Saturdays in the D returns for the first fall cohort of learning and enrichment for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, taking place at The District Detroit Opportunity Center at the corner of Woodward and Montcalm. In partnership with the University of Michigan, this free program is designed to help adult residents unlock new skills, expand career potential, and engage in transformative learning experiences.

“This is a wonderful next step in our outreach and engagement with Detroiters and with the University of Michigan,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan. “The District Detroit Opportunity Center has welcomed over 800 guests in its first year, and hosted dozens of community groups as we continue to connect Detroiters with access to jobs, job training, and housing.”

Saturdays in the D focuses on skills development in leadership, business, programming and emerging technology. With two sessions each day, the Fall 2024 program will explore the basics of programming computers using the Python programming language and is running every Saturday until December 14. Saturdays in the D is sponsored by Ally Financial.

The fall dates for Saturdays in the D are:

·       October 19, Little Caesars World Headquarters

·       October 16, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       October 26, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 2, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 9, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 16, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 23, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       December 7, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       December 14, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

Located at 2277 Woodward Avenue and accessible via public transportation, the Opportunity Center was created to help connect Detroit’s current and future residents with a variety of services and as a place where community groups can gather. To learn more about The District Detroit Opportunity Center, visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.

The District Detroit Opportunity Center's mission is to connect Detroit’s current and future residents with various services, including jobs, workforce training and housing. The District Detroit Opportunity Center is part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was created between Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies and the Neighborhood Advisory Council as part of the 10 new and restored building developments planned in The District Detroit.

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI), located at Grand River and Columbus Street in The District Detroit, is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2027.  The UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development intended to propel city, region and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.

Forward Has Skated in 516 NHL Games with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Detroit Since 2012-13

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled forward Austin Watson from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.

Watson, 32, made his Red Wings debut on Oct. 14 against the New York Rangers, logging two penalty minutes and two hits in 4:54 time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward has also recorded six assists, a plus-six rating and 19 penalty minutes in seven games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. Watson played the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 93 penalty minutes in 33 games. Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round (18th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Watson has compiled 118 points (60-58-118) and 707 penalty minutes in 516 games with the Predators, Ottawa Senators, Lightning and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also registered 19 points (10-9-19) and 48 penalty minutes in 45 postseason contests, helping the Predators reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Watson has played in parts of seven AHL seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals and Griffins, racking up 138 points (73-65-138), a plus-16 rating and 108 penalty minutes in 241 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson is one of six Michigan-born players on Detroit’s active roster, joining forwards Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor), Alex DeBrincat (Farmington Hills), Dylan Larkin (Waterford), Tyler Motte (St. Clair), and defenseman Jeff Petry (Ann Arbor). Watson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and London Knights from 2008-12 prior to turning professional, winning OHL championships with Windsor in 2009 and London in 2012. During his major junior career, Watson collected 219 points (89-130-219) and 164 penalty minutes in 244 games, in addition to 22 points (12-10-22) and 27 penalty minutes in 43 postseason matchups. Watson captured a Memorial Cup title with Windsor in 2009 under Red Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, and later earned the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL Playoff MVP with London in 2012. Watson also skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2009-10, notching six points (4-2-6) and 33 penalty minutes in nine appearances. On the international stage, Watson served as an alternate captain with Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, collecting one assist and 27 penalty minutes in 10 games. He also competed at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, showing nine points (3-6-9) and a plus-six rating in six games. Watson earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging three points (2-1-3), a plus-two rating and 33 penalty minutes in seven contests.

Educators make a difference in the lives of their students every day. The Detroit Red Wings Best in Class program, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer, shows gratitude to Michigan teachers and educators positively impacting children both inside and outside the classroom.

Nominations are now being accepted for the program, which will recognize 75 teachers throughout the 2024-25 season. Selected teachers will receive an award, a complimentary pregame dinner at Little Caesars Arena, and two tickets to a preselected Red Wings home game.

In April, one teacher will be selected as the Best in Class grand prize winner, receiving a $5,000 grant and a postgame meet and greet with a Detroit Red Wings player.

Nominations should include how the teacher has improved student achievement, used innovative strategies in the classroom, or made a difference in the lives of their students. Michigan K-12 educators in all disciplines are eligible.  Nominations are reviewed by the Red Wings, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Meijer, who will select 25 teachers to honor at the games on January 14 and March 4, 2025. The first 25 awardees were honored at the October 10 home opener.

Click here to nominate a teacher.

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When fans attend an event at Little Caesars Arena, dining options run the gamut from arena classics and Little Caesars pizza, to fare that is distinctly Detroit.

The Mixing Board, with made-from-scratch menu items that showcase the best ingredients and flavors of the Motor City, recently celebrated Hockeytown Opening Week with new menu items, including a beef birria taco made with corn shells from Detroit’s La Michoacana Tortilleria, and homemade short rib ravioli with roasted mushroom, pickled blackberries, arugula and pecorino Romano tossed in a cacio e pepe sauce.

Little Caesars Arena also houses two UWM District Market locations which offer a sampling of Detroit’s diverse flavors. UWM District Market (Via Concourse) began the hockey season with candy apples and cider floats, while UWM District Market (Upper Concourse) has added a chicken shawarma pita and a lamb and beef gyro to its offerings. The Grill Stand (PORTAL 12) is honoring Detroit’s Polish influence with mini paczkis and pierogi nachos.

It’s all part of the innovative approach by Ilitch Sports +Entertainment and venue concession partner Delaware North to connect with the city of Detroit through partnerships with small restaurant businesses and local favorites. For the last two years, Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park have welcomed Detroit-based, minority-owned businesses to share their celebrated Detroit-style fare. Local restauranteurs have included Baobab Fare, Breadless, Shell Shock’d, Yum Village, Bert’s Marketplace, and The Lobster Food Truck, among others.

Local restaurant pop-ups first became part of the gameday experience at Little Caesars Arena during the 2022-23 Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons seasons. The initiative, aimed at increasing economic inclusion for Detroiters, proved popular with fans and with the restaurant owners.

This season, Little Caesars Arena will feature EggRollDiva (now through Nov. 15), Fried Chicken and Caviar (Nov. 18 through Dec. 20), Curt Got Crabs (Dec. 23 through Jan. 18), Breadless (Jan. 23-Mar. 1), and Cooking with Que (Mar. 4-Apr. 14), among other local restauranteurs.

"At Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we believe that bringing the flavors of Detroit into Little Caesars Arena is essential to delivering an unforgettable experience for our fans,” said Amanda Vought, Vice President, Guest Strategy, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Partnering with local businesses not only celebrates the rich culinary heritage of our city but also creates meaningful opportunities for small, Detroit-based entrepreneurs to shine on a larger stage. It’s about sharing the stories behind these amazing dishes and making every visit to the arena a true taste of what makes Detroit special."

Other new concessions and menu items available at Little Caesars Arena include:

·      Spicy Asian Chicken Sandwich at The Coop

·      Hand-Pressed Gelato Sandwich, available at all Gelato Carts

·      Double Hand-Pressed Burger at 313 Grills

·      Cali Tri Tip Sandwich, Jefferson BLT, Motor City Ham Sandwich, Turkey Trot and Brie and The 2645 Pastrami, all available at the 1701Pub

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In early October, in response to Hurricane Helene, local Little Caesars franchise owner, Michael Freeman, in western North Carolina, supported those affected by the devastating storm in their neighboring communities. Little Caesars, Blue Line and Franchise Services team members provided assistance to several impacted communities west of Asheville, including Clyde, Sylva, and Bryson City.

In each town, Little Caesars employees delivered pizzas to local hospitals caring for residents who were displaced and injured by the hurricane as well as first responders at nearby police and fire stations who provided immediate assistance in the aftermath. The donation from Little Caesars colleagues helped nourish those in need and demonstrated the company’s deep appreciation for the heroes working tirelessly to support their community.

“We are immensely grateful to Little Caesars,” said Chris Brown, market president & chief executive officer of Haywood Regional Medical Center. “The team that arrived to provide meals not only brought us food, but also joy and comfort during such a difficult time. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this effort. Your support made a meaningful impact that we won’t soon forget.”

To ensure a swift and impactful response, Little Caesars employees from the local franchisee in North Carolina and regional corporate team members quickly mobilized supplies and developed a plan to help as many people as possible. In total, the team served 231 pizzas, Crazy Puffs, and brownies to more than 900 individuals in just two days.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Tracy Hewett, East Vice President of Franchise Services, Little Caesars Enterprises. “As soon as we heard about what these communities were going through, we immediately gathered our team to help. Having our nearby teammates come together to serve their neighbors, especially amid their most desperate time of need, is what the mission of Little Caesars is all about.”

Little Caesars is committed to supporting North Carolina communities as they recover. The Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a fleet of trucks that travel city to city providing relief to the food insecure, people without housing, disaster survivors, military and first responders, is set to join their efforts.

If you know of an organization or community impacted by a natural disaster that Little Caesars could assist, please fill out the form on this page. Since the inception of the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, an estimated 50,000 franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time over the years to support the program in their local communities.

This holiday season promises to be brighter, merrier, and more colorful with the return of Magic of Lights. Pine Knob Music Theatre will once again be transformed into a vibrant drive-through light display creating unforgettable memories for all. The festive event opens Friday, November 22 and runs through Monday, December 30. Pine Knob Music Theatre is presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally.

PASSES: A limited number of Santa Saver passes are available starting at $18.00 while supplies last.  Any Day passes (including holidays) for standard vehicles start at $27.50 for advance purchase. Weekday passes (Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays) for standard vehicles start at $22.50 for advance purchase.  Limo and party bus passes are available at $65 for advance purchase. Passes must be purchased online only at magicoflights.com. There are no exchanges or refunds. Please note, that each vehicle requires only one pass to be used only one time.

Produced by Family Entertainment Live, “Magic of Lights” is making its return to Pine Knob Music Theatre for the fifth annual year. This enchanting event will showcase dozens of displays, festive favorites, and captivating digital animations, all brought to life with millions of LED lights, ensuring a memorable holiday experience for the entire family.

“We’re excited for Magic of Lights to return to Pine Knob Music Theatre” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live, “We hope Magic of Lights has become a part of the Clarkston community holiday tradition and will be for many years to come.”

Guests can experience Magic of Lights’ beloved holiday displays from the comfort of their own vehicle, including Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. Along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will be new and captivating light tunnels to enhance the festive journey.

For the 2024 season, the brand-new MagicVision Selfie Filters will be unveiled featuring fun filters that will transform your selfies into festive holiday-themed images, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Other dazzling displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, a Prehistoric Christmas scene with life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the iconic BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. With over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights offers a nostalgic and festive experience that everyone will love.

Guests can also stop inside the Jolly Holiday Village, which allows visitors to walk through a majestic out-of-car area.

QUICK FACTS - MAGIC OF LIGHTS

·      2+ million lights per Magic of Lights event

·      12.6 miles of light cord per Magic of Lights event

·      3,750 staff hours to set up each Magic of Lights event

·      The steel displays are designed, bent, cut and welded into about 800 frames that are combined in different configurations to create each show's giant winter holiday scenes. Each frame of each scene is designed using the latest CAD technology and hand built in-house from 15 pages of design specifications each.

·      Each Magic of Lights show uses about 10 miles of steel to build the displays and 10 miles of LED lighting installed inside the displays, and there are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used in the shows.

·      Scenes, such as the animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie, are as high as 32 ft. tall and as long as several hundred feet.

In 1974, Randy Lippe started working as an hourly employee at a Little Caesars restaurant in metro Detroit. Five decades later, Ilitch Companies celebrated Lippe’s dedicated service to the family of businesses, where he now works as an executive for Olympia Development.

Along the way, Lippe assisted in continued growth across Ilitch Companies, including Little Caesars, Olympia Entertainment, and Olympia Development, where he played a key role in the opening of nearly every facility, from Comerica Park to Little Caesars Arena to the Little Caesars World Headquarters.

“I’d like to be remembered for my dedication to the company ,my perseverance, as someone that was caring and didn’t always necessarily think of themselves,” said Lippe. “One of the important things in my career has been my ability to accept change. Early on, I understood that there were three parts of change – beginning, middle and end. If you can grasp that, it helps you extend your career, because things will always change.”

Lippe’s dedication to the organization was honored recently at a Tigers game, where his children threw out the first pitch, as well as at a celebratory luncheon with family, friends and colleagues.

“What makes Randy invaluable is how he conducts himself, how he works, and how he treats other people. It’s remarkable,” said Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch. “In many respects, he helped set the values of this organization – dedication, loyalty, commitment, hard work and kindness.”

Defenseman Has Played in 325 Games with Maple Leafs and Red Wings Since 2017-18

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled defenseman Justin Holl from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Holl, 32, has skated in two games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, recording one assist, a plus-one rating and two penalty minutes in 18:38 average time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound defenseman spent the 2023-24 campaign with the Red Wings, logging five assists, a plus-eight rating and 22 penalty minutes in 38 games. Originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Holl has tallied 88 points (11-77-88), a plus-67 rating and 174 penalty minutes in 325 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Red Wings since 2017-18. Holl has also registered 68 points (20-48-68), a plus-59 rating and 79 penalty minutes in 194 AHL games between the Rockford Ice Hogs and Toronto Marlies, helping the Marlies win a Calder Cup championship in 2018. He made his professional debut with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel in 2014-15, contributing 34 points (7-27-34) and 39 penalty minutes in 66 games.

A native of Tonka Bay, Minn., Holl played four seasons at the University of Minnesota from 2010-14 prior to turning professional, notching 38 points (8-30-38), a plus-34 rating and 76 penalty minutes in 142 games. Holl helped the Golden Gophers clinch Frozen Four berths in 2012 and 2014, in addition to capturing the Big Ten’s inaugural regular-season title in 2013-14. He competed at Minnetonka (Minn.) High School from 2007-10, totaling 39 points (18-21-39)and 12 penalty minutes in 77 games. Holl also suited up for the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers during the 2009-10 season, recording four assists, a plus-seven rating and six penalty minutes in 11 regular-season games, along with two points (1-1-2) in eight playoff matchups.

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Leading Pizza Chain Debuts Express Locations This Fall with More to Come in 2025

Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, announced today it is expanding its footprint with non-traditional restaurants, signing new license agreements to debut Little Caesars express locations across college campuses. Targeting a younger crowd that craves affordable and delicious meals while juggling a busy schedule, Little Caesars is opening this fall at Eastern Michigan University and at Washington State University in 2025, with additional restaurants in the pipeline for 2025.

“With convenience, value and quality at the forefront of everything Little Caesars does, the brand is a great fit for college campuses. We’re excited to kick off the school year with these new opportunities to deliver to students and faculty the food and dining experience that meets their individual needs and preferences,” said Bryan Ketelhut, National Director of Non-Traditional and Development Services at Little Caesars. “By expanding our brand’s presence across non-traditional venues, we’re also giving franchisees the opportunity to diversify their business portfolios, staying competitive in each of their respective markets and keeping Little Caesars top-of-mind with consumers in their communities.”

Overseeing the operations of Little Caesars at Eastern Michigan University’s Crossroads Marketplace is Sheena and Lenny Plocharczyk. Having worked with Little Caesars franchise services department for many years, the husband-and-wife team understand how to run a successful franchise and drive sales.

“Given our experience working at the corporate level and recognizing there is strong demand for iconic brands like Little Caesars to be accessible across college campuses, we knew this was a great investment opportunity for us to jump on board with,” said Sheena Plocharczyk. “The transition to becoming franchisees has been smooth and the support we have received from the team has helped set us up for success on campus. As an alumna of Eastern Michigan University, I am really excited about this new business endeavor.”

Little Caesars has also partnered with Washington State University’s Dining Services to open a location in the Compton Union Building(CUB) food court. “We are very excited to bring a nationally recognized pizza brand to the food court and believe it will be very popular with our students,” said Karee Shaw, director of the CUB. “It will complement the other concepts we have in the food court and offer variety to the campus community.”

To become more accessible to guests, Little Caesars is focused on expanding its non-traditional locations in 2024 and beyond. The leading pizza chain is committed to bringing Little Caesars to consumers across a variety of settings, including university towns and college campuses, casinos, amusement parks, stadiums, hospitals, zoos and airports. With Little Caesars infamous grab-and-go menu items, including Crazy Puffs® and HOT-N-READY® pizza, the brand is equipped to provide the types of food products travelers, students and fans are craving at these high foot traffic hubs.   

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