit more real when those jerseys do come out,” Detroit head coach Todd McLellan recently told DetroitRedWings.com. “I know some of our guys were modeling. There’s a little buzz about it, a little excitement. Some of the helmets have been lying around. That just means it’s getting closer."

“It’s a real honor to play in those games. It’s special, different and unique. So many others participate in it. Family members come in and are a part of it, they get to skate on the ice. It’s such a welcome break, yet it’s a competitive night during the season. Teams that get to play in those games are really fortunate.”

Dylan Larkin was one of the players who modeled the Red Wings’ uniforms, and the captain had nothing but good things to say about Detroit’s new look.

“I think the jersey is beautiful,” Larkin said. “It’s classic. [The front crest with the ‘Detroit’ script wordmark] and the helmet are really cool. They did a great job designing them, and I’m just really excited to play at the Horseshoe in front of that many fans. It’s going to be a special night.”

Designed by Fanatics with input and alignment from both teams and the NHL, the uniforms highlight the cultural and historical identities of both Midwest cities. The automotive industry and rich hockey culture of Detroit drove the design of the Red Wings’ sweaters.

More information about the creativity that went into the Stadium Series jerseys is available here. Stadium Series jerseys will be available for purchase at the Red Wings Team Store, with select Stadium Series merchandise becoming available as early as February.

“They look good,” Andrew Copp said. “I think the game is going to be really exciting…Just a storied venue. You only get a couple of these outdoor games in your career, so you’ve got to enjoy it.”

J.T. Compher likes the look of what he’ll be wearing during the NHL’s 43rd regular-season outdoor game, too.

“It looks really clean altogether,” Compher said. “The game will be super fun when we get there. It’s always hard – we have a lot in front of us until we get to that point, but I’ve played in a couple outdoor games, and they’re fun for the family and people that can come. Just a good bonding experience for the team.”

There will also be some familiarity on both sides of the ice, as the Red Wings (Larkin, Copp, Compher and Tyler Motte) and Blue Jackets (Adam Fantilli, Jack Johnson, Kent Johnson and Zach Werenski) both have four Michigan alumni on their active rosters. Notably, Compher, Copp, Larkin, Motte and Werenski were Wolverines teammates in 2014-15.

“Some of those guys train in Plymouth in the summer with us, too,” Copp said. “It’ll be a fun game. It’s always added intensity when you’re playing against your buddies, so it’ll be a really cool atmosphere. Really looking forward to it.”

Red Wings fans can secure their tickets to this year’s Stadium Series here.

“It’ll be cool,” Compher said. “One hundred thousand people, I’m sure it’ll be rocking.”

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By Jonathan Mills for DetroitRedWings.com

Tech United is a dedicated group of chief information officers and IT professionals from local enterprise companies working with United Way for Southeastern Michigan to help close the digital divide and increase STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) opportunities for students. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $423,000 to support technology access and distributed 1,209 devices to students in our region.

Most recently, Tech United created Learning Journeys, an interactive learning experience designed for fifth grade students to explore future Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career opportunities. Ilitch Companies, Little Caesars and the Detroit Tigers baseball operations team hosted pilot sessions on January 14 and 16, engaging 90 students from Stevenson Elementary School in Southfield at the Little Caesars Global Resource Center and Comerica Park. Stevenson is one of four United Way Community Schools where they offer wraparound support for students and families.

During the Learning Journey, students were treated to a tour of the Little Caesars Global Resource Center and Comerica Park, participated in a pizza box folding competition, and got to learn more about the science of food and technology in the pizza industry. Students met with the engineers that run the Pizza Portal and witnessed how the Little Caesars team uses technology to build the ordering app that allows customers to order from their phones and grab their pizza from the Pizza Portal in-store.

Excited students got to see the sauce being made and take part in a taste test. They also participated in a coding exercise where they could make a bracelet or necklace using binary code.

“This is the coolest field trip I’ve ever been on— well, this and Greenfield Village,” said Sofia Childress, a 10-year-old student at Stevenson.

At Comerica Park, students had a behind the scenes experience to learn how technology is used to coach players and to create a world-class fan experience. Six members of the baseball operations team shared videos and examples of advanced statistics and computer modeling to aid in player performance feedback. Students observed from afar the offseason construction and video board technology, shared ideas about how technology is used to improve the in-stadium entertainment experience.

“Seeing every single STEM job in one headquarters was just amazing for the kids,” said Melanie Land, community schools coordinator at Stevenson Elementary. “The math with the baseball diamond and the science with the pizza, it brings the kids full circle as to why their education is important.”

Learn more about United Way’s efforts to expand youth opportunity in our region here.

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After its first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2020, Little Caesars, the third-largest pizza chain in the world and the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, is making a thrilling return to the Big Game with a brand-new commercial. This ad marks the beginning of an exciting multi-channel campaign that promises to capture the hearts (and taste buds) of NFL and Little Caesars fans alike, extending well into March.

The 30-second spot is set to air during Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, 2025 — promising an unforgettable blend of humor, creativity, and mouthwatering pizza-inspired fun that only Little Caesars can deliver. Fans might even catch a tantalizing glimpse of something new and delicious making its way to the menu — though you’ll have to tune in to see exactly what it is.

“We are ecstatic to return to the Super Bowl and are excited to deliver more than just delicious pizza,” said Greg Hamilton, Chief Marketing Officer, Little Caesars. “This year’s commercial highlights what makes Little Caesars unique in a bold, crazy-fun way, and captures the kind of energy we love to share with our fans.  Plus, there might be something new and exciting to reveal about our hottest product, Crazy Puffs, during Super Bowl LIX week.”

Now in its third year as the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, Little Caesars has become synonymous with the NFL, consistently bringing excitement to football fans all season long. From game-day deals that make hosting a breeze to commercials featuring fan-favorite NFL athletes, the brand has established itself as a key player in the NFL’s community of supporters. This year, the Super Bowl LIX ad continues to build on that relationship, showcasing Little Caesars’ unwavering enthusiasm for the sport and its fans and featuring eyebrow-raising talent that transcends sports.

Little Caesars teamed up with its creative agency of record, McKinney, to develop this year’s commercial creative.

“Working with Little Caesars on this campaign has been an incredible experience,” said Jameson Rossi, Creative Director at McKinney. “Their bold, fun, and innovative approach to connecting with their fans aligns perfectly with what we strive to achieve creatively. The Super Bowl LIX spot is just the beginning of a larger effort to remind viewers why Little Caesars is such a beloved and iconic brand.”

To keep up with what Little Caesars has in store for its pizza and football fans, visit LittleCaesars.com, download the Little Caesars app, and follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and X.

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announced the grand opening of The Taphouse presented by Bell’s Brewery inside Little Caesars Arena before the Detroit Red Wings’ home game on December 18.

Little Caesars Arena concessionaire Delaware North operates The Taphouse, which includes an exterior entry option on Henry St. between the arena’s Google Entry and Comerica Entry Southeast.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Bell’s Brewery, an iconic brand in the state of Michigan,” Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Chief Commercial Officer Chris Coffman said about the Kalamazoo, Mich.-headquartered brewery. “We look forward to our fans and guests enjoying The Taphouse and for them to have another lively place to visit before, during or after an event at Little Caesars Arena.”

Bell’s offers a large array of craft beer, including frequent seasonal releases and limited-edition selections. With staples like Oberon Ale, Hopslam Ale and Two Hearted IPA, Bell’s has used a hyper-local approach to earn national popularity and a loyal following.

“Bell’s is proud of our Michigan-based roots, and we’ve loved being able to bring exceptional craft beer to our communities for nearly four decades,” Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker said. “I think one of the fun pieces is that this space will certainly have access to some specialty rare Bell’s beer. Not only will fans get to enjoy Michigan’s favorite IPA like Two Hearted, they will also get some fun treats that are generally reserved for our bar only in Kalamazoo.”

The Taphouse inside Little Caesars Arena boasts 18 beers on tap and more than 15 canned selections, while offering a wide variety of non-alcoholic beers and cocktails. The menu features 18 food items, including seven dishes that incorporate Bell’s beer into the recipe. Local favorites include the Hamtramck Hoagie, the Traverse City Cherry Salad and more.

“We’re so excited to have Bell’s as a partner. This space is going to be an unbelievable gathering place before, during and after games--Red Wings, Pistons, concerts, all events,” Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Mike Singer said. “It’s the right partner, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them. It’s a Michigan brand, a local brand, a brand that makes sense for fans. The product is unbelievable, and the fans are really going to enjoy it.”

Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings face off at legendary Ohio Stadium on March 1

Today, the National Hockey League (NHL) and Fanatics, the League’s authentic outfitter, unveiled the uniforms for the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. The marquee event, marking the League’s 43rd regular-season outdoor game, will be played at the iconic Ohio Stadium, Home of the Buckeyes, on March 1, 2025. The uniforms, designed by Fanatics with input and alignment from both teams and the League, highlight the distinct cultural and historical identities of both Columbus and Detroit.

Starting today, 2025 NHL Stadium Series jerseys will be available for pre-order exclusively at all Blue Jackets and Red Wings team store locations. Stadium Series jerseys will be available at a later date for purchase at the Red Wings Team Store, with select Stadium Series merchandise becoming available as early as February.

The Blue Jackets’ uniform pays tribute to the rich history of Ohio and Columbus. The design draws inspiration from the uniforms worn by the Union Army, with the jersey featuring several military-like details, including:

• A chevron sleeve stripe denoting the rank insignia of the era.

• Shoulder featuring a new “CBJ” mark surrounding two crossed hockey sticks, a nod to the unit designation pins worn on the front of soldier’s slouch caps.

• A front crest featuring “The Cannon,” derived from the Blue Jackets alternate logo and key element of any Columbus Blue Jackets home game, colored with new metallic silver and red accents.

Additional design elements honor the Blue Jackets’ home state. Captain and Alternate Captain designation letters are displayed within a state of Ohio-shaped patch, while the inside back neck includes “Columbus Blue Jackets” wordmark in conjunction with a buckeye leaf pattern, the state tree of Ohio. The uniform is completed with the star from the team’s primary logo on the pants and a helmet design that features an oversized metallic application team logo and player number.

The Red Wings' uniform celebrates the world-renowned automotive industry and hockey culture of Detroit. The design incorporates several auto-inspired elements, including:

• A front crest with a bold new custom "Detroit" script wordmark inspired by automotive insignias.

• Laser-perforated details in the wordmark and back numbers, visually consistent with a car’s upholstered leather interior.

• Debossed speed stripes on the sleeves and socks reminiscent of racing car aesthetics.

• A helmet design that features a racing stripe and oversized winged wheel on each side of the player helmet with metallic flake finish inspired by automotive paint.

Detroit’s uniforms also include special touches to the team’s history, including a hem loop label featuring the honorary team mascot, and pants containing the wordmark of the popular "Hockeytown” hometown slogan. The primary logo of the Red Wings is placed on the left shoulder of the uniform. Both uniforms include the “2025 NHL Stadium Series” designation on the inside back hem as a commemorative touch to this marquee matchup. The Stadium Series event crest is affixed to the right shoulder location.

The general public can purchase tickets to the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Ticketmaster.com. Ticketmaster is the only official marketplace of the NHL®, providing fans with the peace of mind in knowing the seats they buy on Ticketmaster.com and the Ticketmaster app are the seats they’ll get.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks and NHL Stadium Series name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams.  © 2025 NHL.  All Rights Reserved.

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Forward Was Selected by Detroit in Third Round of 2024 NHL Entry Draft

The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Ondřej Becher to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Becher, 20, has recorded three points (1-2-3) and six penalty minutes in 19 games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars and ranked among the team leaders with 32 goals (4th), 64 assists (2nd), 96 points (4th), a plus-38 rating (4th), 48 penalty minutes (6th), eight power play goals (4th), 29 power play points (4th), four shorthanded goals (T1st) and 166 shots (5th) in 58 regular-season games. Becher also tallied 19 points (5-14-19) and 14 penalty minutes in 15 postseason contests, helping the Cougars reach the Western Conference Final. Selected by the Red Wings in the third round (80th overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Becher compiled 134 points (48-86-134), a plus-69 rating and 85 penalty minutes in 121 WHL games with Prince George from 2021-23.

A native of Ostrava, Czechia, Becher spent the majority of the 2021-22 season with AZ Havířov’s under-20 squad in Czechia’s top junior league, recording 36 points (22-14-36) and 38 penalty minutes in 45 games. He also registered one goal and four penalty minutes in four games with AZ Havířov in Czechia’s second division in 2021-22. Becher made his professional debut with AZ Havířov in 2020-21, collecting two points (1-1-2) in 11 games. On the international stage, Becher won a bronze medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, collecting 10 points (3-7-10), a plus-six rating and four penalty minutes in seven games. Becher also played for Czechia at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, netting two goals in six appearances.

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Detroit Hires Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach; Derek Lalonde and Bob Boughner Relieved of Coaching Duties

Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has named Todd McLellan the 29th Head Coach in franchise history and signed him to a multi-year contract. Additionally, the Red Wings have hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach.

Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately.

McLellan, 57, rejoins the organization (Assistant Coach, 2005-08) with 16 seasons of NHL head coaching experience, posting a 598-412-134 regular-season record and a 42-46 postseason mark with the Los Angeles Kings (2019-24), Edmonton Oilers (2015-19) and San Jose Sharks (2008-15). His 598 regular-season wins are ranked 24th in NHL history and sixth-most among active coaches behind Paul Maurice (891), Lindy Ruff (876), Peter Laviolette (823), John Tortorella (757) and Peter DeBoer (632). Teams coached by McLellan have reached the 50-win mark three times and the 100-point plateau six times. McLellan’s teams have also advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs nine times, including six-consecutive postseason appearances with the Sharks. In recognition of his efforts, McLellan has twice been named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year (2008-09, 2016-17) and has coached at two NHL All-Star Games (2009, 2012).

Prior to returning to the Red Wings, McLellan spent parts of five seasons as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Kings from 2019-24. During his tenure with the Kings, McLellan posted a 164-130-44 regular-season record and a 5-8 postseason mark, leading the club to back-to-back Stanley Cup Playoff berths in 2021-22 and 2022-23. In all, McLellan ranks among the Kings’ all-time leaders with 338 games coached (5th), 164 wins (4th) and 372 points (4th). Before coaching the Kings, McLellan worked parts four seasons as bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers, compiling a 123-119-34 record and a 7-6 postseason ledger. McLellan places among Edmonton’s all-time leaders with 266 games coached (4th), 123 wins (4th) and 270 points (4th). In 2016-17, McLellan guided the Oilers to a 47-26-9 record, which marked a 33-point improvement over the previous campaign. During that season, the Oilers recorded their first 100-point campaign since 1986-87 and clinched a postseason berth for the first time since reaching the 2006 Stanley Cup Final.  

McLellan made his NHL head coaching debut with the San Jose Sharks, where he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games coached (540), wins (311), points (688) and postseason games coached (62). In all, McLellan compiled a 311-163-66 regular-season record and a 30-32 postseason mark in seven seasons with the Sharks from 2008-15, leading the club to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his first six seasons behind the bench. During McLellan’s tenure, the Sharks reached the 40-win mark six times, eclipsed the 100-point mark four times, earned three-straight Pacific Division titles (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11) and captured the first Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history (2008-09). The Sharks also made back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Final in 2009-10 and 2010-11, in addition to reaching the Western Conference Semifinals in 2012-13.

Prior to joining the Sharks, McLellan spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Red Wings from 2005-08, helping the organization win a Stanley Cup championship in 2008. During McLellan’s tenure, the Red Wings also earned three-consecutive Central Division titles (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08), two Presidents’ Trophies (2005-06, 2007-08) and one Clarence S. Campbell Bowl (2007-08). While with the Red Wings, McLellan was tasked with running Detroit's power play, which finished first in the NHL in 2005-06 (22.1 percent) and third in 2007-08 (20.7 percent).

Before entering the NHL coaching ranks, McLellan worked four seasons as Head Coach of the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros from 2001-05, showing a 154-129-37 record and leading the franchise to a Calder Cup title in 2003. McLellan led the Aeros to a Central Division title in 2002-03 and coached at the 2003 and 2004 AHL All-Star Games. McLellan spent five seasons coaching the Minnesota Wild’s primary affiliate, having led the International Hockey League’s Cleveland Lumberjacks to a 43-32-7 record in 2000-01.

A native of Melville, Sask., McLellan worked six seasons as Head Coach and General Manager of the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos from 1994-00, compiling a 250-176-49 regular-season record along with a Central Division title in 1995-96 and a East Division crown in 1999-00. He was named the WHL’s Executive of the Year in 1996-97 and Coach of the Year in 1999-00. McLellan previously served as Head Coach of the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 1992-94, leading the club to a 40-point improvement in his second season with the club. He was inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame in 2024.

Prior to his coaching career, McLellan played two professional seasons in North America. Selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round (104th overall) of the NHL Entry Draft, McLellan recorded two points (1-1-2) in five games with the club during the 1987-88 season. He also logged 70 points (25-45-70) and 49 penalty minutes in 107 games with the AHL’s Springfield Indians from 1987-89. McLellan racked up 164 points (66-98-164) and 127 penalty minutes in 178 games with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades from 1983-87 before turning professional.

On the international stage, McLellan served as Head Coach of Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he coached Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. McLellan also led Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, marking the country’s first gold medal at the annual tournament since 2007. McLellan previously won a bronze medal as an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Yawney, 59, joins the Red Wings after spending five seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Kings from 2019-24. He previously held the same position with the Oilers (2019-20), Anaheim Ducks (2014-18), Sharks (2008-11) and Chicago Blackhawks (1999-00). Additionally, Yawney worked two stints as Head Coach of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals from 2000-05 and 2012-14, and also served as Associate Head Coach of the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch during the 2011-12 campaign. Yawney made his NHL head coaching debut with the Blackhawks, logging a 33-55-15 record in parts of two seasons with the club from 2005-07. On the international stage, Yawney was an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the 2011 Spengler Cup. He also served as Head Coach at the 2007 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and worked as an Assistant Coach at the 2006 IIHF World Championship.

A native of Hudson Bay, Sask., Yawney played in 12 NHL seasons as a defenseman prior to his coaching career. Selected by Chicago in the third round (45th overall) of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, Yawney registered 129 points (27-102-129) and 783 penalty minutes in 593 games with the Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues from 1987-99. Yawney represented his country at back-to-back IIHF World Championships in 1991 and 1992, winning a silver medal at the 1991 tournament. He also captained Team Canada at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alta.

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Thanks to our colleagues, our partners, our fans and our guests, 2024 was a year of inspiring moments across the Ilitch Companies family of businesses. View the video below to celebrate an incredible year of lasting memories.

Fifty kids from Detroit Police Athletic League treated to special holiday shopping spree

On a cloudy and chilly December 17, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Meijer brought warmth and brightened the holiday season for 50 kids from the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) by taking them on a shopping spree at a Meijer store in northwest Detroit as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Assist.

Red Wings assistant coach Jay Varady and 13 players -- captain Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, Jeff Petry, Joe Veleno, Tyler Motte, Christian Fischer, Albert Johansson, Simon Edvinsson, Justin Holl, Jonatan Berggren and goalie Alex Lyon -- attended this year’s event. Tigers alumni Lance Parish and Dan Petry, as well as Red Wings/Tigers Broadcast Reporter Daniella Bruce, were also on hand to help spread holiday cheer.

“We care so much for this community, and we want to give back in every way we can,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E). “Around the holidays in particular, it’s really special for us to have an opportunity to bring kids out, show them a great time and just bring joy and smiles to their faces.”

Thanks to the Red Wings, Tigers and Meijer, each child received $250 to use at the store, enjoyed a Little Caesars pizza party and took home a holiday T-shirt.

Larkin, a Waterford, Mich., native, was proud to participate in the 11th annual Hometown Holiday Assist alongside several of his Red Wings teammates.

“Christmas can be a great time with family, but it can also be a little bit difficult,” Larkin said. “So just to see the [kids’] smiles, then flying up and down the aisles, picking out Legos or whatever they wanted, made their day and mine.”

Seider also came away from the event with a heartwarming feeling.

“It’s obviously a great cause to help,” Seider said. “I see a lot of smiles on the kids’ faces, but I see more on our guys’ faces.”

With year-round programs that reach more than 10,000 young athletes and thousands of coaches, Detroit PAL works to help youth find their greatness through athletic, academic and leadership development programs. This year, the non-profit organization celebrated its 55th anniversary of serving young Detroiters and bridging the gap between the community and the police.

“The reality is a lot of families have some challenging times,” said Detroit PAL CEO Fred Hunter. “When you can add something special during the holidays, especially for the kids to have the opportunity to shop with the Red Wings, Tigers and police officers, it’s that partnership where everyone comes together giving something for the benefit of kids and their families.”

Supporting Detroit families and local non-profit organizations during the holiday season, the annual Hometown Holiday Assist is one of many community events that Red Wings players like Berggren are more than happy to be part of.

“It’s so nice to give back to the community,” Berggren said. “You understand how much these sports mean to Detroit. The city backs us up all the time when we play, so it’s great to do this.”

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