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

Kasper, 20, has recorded two points (1-1-2) and seven penalty minutes in two games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound forward also logged three points (2-1-3), a plus-one rating and two penalty minutes in four preseason games with the Red Wings. Kasper spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Griffins, tallying 35 points (14-21-35), a plus-nine rating and 30 penalty minutes in 71 regular-season games, in addition to seven points (4-3-7) in nine postseason contests. Selected by the Red Wings in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Kasper made his NHL debut as an 18-year-old on April 2, 2023 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, finishing with one shot and three hits in 14:59 time on ice. Prior to arriving in North America, Kasper compiled 35 points (15-20-35) and 93 penalty minutes in 108games with Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League from 2020-23, along with 15 points (8-7-15) in 18 games with the under-20 team and eight points (3-5-8) in seven games at the under-18 level. Kasper also helped Rögle BK win a Champions Hockey League title in 2022.

A native of Innsbruck, Austria, Kasper made his professional debut in his home country with EC KAC II of the Alps Hockey League, picking up two points (1-1-2) in three games during the 2019-20 season. Kasper also racked up 153 points (45-108-153), a plus-111 rating and 40 penalty minutes in 66 games with EC KACII's under-18 squad from 2017-20, in addition to 30 points (12-18-30) in 16 postseason matchups. On the international stage, Kasper contributed two assists in seven games with Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Championship in Helsinki and Tampere, Finland. He also captained Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, making two appearances before the tournament was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Kasper previously represented Austria at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, posting one assist in four games.

Watson Has Skated in 516 Games with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Detroit Since 2012-13; Holl Has Played in 325 Games with Toronto and Detroit Since 2017-18

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forward Austin Watson and defenseman Justin Holl to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

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 three assists, a plus-three rating and seven penalty minutes in two 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, Senators, Lightning and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also tallied 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 135 points (73-62-135), a plus-13 rating and 96 penalty minutes in 236 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., 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 registered 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, collecting 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, registering 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.

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, recording 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 in325 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Red Wings since 2017-18. Holl has also logged 68 points (20-48-68), a plus-59 rating and 79 penalty minutes in 194 AHL games between the Rockford IceHogs 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 39penalty 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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As the Detroit Red Wings began the 2024-25 season last week, players participated in the fan-favorite Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk on Saturday, October 12 before hosting the Nashville Predators.

The annual event allowed fans to interact with Red Wings players and coaches, while getting autographs and taking photos. Local youth hockey players representing organizations throughout metro Detroit served as escorts.

“It’s a unique experience to grow our fanbase from the ground up,” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Community Impact Manager Merideth Gokey. “The kids represent programs sponsored by Ilitch Companies, including Street Hockey in the D and Little Caesars AAA Hockey.”

This year’s Street Hockey in the D: Summer Series provided more than 300 Detroit youth aged 6-14 with an opportunity to learn the basics of hockey, along with fundamental life skills at eight Detroit Parks & Recreation locations across the city.

Coach Derek LaLonde’s escort was Julian Seabrook, who first met the coach at a Street Hockey in the D program this summer at Adams Butzel Recreation Complex.

“I will never forget it,” Seabrook said. “I was excited, but my heart was beating. People gave me fist bumps. It was a nice experience.”

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Upholding the corporate value of giving back, colleagues from Ilitch Companies recently volunteered with Life Remodeled’s Six Day Project, which has annually led beautification projects in Detroit. The effort was in partnership with Meijer as part of the Detroit Tigers City Connect initiative.

More than 50 colleague volunteers worked in the east side neighborhood that will be home to Life Remodeled’s new Anchor Detroit, which will serve as an opportunity hub for Denby residents, providing access to educational, job and health and wellness resources.

“At the Ilitch Companies, we strongly believe that colleague engagement in our local communities is a critical part of our organization’s culture,” said Joshua Sanborn, Director of the Ilitch Companies Foundation. “The mission of Life Remodeled and other likeminded nonprofits aligns with our community goals of positively impacting Detroit, both downtown and in the city’s neighborhoods.”

As the holiday season approaches, Ilitch Companies colleagues will volunteer at nonprofits including Focus:HOPE, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank, The Children’s Center Holiday Shop, and others that are dedicated to helping the people of Detroit.

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In conjunction with 313 Presents, the University of Michigan basketball team announced a charity exhibition game against Oakland University to benefit Forgotten Harvest at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, October 20 at 5 p.m. The charity exhibition will be available on BTN Plus.

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 23 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling the Group Sales Department at (313) 471-3099.

Forgotten Harvest is a non-profit food insecurity organization whose vision is to work with communities to end hunger and create individual, neighborhood, economic, and environmental health. Food insecurity is one’s inability to obtain sufficient food for their household’s needs.

Metro Detroit’s largest food rescue operation, Forgotten Harvest rescues surplus food produced, or ordered, in amounts greater than what can be sold from over 560 food donors and delivers it for free to over 220 community agency partners. Last fiscal year (2022-23) Forgotten Harvest distributed over 40 million pounds of food, or 33 million meals.

The exhibition not only marks the debut of U-M’s new head coach Dusty May, while Oakland’s legendary head coach Greg Kampe begins his 41st campaign with the Golden Grizzlies.

Michigan has had nine regular season matchups with Oakland, including the last in 2020 at Crisler Center. The charity exhibition marks the third time the Wolverines and Golden Grizzlies will have played at the home of the Detroit Pistons -- Little Caesars Arena (2024) and The Palace of Auburn Hills (2008 and 2011).

U-M makes its third appearance playing in Little Caesars Arena. U-M faced Detroit Mercy (W, 90-58) in the first collegiate basketball game (Dec. 16, 2017) in the new downtown arena. The Maize and Blue then hosted Eastern Michigan in a Battle of Washtenaw Country on Nov. 11, 2022 -- a thrilling 88-83 victory over the Eagles.

Oakland has made six trips to Little Caesars Arena, playing Michigan State on three occasions (2017, 2019 and 2021) in mid-December, while adding three games in the Horizon League Tournament (2018 and 2019). The Golden Grizzlies are 1-5 in downtown contests.

Dusty May, University of Michigan Head Coach

“Creating unique experiences for our players and fans is something we strive to do. This exhibition creates a great match-up for two great in-state programs and helps the Detroit community as we’ve partnered with Forgotten Harvest. We want to make sure we draw the attention needed to their cause and help their goal of providing everyone a meal, every day.”

Greg Kampe, Oakland University Head Coach

“We’re really excited for this exhibition game and for Oakland to be Dusty’s first opponent as Michigan’s head coach. Our team is looking forward to it, but more importantly, we’re honored to contribute to the fight against hunger in our community and we’re proud to support an organization like Forgotten Harvest that does so much for those in need.”

Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest

“Forgotten Harvest is so proud to be the benefactor of this exhibition, these two great universities, coaches and teams coming together to bring awareness to the ongoing hunger problem here in our community is really an inspiration for all of us to get involved today and make a difference in the lives of a neighbor in need.”

Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents

“I am excited to partner with Forgotten Harvest to host two great institutions, the University of Michigan and Oakland University, at Little Caesars Arena. Forgotten Harvest works tirelessly to relieve hunger and prevent food waste, and I couldn’t be happier to see these two schools come together to help support the dedicated metro Detroit-based organization and their community. We look forward to providing an exceptional game-night experience for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans.”

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Enhancements are underway at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, including the replacement of more than 5,000 guest seats. A new wayfinding system similar to the Portal entry system at Little Caesars Arena will also be implemented to efficiently direct guests to their seats. Details on further enhancements to the theatre will be announced later.

To accommodate the renovation process, the theatre is closed for ticketed events – including concerts and shows – through late September.  

The Fox Theatre is part of The District Detroit, a dynamic urban destination in the heart of Detroit and a driving catalyst of the city’s resurgence. The theatre is one of the most iconic theatres and music venues in the world. In addition to hosting some of the biggest names in show business, the historic venue features a collection of award-winning Broadway musicals, interactive stage shows and treasured holiday favorites. The Fox Theatre is the second-largest theatre in the nation, second only to Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Guest seats will be enhanced on all levels, including the installation of cup holders on the back of every seat, new seat bottoms and backs for increased comfort. New fabric will resemble the original historic fabric, with the original “Fox Theatre” logo embedded. Each row will also feature a row letter illuminator, providing a more efficient way for guests to locate their seats before or during an event.  

Approximately 2,000 original seats will be designated for historical preservation, donated to local non-profit organizations, and auctioned off to benefit local charities.

Throughout the planning process for the upcoming enhancements, historic theatres across the country were benchmarked to gather best practices for industry-leading guest advancements.

“The Fox Theatre has hosted some of the world’s greatest performers and most popular shows throughout its storied history, and provided generations of Detroiters with countless memories,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “We are excited to make these investments in the Fox to further elevate the guest experience, while preserving the elegance that truly makes this iconic theatre Detroit’s crown jewel.”  

Shortly after acquiring the Fox in 1987, the Ilitches began a robust restoration of the building. After nearly a year-long renovation, 100 percent of the theatre was restored, preserving 80 percent of the original finish. The middle balcony level of the theatre was converted into a private viewing area, providing an intimate setting for guests in 17 “Loge” style boxes.

The Fox Theatre celebrated its grand re-opening on Nov. 19, 1988, with a show called “Curtains Up.”

In addition to the Fox Theatre renovations in 1987 and 1988, the surrounding office building was upgraded and in 1989, the Ilitches moved Little Caesars Headquarters into the Fox Office Building. That same year, the Fox Theatre was designated a National Historic Landmark due to, among other things, its history, architecture and cultural significance.

The Fox Theatre is one of the anchors of The District Detroit, a premier sports and entertainment destination in the heart of Detroit, with Little Caesars Arena three blocks north, Comerica Park one block east and Ford Field three blocks east – all serving as catalysts for the city’s ongoing resurgence.

Ilitch-owned Olympia Development is providing design and construction oversight with Detroit-based general contractor Sachse Construction, Detroit-based architects Neumann Smith, Michigan-based seating company Irwin, and Detroit-based fabric company Maharam in partnership with theatre consultant Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts, LLC.

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Detroit Assigns Ville Husso to Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled forward Austin Watson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have assigned goaltender Ville Husso to the Griffins.

Watson, 32, has recorded three assists, a plus-three rating and seven penalty minutes in two games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Red Wings on Oct. 7 after spending training camp on a professional tryout, logging one assist, a plus-one rating and 27 penalty minutes in four preseason appearances. Watson played the entire 2023-24 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 93 penalty minutes in 33 games. He spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Ottawa Senators, collecting 11 points (9-2-11) and 123 penalty minutes in 75 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 705 penalty minutes in 515 games with the Predators, Senators and Lightning since 2012-13. He has also tallied 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 135 points (73-62-135), a plus-13 rating and 96 penalty minutes in 236 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson is one of six Michigan-born skaters on Detroit’s active roster, joining forwards Alex DeBrincat (Farmington Hills), Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor), Dylan Larkin (Waterford) and Tyler Motte (St. Clair), and defenseman Jeff Petry (Ann Arbor). Prior to turning professional, Watson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and London Knights from 2008-12, winning OHL championships with Windsor in 2009 and London in 2012. During his major junior career, Watson registered 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, collecting 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, registering 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.

Husso, 29, has started one game with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound netminder was limited to 19 appearances with Detroit in 2023-24, posting a 9-5-2 record with a 3.55 goals-against average and an 0.892 save percentage. Husso also stopped all 25 shots he faced with the Griffins on Jan. 26 against the Belleville Senators during a conditioning stint. He spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the Red Wings, logging a 26-22-7 record with a 3.11 goals-against average, an 0.896 save percentage and four shutouts in 56 games. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (94th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Husso has compiled a 69-41-16 record with a 3.03 goals-against average, a 0.902 save percentage and seven shutouts in 133 appearances with the Blues and Red Wings since 2020-21. Additionally, Husso has posted a 51-54-16 record with a 2.68 goals-against average, a 0.909 save percentage and 11 shutouts in 130 AHL games with the Chicago Wolves, San Antonio Rampage and Griffins, earning a place on the AHL All-Rookie Team in 2017-18.  
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A native of Helsinki, Finland, Husso played three seasons with HIFK in Finland's SM-Liiga from 2013-16 prior to arriving in North America, finishing with a 60-33-21 record and 10 shutouts in 121 appearances. In his final season with HIFK, Husso was named to the SM-Liiga All-Star Team and captured the Urpo Ylönen Award as the league's top goaltender after recording the circuit's best goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (0.927) in 39 games during the 2015-16 campaign. On the international stage, Husso represented Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, showing a 1-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and an 0.863 save percentage in three appearances. He also competed at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2014 and 2015, winning a gold medal at the 2014 tournament. Husso was a member of Finland’s bronze-medal entry at the 2013 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and made three appearances at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

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From Tuesday night’s drone show to an electric atmosphere at sold-out Comerica Park for Game 3 of the ALDS, Detroit is making the most out of Detroit Tigers postseason baseball.

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Block Parties, Fan Giveaways and More

Enjoy several pre-game activities at Comerica Park, and plan to arrive early to catch a Tigers’ favorite throw out the first pitch.

New Food and Drink at Comerica Park

Whether you’re grabbing a bite or drink during the the game, Comerica Park is featuring several post-season food and beverage offerings.

Pre- and Post-Game Dining

Pedestrian-only Columbia Street – just across the street from Comerica Park – offers a variety of options before and after events.

• JoJo’s ShakeBAR:   with a menu ranging from brunch to dinner and loaded dessert, JoJo’s pays homage to Motown greats in a lively atmosphere. 
• Union Assembly: providing customers with a variety of all-American foods and drinks with a Detroit spin amid their day or night out on the town. 
• Frita Batidos: looking for Cuban-inspired burgers, fries and milkshakes? Frita’s is the spot to give you tropical vibes before exploring The District Detroit. 
• Sahara Restaurant & Grill: this authentic Chaldean and Middle Eastern restaurant gives a global feel, right in the heart of Detroit.

Bag Policy

Bags, purses and clutches larger than 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″ are prohibited. Single compartment bags, wallets and clutches smaller than 4” x 6” x1.5 with or without a handle strap are permitted.

Bags, wallets, and clutches needed for medical necessity, including medical bags, diaper bags with supplies for children, breast pumps and other medical devices smaller than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ are allowed.

For details on permitted and prohibited items, click here.

Parking

With 8,500 parking spaces across more than five parking structures and multiple surface parking lots, safe and convenient parking is available. 

Please Note: All parking structures and lots are cashless and are open 24 hours a day. 

• Olympia  Parking provides guests the ability to pre-book parking before reaching your destination. You can pre-pay for parking based on the event you’re attending, at ParkDistrictDetroit.com.
• Guests who do not wish to pre-book parking can access Olympia Parking facilities with a credit card, based on availability. 
• Many lots and garages are “passes only,” so pre-purchasing on ParkDistrictDetroit.com is the best way to ensure a close and convenient spot.
• Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the going rate with presentation of an accessible license plate or hang tag. Check out an accessible parking map here.

Cashless Transactions

If you bring cash to an event, you can use a reverse ATM machine, which allows you to transfer cash onto a card for concessions, apparel, drinks and more. Reverse ATMS are located at Concourse Section 121, Concourse Section 138 to 141, Tiger Club Lobby Section 110, and D Shop Section 119 (Big Cat Court).

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