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Learn, Play, Score: Sharing the Gift of Hockey with Detroit’s Youth
February 19, 2020
Detroit has long been known as “Hockeytown,” but for some of Detroit’s youth, opportunities to play the sport have been beyond reach. Through community partnerships with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Parks & Recreation Department and the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University, more than 30,000 youth in the city of Detroit will experience the sport through Learn, Play, Score, a new program that offers students events and engagements over the next two years.
“This is all about empowering the youth in our city,” said Christopher Ilitch, President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and Governor, Detroit Red Wings. “Hockey is more than just a sport. It is about teamwork, dedication, maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit. We are committed to being a leader in finding innovative ways to connect younger generations to hockey in the community, and the Detroit Red Wings Learn, Play, Score program will provide that very opportunity.”
This program is funded through an initial $1 million investment in partnership with the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund to grow and expand access to the game of hockey across the city of Detroit.
“We are thrilled that the Ilitch Organization and Detroit Red Wings are engaging the city of Detroit to grow and make hockey more welcoming for everyone in the area,” said Kim Davis, NHL Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. “It is critically important to give back to cities like Detroit to make sure we are collaborating with them to develop opportunities for those who need it most.”
Ice rinks within the newly formed Detroit Hockey Rink Collaborative (DHRC), including East Side Hockey Ice Arena, Jack Adams Memorial Arena and the outdoor rink at Clark Park, will each offer affordable Learn to Skate and Little Wings Learn to Play programs.
The initiative will initially consist of five innovative and engaging hockey-related platforms.
Unique hockey platforms include:
Ice hockey platforms include:
Learn, Play, Score was announced in a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the award-winning Little Caesars Arena. Ilitch Holdings President and CEO and Detroit Red Wings Governor, President and CEO Christopher Ilitch gave opening remarks. He was joined by Kim Davis, Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs for the NHL, and Rob Zepp, Manager of Special Projects for the NHLPA.
Learn more about Detroit Red Wings Learn, Play, Score at www.DetroitRedWings.com/LearnPlayScore.
Detroit People. Detroit Pride. MotorCity Casino Hotel Celebrates 20 Years
February 18, 2020
When the MotorCity Casino Hotel opened in 1999, it brought energy, excitement and opportunity to Detroit. Now marking its 20-year anniversary of delivering modern luxury to the heart of downtown, it remains the city’s only locally owned and operated casino. Today, more than half of the casino’s employees are Detroit residents.
There have been countless enhancements and improvements over the years. And while interior and exterior facets have changed, many of the original faces have not.
MotorCity leadership is honored to have more than 400 original employees still part of the team – as committed today as they were the day the doors opened. Additionally, more than half of all current employees, 1569 individuals, have been with the company for five or more years and experienced significant career and growth opportunities. They have been cornerstones of the company’s sustained success.
Starrice Hunt, director of slot operations for MotorCity, is one of the many dedicated original employees that has risen through the ranks. A Detroit native, Hunt said she met a casino executive by chance. She was hired for an entry-level position on the slot floor and has since advanced through six positions over her 20-year career.
“I grew up in the projects,” says Hunt. “Some people would’ve categorized me as a statistic. But with MotorCity Casino affording me the opportunities that it has, I’m not a statistic. I was able to break that barrier and become very successful in my career path.”
Because of the success Hunt has had in her career, she said she’s been able to build a life for her family.
“We are proud that we have hundreds of members of our opening team still employed with us today. They are the foundation for our success, which has allowed us to consistently provide our customers with a uniquely Detroit, hometown experience,” said Bruce Dall, President of MotorCity Casino Hotel. “Two decades here in Detroit, and they have been with us every step of the way. Our colleagues truly are our greatest asset.”
Detroit Ice Dreams: Helping Bring Hockey to Kids in Detroit
February 18, 2020
Hockey is more than just a sport. The teamwork and physical activity that are ingrained in the game can help provide kids with positive life skills and nurture a love of the sport. That’s why former professional hockey player Jason McCrimmon established Detroit Ice Dreams Hockey Association in 2014 with the goal of maximizing access to the sport for kids in the city of Detroit.
In recognition of this impactful nonprofit organization, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, through the Learn, Play, Score initiative, has joined Detroit Ice Dreams to expand access to the game of hockey throughout the city.
13-year-old King Moore is just one of the kids who have flourished on the ice in Detroit. Follow Moore on his journey to the award-winning Little Caesars Arena to meet the Detroit Red Wings players who he looks up to.
Honoring Black Athletes: A New Historical Exhibition at Little Caesars Arena
February 14, 2020
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Throughout Black History Month, Ilitch Companies recognizes the rich legacy of our diverse community. That’s why, throughout the month of February, Little Caesars Arena will host a mixed-media display that pays homage to the impact Black athletes have had on hockey and baseball.
The second-annual Black History Month exhibit, a joint undertaking from the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, gives fans the chance to see a curated collection of artifacts from influential Black athletes throughout NHL and MLB history. From game-winning pucks to signed Louisville Sluggers, this display highlights the milestones of Black players throughout baseball and hockey history — both in the game and beyond.
Specific items in the display include:
The exhibit is located at the Little Caesars Arena concourse and will run during each Red Wings home game:
Detroit Red Wings Meet Fans, Discuss Organization’s Future at MotorCity Casino Hotel
February 13, 2020
Members of the Detroit Red Wings organization joined Detroit Economic Club (DEC) members at MotorCity Casino Hotel for their 15th-annual DEC luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Team managers, coaches and players met with fans, reflected on the storied franchise and looked ahead to its bright future. Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman fielded questions from fans alongside coach Jeff Blashill and players Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Luke Glendening, while Chris Granger, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Group President, Sports and Entertainment, served as host. Prior to the luncheon, retired Red Wing Niklas Kronwall and current defenseman Danny DeKeyser spoke with area high school and college students at a special breakout session.
For more about this unique event and why both the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers participate every year, check out the video below.
The DEC was formed in 1934 with a commitment to the discussion and debate of business, politics and social issues. The club has hosted an impressive roster of guest speakers, including every U.S. President since Richard Nixon, as well as Bill Gates and Walter Cronkite.
For the latest team news, visit DetroitRedWings.com.
Visiting a Vibrant Community: The Detroit Tigers Caravan Stops in Southwest Detroit
February 13, 2020
The Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc. (LA SED) Youth Center provides invaluable resources for young Hispanics and residents of Southwest Detroit. The bilingual volunteer staff of the Youth Center is dedicated to serving young people in need through advocacy, tutoring, summer employment programs and more.
In recognition of this impactful organization, the Detroit Tigers paid the staff and kids a visit while touring Southwest Detroit on their annual three-day Caravan. While there, the players spent time with the kids and fielded a variety of questions, ranging from baseball to culture and growing up. But there was one last surprise in store.
The players surprised the kids with tickets to ¡Fiesta Tigres! at Comerica Park. The annual gameday celebration honors Latino contributions to the game of baseball. The festivities include live entertainment and dancing throughout the ballpark. The public celebration, also attended by leaders in the local Hispanic community, is held this year on Aug. 15.
The team made multiple stops throughout the neighborhood to experience the one-of-a-kind setting Southwest Detroit offers to residents and visitors. The players also visited Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church, a community cornerstone and one of Detroit’s oldest churches, where they received a blessing.
Share in the experience firsthand through the video below.
Learn more about the LA SED Youth Center and all the organization does for the community at LASEDInc.org.
Guns N’ Roses’ Larger-Than-Life Global Stadium Tour Comes to Comerica Park July 2021
February 10, 2020
Rock and roll legends Guns N’ Roses will come through Comerica Park in The District Detroit on Saturday, July 11 at 6 p.m. as part of their epic 2021 worldwide tour.
Tickets start at $49.50, and can be purchased at Tigers.com/GNR, the Comerica Park box office and Tickets.com.
The iconic rock heroes will show off their vast catalogue of hits on the road, including “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “November Rain.”
The Detroit Tigers’ Annual Caravan: Giving Back to the Best Fans in the World
February 10, 2020
The Detroit Tigers’ annual Caravan brings the players to the people, allowing them to interact directly with fans and show their appreciation. During the two-day event, the athletes take part in fun activities and shine a light on the incredible people and organizations impacting their communities.
This year, Tigers players took part in an exciting array of events, from teaching fitness and life skills to kids at Detroit Public Schools, to visiting patients in the Children’s Hospital of Michigan to lift their spirits. The players also surprised and thanked some of the first responders who help keep us safe — and that was just in the first day.
In this 30-minute special for produced for Fox Sports Detroit, Tigers fans get an inside look at the dozens of amazing stops on this year’s Tigers Caravan. The show’s highlights include Matthew Boyd’s one-on-one interview with Ron Gardenhire during their car ride to Toledo; Niko Goodrum and Christin Stewart in a push-up-and-sit-up challenge with cadets at a police training academy; JaCoby Jones learns the art of shooting slap shots with the Grand Rapids Griffins; plus action-packed coverage of the incredible moments that happen when Tigers players and coaches interact with kids and fans throughout the state of Michigan.
Follow the players as they laugh and learn with fans from throughout the region in the video below.
Preserving History While Bringing Opportunity: Revitalizing the Historic Women’s City Club
February 10, 2020
Restoring historic buildings goes beyond preserving Detroit’s history; it creates jobs for Detroiters, and draws job creators and visitors to the city. Olympia Development of Michigan and Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group are reimagining the historic Women’s City Club building, which, once completed, will become a hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and bringing increased density to the Park Avenue Historic District.
As The District Detroit prepares to welcome Women’s City Club’s new occupant, Spaces — an open, shared office concept from IWG plc — we look back on the nearly 100-year history of this nationally and state-recognized historic structure.
The Women’s City Club of Detroit was founded in 1919 “to promote a broad acquaintance among women,” according to the group’s bylaws, and to give women’s groups in the city a place to meet, network and collaborate. The club grew in ranks rapidly, and a new dedicated space was needed. They purchased the site, now 2110 Park Avenue in downtown Detroit, in 1922.
The Women’s City Club building’s compelling style was led by Detroit architectural firm Stratton & Snyder. The firm took inspiration from contemporary European modern design and the Arts and Crafts style for the exterior and interior, respectively. Construction began on the six-story building in 1923, and the building opened on April 22, 1924.
Furthering the building’s connection to the Arts and Crafts movement, the building interior features stylized tiling by Pewabic Pottery, which was founded in Detroit in 1904. The building also has three ornately designed drinking fountains, each bearing Pewabic’s signature style.
Learn more about Kraemer Design Group’s approach to revitalizing the historic Women’s City Club building in the video below.
As club members advanced in age, membership declined. The organization left downtown and leased the building to the Feminist Women’s Club, founded by Gloria Steinem, in 1975. Their time in the building was brief, however, and they ceased building operations in 1978. The building then served as a notable live music concert venue throughout the ‘80s.
Now nearing its centennial, the Women’s City Club building will be revitalized into 46,000 square feet of office space and 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Many of the building’s striking details remain, such as the brick masonry, first-floor storefronts, the curved staircase and Pewabic’s tiling. Detroit-based joint venture Brinker-Christman is leading the construction.
The building’s restoration and occupancy will enhance a historic district that features thriving retail and restaurants, including Cliff Bell’s, Rusted Crow Detroit and Brass Rail Pizza Bar. It also sits near Columbia Street, a block-long pedestrian-friendly strip that includes Rush Bowls, Frita Batidos and The M Den. This area will continue to grow with the upcoming openings of Sahara Restaurant & Grill and a new Union Joints restaurant.
The Ilitch organization also restored the magnificent Fox Theatre, now a National Historic Landmark, and moved the Little Caesars headquarters to the Fox Office Centre in 1987. In addition to the restoration of these projects, other historic buildings are scheduled for restoration in The District Detroit, including the former Eddystone Hotel 110 Sproat and the former United Artists building at 150 West Bagley. Along with the restoration of the Women’s City Club building, these projects will proudly preserve Detroit’s history for generations to come.