Film fanatics of all ages are invited to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful summer nights outside Little Caesars Arena for “The District Detroit Movie Nights” presented by Chevrolet, a free cinema series running Aug. 7 – Sept. 6.

With reserved seating that enables social distancing and other safety measures in place, Chevrolet Plaza will be transformed into an outdoor theater featuring two movies per week. Guests will have an opportunity to support many local restaurants with food trucks and tents located outside the arena. Complimentary parking will be available at the Henry West Garage, located at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr.

Movies will air at 7 p.m. EST on Fridays and Sundays. To ensure safe social distancing with a limited capacity, reservations are necessary, and can be made here. Confirmed attendees will be required to wear face masks, and temperature checks and health screenings will be conducted. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chair or towel to sit on in Chevrolet Plaza.

“The District Detroit Movie Nights” line-up offers something for everyone, and begins with “Amazing Grace” on Friday, Aug. 7. One week later, on Aug. 14, “The Russian Five” will be shown, the true story of Russian-born Detroit Red Wings teammates that became family and Stanley Cup Champions.

As part of the Detroit Tigers’ celebration of Negro Leagues Weekend, a screening of the 1976 sports comedy, “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings,” will be shown on Sunday, Aug. 16. This movie is about a team of enterprising ex-Negro League baseball players in the era of racial segregation. The cinema series will wrap up on Sunday, Sept. 6 with a screening of the 1992 classic, “The Mighty Ducks.”

For more information on “The District Detroit Movie Nights,” please visit follow @DistrictDetroit on social media, or visit DistrictDetroit.com/MovieNights.

The complete schedule is as follows:

Friday, Aug. 7: “Amazing Grace” (G)

Sunday, Aug. 9: “Remember the Titans” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 14: “The Russian Five” (NR)

Sunday, Aug. 16: “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 21: “The Lion King” (PG)

Sunday, Aug. 23: “Field of Dreams” (PG)

Friday, Aug. 28: “42” (PG-13)

Sunday, Aug. 30: “Rudy” (PG)

Friday, Sept. 4: “A League of Their Own” (PG)

Sunday, Sept. 6: “The Mighty Ducks” (PG)

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ilitch organization, for the third consecutive year, will host the Red Cross and Anheuser-Busch at Little Caesars Arena for a One Team blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

“The need for blood is constant,” said Beth Frahm, donor recruitment account manager with the Red Cross. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. We are thrilled to again partner with the Ilitch organization and Anheuser-Busch to ensure blood products are available to those in need.”

The blood drive will take place on the arena’s 60,000-square foot Via Concourse, which will allow for safe social distancing. Free parking is available for donors at the Henry West Garage, located at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr. Attendees will have a chance to spin a wheel to win prizes, including sports memorabilia and gift cards, while supplies last.

Anheuser-Busch, the country’s largest sponsor of live sports and entertainment, has redirected sports and entertainment investments to its non-profit partners to respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis. As part of a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch, alongside its sports partners, identified available arenas and stadiums to be used for temporary blood drive centers, which includes Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Eligible donors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: LCA313. Donors are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

The National Hockey League and Little Caesars have entered a new North American partnership, making Little Caesars the official pizza restaurant of the NHL. The agreement begins immediately and runs through the 2020-2021 season.

“Little Caesars is an enormous global restaurant chain with deep ties to our sport, both at the Club level with the Detroit Red Wings as well as through its long-standing youth hockey involvement in Michigan,” said Kyle McMann, NHL Senior Vice President, North American Business Development & Global Partnerships. “We are thrilled to welcome this iconic brand to the NHL family, and are excited to share and build new programming to deepen Little Caesars connection to fans across North America.”

The agreement offers Little Caesars an array of exclusive marketing rights and designations that will connect the brand with the NHL and its events. Fans will see the Little Caesars brand displayed in a corner in-ice ad position during every game of the 2020 Stanley Cup® Qualifiers™ and 2020 Stanley Cup® Playoffs, as well as all exhibition games.

“As we continue to add stores and customers across the globe, our partnership with the NHL will connect us with millions of consumers around the world in a new way,” said Dave Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars. “The Little Caesars brand has had a deep relationship with the incredible sport of hockey for a long time, and we’re thrilled to take our love of the game to the next level.”

Little Caesars has a proud and well-established affiliation with hockey. Mike and Marian Ilitch, the founders of Little Caesars, purchased the Detroit Red Wings in 1982 and began sponsorship of amateur hockey in 1968. Little Caesars AAA Hockey is one of the most recognized and respected organizations in amateur travel hockey with numerous national championships, and a strong track record of placing players in the NHL.

‍

The Detroit Tigers join fans from across the globe in excitement as the baseball season is upon us! The Tigers are proud to give fans in Detroit, across Michigan, and around the world, something to ROOT for, together.

As we all know, nobody ROOTS like Detroit ROOTS. Check out how we root.

The ballclub returns to Comerica Park to open the home portion of their schedule on Monday, July 27. First pitch against the Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

While fans can’t be in the stadium for this year’s Home Opener, the Tigers faithful have opportunities to be virtually present for the pregame ceremonies and game play by following the action on @Tigers social media channels or tuning into the broadcasts on FOX Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket. Below is just some of what’s in store.

Monday, July 27 vs. Kansas City – First Pitch at 7:10 p.m. (Pregame Ceremony Begins at 6:40 p.m.)

• Opening Day on-field introductions for the Tigers and starting lineup for the Royals.
  • Tigers starters and manager will be introduced via video by youth representatives organizations.
• Pregame Memorial for the Late Al Kaline will recognize his Hall of Fame career and impact on the Detroit Tigers organization.
• National Anthem will be performed virtually by Jose Feliciano.
• Numerous season-long items will honor Mr. Tiger’s memory.
  • ‘6’ Jersey Patch to be worn on Tigers uniforms.
  • Recognition flag reading “KALINE” will be flown in center field.
• For the home opener, base jewels will pay homage to Mr. Tiger.
• The Tigers partnered with Comerica Bank to connect with fans from across Michigan to film our Longest First Pitch. Can be seen on @Tigers social media channels around gametime.

Home Game No. 2, July 28 – Pre-Game Ceremony

• The Tigers will honor the bravery and commitment of COVID-19 Front-Line Heroes, along with those who have lost their lives from the disease.
• Starting lineups and manager for the Tigers will be introduced via video by local Front-Line Heroes.
• Players will wear shirts in batting practice recognizing Front Line Heroes.
• Tribute cards held by Tigers players in a special moment of recognition for essential workers.
• Moment of silence for those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

“Today is about the best fans in baseball,” said Ellen Zeringue, Tigers Vice President of Marketing. “Opening Day in our city is a tradition built by generations of great Tigers fans. As thrilled as we are to start the season, we’re equally excited to launch our Detroit Roots campaign. This platform taps into the deep-rooted pride of “being from Detroit” and invites all people to experience the collective revelry they can only get from being Detroit Tigers fan.  So, while fans cannot cheer with us in the ballpark, we are providing them with tools and resources to root for the Tigers at home or wherever they watch Tigers games. From meme generators, downloadable lineup cards and Olde English D stencils to encouraging fans to share photos and videos from where they are rooting or displaying fan shout outs to players on the Comerica Park Scoreboard.  Detroit Roots connects the club, its fans and the entire community into one big rooting section, cheering for the Tigers and the city of Detroit.”

Looking to the rest of the 2020 season, fans will be treated to a modified 60-game “sprint” schedule for the first time in Major League Baseball history. The Tigers enter the regular season  with a roster of seasoned all-stars, dynamic young talent and a highly touted farm system.

In this unprecedented 2020 season, there’s no telling what can happen – so be sure to tune in and share how you ROOT for our Tigers! #DetroitRoots

‍

As a thank you to healthcare and front-line workers across the country, Little Caesars, the global family-owned pizza chain, donated its millionth pizza on Friday, July 24. The charitable initiative kicked off in the company’s hometown of Detroit with a serving at the Detroit Medical Center and culminated in Detroit at Henry Ford Hospital.

“We are sincerely grateful to Little Caesars and Ilitch Charities for the generous donation to our healthcare workers in recognition of their heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wright Lassiter, III, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System. “This act of kindness from Little Caesars is reflective of the strong sense of community in Detroit, where organizations and community members have banded together to look out for one another during one of the most challenging times in our collective history.”

Over the past several months, one million pizzas have been donated to over 5,000 facilities in all 50 states, including in those areas most impacted from COVID-19.  

These donations were made possible by Little Caesars, its thousands of independent hard-working franchisees and their locally owned stores, and Ilitch Charities, a non-profit whose goal is to positively impact lives and empower communities.

Little Caesars also introduced the Pie it Forward program, enabling customers on the Little Caesars app to donate more than 250,000 additional Little Caesars Pizzas to the effort, bringing the total pizza contribution to healthcare front-line workers to just over 1.25 million.

“Our goal with this donation was to take care of the people who take such great care of us,” said Dave Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars. “We’re thankful to all of our loyal customers and hardworking franchisees around the country who joined us in this effort.”

For a summary of where donations took place around the country and some of the key stories, visit OneMillionPizzas.LittleCaesars.com.

‍

Baseball season is here, and as kids across Detroit take the field to learn the basics of the game, they’ll also learn important teamwork skills that will last a lifetime.  

The Tiny Tigers program offers Detroit’s young athletes a place to make friends and memories alongside volunteers, mentors and dedicated community leaders.

The eight-week program is a collaboration between the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, and Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) – with girls and boys age 4-8 taking part in team practices and weekly games at The Corner Ballpark, the site of the old Tiger Stadium.

More than 300 kids learn the sport annually as part of PAL’s Team UP program, in which officers from the Detroit Police Department act as mentors and coaches to the kids.

Detroit PAL, a non-profit organization based in Corktown, impacts more than 14,000 Detroit area children each year through its sports and recreational camps and after-school activities with the help of more than 1,700 volunteers. Founded in 1969, the organization gives children an opportunity to learn skills needed to succeed both on and off the playing field.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation provides an annual grant to support the Tiny Tigers program, which has supported more than 2,000 young, aspiring players to date.

In addition to Tiny Tigers, the Detroit Tigers Foundation invests in youth baseball programs throughout the greater Detroit community – through baseball field renovation projects, youth summer camps and baseball equipment donations – that promote the good citizenship embodied in the storied history of the Detroit Tigers.

The foundation also joins the Detroit Tigers to host the annual Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan, which visits schools, first responders, community groups, museums and civic events throughout the state while focusing on some of our most important fans: kids in the community.

‍

For Dejuan Hunter, a construction apprenticeship not only provides a pathway to a full-time job but also an opportunity to impact others in his community.  He is one of hundreds of Detroiters who have found careers in the industry as Olympia Development of Michigan continues the expansion of Detroit’s sports and entertainment district.

Hunter, a 27-year-old Detroit native, is an apprentice with Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC), Local 2, working with Ram Construction to renovate the historic former Eddystone Hotel at 110 Sproat St.

Hunter is one of many Detroiters who began their careers in construction on an Olympia Development jobsite, where more than 1,000 apprentices and pre-apprentices have trained in new skills to build their careers.

Job opportunities close to home provide Detroiters a path to on-the-job education and career advancement. They’ll get that education while earning a living and preparing them for a challenging and rewarding career.

“To me, this apprenticeship means a lot,” Hunter said. “In three years, I’ll be a journeyman, and I’ll be able to teach the new guys coming in.”

On weekends, Hunter hones his skills by practicing bricklaying at home. His goal? To have his name on the trucks; starting his own construction business and employing others in the trades.

“You can see how job opportunities and apprenticeships for Detroiters can have an exponential effect on the city — as we know good jobs ultimately lead to thriving neighborhoods,” said Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President Community and Government Affairs for Olympia Development of Michigan. “We’re so proud to play a part in the growth that is happening across our great city and to have the opportunity to invest in Detroit’s incredible workforce.”  

“So many new apprentices are eager to be part of Detroit’s resurgence,” said Zarah Broglin, Vice President Construction for Olympia Development of Michigan. “Construction is a dynamic and in-demand career field in which Detroiters will have relevant skills for a lifetime.”

‍

With the 2020 season opener just around the corner, the Detroit Tigers squared off in another intrasquad game on a sunny summer day at Comerica Park. See highlights from the rematch of Team Maybin and Team Miggy in the gallery below.

After Chris Ilitch joined with Mayor Mike Duggan, Rev. Wendell Anthony and eight other prominent Detroit business leaders to publicly speak out against racism and injustice, the Ilitch organization has announced the formation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The 12-member task force, comprised of employees representing the Ilitch family of companies, will be actively exploring policies, programs and practices related to diversity and inclusion issues.  

The formation of the task force was preceded by a series of listening sessions with employees that were conducted by leaders throughout the Ilitch companies.  

Over the years, the Ilitch companies have engaged in various diversity and inclusion efforts, including employee training, internships, community outreach efforts, as well as programs with professional sports leagues, fans, athletes, and the community.  The Ilitch companies value the importance of continuous improvement, and the creation of this task force is consistent with that organizational belief and culture.

The task force will be led by Danielle Lester, Senior Legal Counsel, Little Caesars, and will commence immediately.  Danielle received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan, her J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law and her Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University – The Eli Broad School of Management.  

“Along with my fellow colleagues, I look forward to serving on this task force,” said Lester.  “Our companies recognize the value and benefits of diversity and inclusion and aspire to continuously advance these very important areas that impact our colleagues and community.”  

Other task force members include Geana Kay-Nash, Little Caesars Vice President Customer & IT System Support; Brian Pattison, Little Caesars National Vice President Franchise Services; Nancy Amenero, Little Caesars Market Director West Regional Operations; Paola Remus, Little Caesars Market Director Southwest Regional Operations; Brett Yates, Little Caesars Vice President of Human Resources; Michele Bartos, Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Human Resources; Ellen Hill Zeringue, Sports & Entertainment Vice President Marketing; Rian Barnhill, Olympia Development Vice President of Government and Community Affairs; Piki Ghosh, Champion Foods Quality and Sanitation Manager; Jacci Woods, MotorCity Casino Hotel Vice President of Public Relations and Community Affairs; and David Turner, MotorCity Casino Hotel Vice President of Human Resources.

‍