In a city with a proud and storied musical heritage, passionate concertgoers in metro Detroit and beyond have helped propel the region’s world-class venues — DTE Energy Music Theatre, Little Caesars Arena and the Fox Theatre — to national and global renown. The concert venues, booked and promoted by 313 Presents, were each ranked among the top six nationwide for the second consecutive year for their respective categories in Pollstar’s 2019 Year-End Rankings.

• Highly acclaimed DTE Energy Music Theatre topped the Pollstar chart for Top 100 Amphitheatres in the world for the first time since 2010. The amphitheatre’s diverse and dynamic 2019 schedule was highlighted by four multiple-date performers, the most since 2004.

• In the heart of downtown, Little Caesars Arena, which also serves as home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, moved up a spot to number two in the U.S. for Top 200, behind only Madison Square Garden in New York City.

• The historic Fox Theatre, which placed sixth nationally and seventh globally, is currently nominated for Pollstar Theatre of the Year, with the winner to be announced at the 31st Annual Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles in February.

“We’re extremely grateful to the million-plus patrons from Metro Detroit and around the world who came to enjoy an incredible slate of live entertainment at our iconic venues this year,” said Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents. “We work relentlessly to support the diverse musical and entertainment interests of the people in the region.  We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our partners at Live Nation along with other national and local promoters, for helping us provide the very best in diverse, world-class, live entertainment experiences, bringing extraordinary enthusiasm and excitement to Metro Detroit and benefiting our community.”

In just over two years, Little Caesars Arena has become one of the most visited arenas in the nation with already more than 5 million tickets sold across all events.

“As the newest addition to the 313 family of venues, we are particularly proud of Little Caesars Arena as the centerpiece of the District Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, senior vice president of Olympia Development. “The continued success of the arena as well as the historic Fox Theatre is going to further enable positive development in the area with new office, retail, and residential continuing to make it an attractive area to live work and play.”

To learn more about 313 Presents and upcoming events, we invite you to visit 313Presents.com.

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The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with catcher Austin Romine on a one-year Major League contract.

“Signing an experienced catcher was high on our list of offseason priorities, and we believe Austin will have an impact both on the field and in the clubhouse,” said Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila. “He’s a proven leader and game caller who has earned respect around the league for the tenacious and passionate manner in which he plays the game.”

“When talking with the Tigers, it was clear that we were going to be a great fit,” said Tigers catcher Austin Romine. “I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and the coaches in Detroit next month, and for all of us to get back to playing baseball with spring training right around the corner. Detroit is a great baseball town, and I’m excited for what the 2020 season has in store!”

Romine, 31, played in 73 games with the New York Yankees in 2019. He established career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and hits, while tying his career high in doubles.

Originally drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Romine has played parts of eight seasons in the Majors. He was named the Yankees nominee for the 2018 Heart and Hustle Award, presented annually by the MLB Players Alumni Association to recognize one Major Leaguer from each team who demonstrates a passion for baseball and embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

A native of Lake Forest, Calif., Romine and his wife, Alexandria, have two sons, Benjamin and Henry and a daughter, Kinley. Romine’s father, Kevin, was a former Major League outfielder, appearing in 331 games over parts of seven seasons with Boston from 1985-91, while his brother, Andrew, has played nine big league seasons, including with the Tigers from 2014-17.

With the signing of Romine, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 39.

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The Detroit Tigers today selected righthanded pitcher Rony Garcia from the New York Yankees with the No. 1 pick of the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Garcia, 21, split the 2019 season between Single A Tampa and Double A Trenton. He was twice named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week in 2019, first for the week ending July 14 after throwing 8.0 shutout innings with four hits allowed and eight strikeouts on July 12 at Reading.

A native of Mao, Dominican Republic, Garcia was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent.

With the selection of Garcia, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 38.

In collaboration with city leaders, Olympia Development is contributing two parcels of land to the city to be developed as open and accessible community park space for the people of Detroit. These lower Midtown and Brush Park parcels, located on Fourth Street near Charlotte and on Watson near John R. respectively, will allow the city of Detroit to further expand its vision for increasing open and attractive green space to support new residential development.

The land is being given to the city in exchange for an extension of Olympia Development’s current development agreement for a small parcel on Henry Street at Woodward Avenue through September 12, 2022. “As we continue to carefully consider the possibilities and potential for the Henry Street development, one which will ultimately bring new jobs and opportunities for Detroiters, we are excited to contribute these two parcels of land in order to help build and expand publicly accessible open and green space for the residents of Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, senior vice president, Olympia Development. “There is tremendous potential to bring a dynamic and high-demand development to Brush Park and lower Midtown.”

The move comes on the heels of a series of recent announced plans by Olympia Development, including the addition of Spaces – an open concept work space – in the former Women’s City Club building, Boston Consulting Group coming to the new development at 2715 Woodward, and several new restaurants and retail destinations on Columbia Street.

“Receiving these two strategically located parcels will give us the final land we need to improve and expand two major parks in areas of the city that are seeing significant residential growth,” said Brad Dick, general services director, Parks & Recreation, City of Detroit. “This is a great example of partnership between developers and the city that directly benefits our residents.”

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Detroit continues to attract a diverse and premier range of world-renowned businesses to the city. Building on this momentum, the Boston Consulting Group will soon be calling 2715 Woodward Avenue home for the company’s southeast Michigan employees, becoming one of the latest principal tenants to join The District Detroit.

The $70 million building will replace a former surface parking lot at Sproat Street, creating approximately 850 construction and construction-related jobs for Detroiters and Michiganders.

For more than half a century, Boston Consulting Group, with offices in more than 50 countries, has partnered with top business and public leaders to help them effectively navigate some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the modern era – from healthcare to technology and globalization to social impact.  Notably, their metro Detroit team has more than 90 years of experience in the city.

“Moving into Detroit connects us with our clients on a whole new level,” said Michelle Andersen, Managing Director & Senior Partner of BCG’s Detroit practice. “Our staff is thrilled to be part of the energy in Detroit, and ready for the expanded opportunities to find new sources of value creation for our clients and new chances for expanding the knowledge base of our team.”

Boston Consulting Group will conduct their operations in nearly 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office space, adding vitality and economic activity to Detroit’s continuing resurgence.

“We’ve worked closely with BCG to create a vibrant workspace where its Detroit-based headquarters will grow and thrive for years to come,” said Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Olympia Development. “With strategic proximity to the growing base of talent and opportunities throughout the city, we are thrilled to welcome Boston Consulting Group to The District Detroit.”

The building is currently under construction and expected to open in Spring 2021.

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The Detroit Tigers have announced several changes to their minor league coaching staff for the 2020 season. This lineup of managers, coaches and support staff will lead affiliates throughout the Detroit Tigers player development system.

Mike Rabelo returns to Double-A Erie for a second season, where he will continue to manage the SeaWolves. In Lakeland, Andrew Graham will also reprise his role as manager of the Class A Flying Tigers. Brayan Peña now manages the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps. He takes over for Lance Parrish, who will transition to a role in the front office.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Tom Prince was recently announced as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens. As the affiliate closest to the Major League level, the Mud Hens plays a critical role in the Detroit Tigers player development system.

Follow the Detroit Tigers Player Development account on Twitter (@RoadtoDetroit) for the latest in Detroit Tigers minor league news.

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Reflecting its continued commitment to Detroit and the community, Olympia Development of Michigan has appointed three new executives who, together, bring decades of expertise to the company and community.

In her new role as Olympia Development’s Vice President, Government Affairs and Community Relations, Detroit native and resident Rian English Barnhill will lead community outreach efforts.  Barnhill will work in collaboration with residents, businesses, community organizations and public leaders to advance the company’s commitment to delivering new jobs for Detroiters, expanding access to affordable housing, and rejuvenating the city and neighborhoods with distinctive construction and redevelopment of storied landmarks.

“I am looking forward to ensuring a close link between our development efforts and the people of Detroit,” Barnhill said. “This begins with strengthening our engagement and communication with stakeholders and culminates with developments that truly benefit our great city and its residents.”

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Barnhill joins the Olympia Development team after having previously served in a variety of executive leadership positions, including roles with Detroit 90/90 and the Michigan Chronicle.

Zarah Karapetyan-Broglin, whose career spans tenures at Barton Marlow, Wayne State University, CBRE, and most recently, JLL, has been appointed Vice President of Construction.  In this capacity, Karapetyan-Broglin will manage the diverse selection of construction projects in Detroit, including the restoration of the storied Eddystone Hotel. “Detroit is a city with so much history and character,” Karapetyan-Broglin said. “I am looking forward to preserving those unique traits with steady, balanced and community-driven development that will build on the momentum we are seeing in the city.”

As a native Detroiter and principal with firms such as Pomeroy Living and PRS Equities, new Vice President of Development Stefan Stration brings more than two decades of local and national real estate development expertise across all asset classes and now leads the day-to-day efforts of the development team. “This is an exciting opportunity in an exciting city,” said Stration.  “I look forward to bringing new residential, business and retail opportunities to The District Detroit.”

All three executives will report to Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Development and The District Detroit.” As we further our efforts to help move our city forward, soliciting new ideas and seeking input from people across Detroit is a priority,” said Bradford  “These talented new hires — all of whom bring diverse expertise and proven track records — will have an important and active presence and voice in the collaborative dialogues we will be having with the community.”

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Larry Brinker, Jr., president of Detroit-based L.S. Brinker Company, is building a legacy and helping to create jobs and careers for Detroiters in collaboration with Olympia Development of Michigan. His company, founded by his father Larry Brinker, Sr. in 1989, includes several business units related to skilled trades. To date, the firm has contributed significant work to major projects in The District Detroit, including the innovative Little Caesars Arena, the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University, and the new Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion.

Brinker, in a joint venture with The Christman Company, is currently managing historic renovation of the former Women’s City Club building and the mixed-used building at 2715 Woodward Avenue, located between Little Caesars Arena and the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University. Brinker business unit, Edgewood Electric, is also performing work at the former, historic Hotel Eddystone building near Little Caesars Arena.

Skilled trade professionals and apprentices who worked on Olympia Development-related Brinker projects have gone on to work at other significant Brinker projects, including the Ford Motor Co.’s Michigan Central Train project in Corktown, LinkedIn’s new Detroit office on Woodward Avenue and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

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Al Avila, executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager of the Detroit Tigers, stopped by Columbia Street’s fast-casual Cuban-inspired eatery, Frita Batidos.

As Detroit’s passionate baseball fans know, the “Hot Stove” refers to the offseason, harkening back to a time when fans would gather on cold days around the hot stove to discuss their favorite team.  

And, as this offseason begins, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila, sat down around the “Hot Stove” for a candid conversation about the future of the team with Tigers radio play-by-play voice Dan Dickerson.  Al discussed the team’s offseason plans, touching on everything from tough roster decisions to a timeline for the franchise’s most highly touted pitching prospect.  As MLB’s first Cuban born General Manager, Al felt right at home in his first visit to The District Detroit’s newest, Cuban-inspired restaurant, Frita Batidos.

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