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Red Wings Assign Austin Watson to Grand Rapids
October 7, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forward Austin Watson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Watson, 32, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Red Wings on Oct. 7 after spending training camp on a professional tryout, recording one assist, a plus-one rating and 27 penalty minutes in four preseason games. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward 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. Watson spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Ottawa Senators, logging 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 played in parts of six seasons with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, racking up 132 points (73-59-132), a plus-10 rating and 89 penalty minutes in 234 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 244games, 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.
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Red Wings Announce Updated Start Time to 8:00 PM for Opening Night on Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Penguins at Little Caesars Arena
October 7, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today announced an updated start time of 8:00 p.m. for their home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Little Caesars Arena.
The game, originally scheduled for 7:00 p.m., will now begin at 8:00 p.m. due to Game Four of the American League Division Series being held at Comerica Park on Thursday at 6:08 p.m. The Red Wings-Penguins game will be broadcast live on Bally Sports Detroit and air on WWJ Newsradio 950.
With heavy traffic volume expected that evening in downtown Detroit, fans are encouraged to arrive early and to give themselves extra time by reserving parking in advance at Olympia Parking locations by visiting ParkWhiz.com.
Before the Tigers and Red Wings games, Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet SportsBar will open at 3:30 p.m. All restaurants are accessible from outside Little Caesars Arena for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans. The Chevrolet Plaza and the Budweiser Biergarten will open for Fan Fest at 4:30 p.m., with the Team Store opening at 3:30 p.m. During the pregame festival, fans can play street hockey adjacent to Little Caesars Arena. The band Collison Six will perform live in the Chevrolet Plaza.
Doors to Little Caesars Arena for ticketed fans will open at 5:00 p.m. All ticketed fans will receive an Opening Night Rally Towel, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer. Coca-Cola samples will be available in the Via concourse.
An updated Red Wings schedule is available at DetroitRedWings.com/schedule.
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Detroit Tigers and Delaware North Unveil Exciting New Food and Beverage Offerings for 2024 ALDS at Comerica Park
October 6, 2024
The Detroit Tigers and food, beverage and retail partner Delaware North today announced a new lineup of must-try culinary creations for Comerica Park during the 2024 American League Division Series (ALDS).
“We’re excited to bring these locally inspired dishes and drinks to Comerica Park for the ALDS,” said Joe Slomski, Delaware North’s general manager at Comerica Park. “Our goal is to enhance the fan experience by offering flavors that reflect the city of Detroit and the excitement of postseason baseball.”
Featured Menu Items:
Locally Sourced Favorites:
Comerica Park continues to highlight local flavors with Shelia’s Bakery supplying both horchata and tres leches cake at Miller Lite Market (Section 149), bringing Detroit’s best to postseason dining.
Signature Beverages:
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Red Wings Reduce Roster to 23
October 6, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forwards Sheldon Dries and Joe Snively, and defensemen Justin Holl, William Lagesson and Brogan Rafferty to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
The roster moves bring the Red Wings to a 23-man roster, consisting of 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. The Red Wings will begin their 99th season in franchise history on Thursday, Oct. 10 with a home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
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Red Wings Sign Austin Watson to One-Year Contract
October 6, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Austin Watson to a one-year, two-way contract.
Watson, 32, spent training camp with the Red Wings on a professional tryout, recording one assist, a plus-one rating and 27 penalty minutes in four preseason games. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward 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. Watson spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Ottawa Senators, logging 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 played in parts of six seasons with the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, racking up 132 points (73-59-132), a plus-10 rating and 89 penalty minutes in 234 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.
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Postseason Baseball Returns to Detroit
October 6, 2024
Tigers to Hold Drone Show on Tuesday, October 8 and Host Fan Block Parties Ahead of ALDS Home Games Presented by Meijer
The best fans in baseball are invited to celebrate the incredible postseason run by the Detroit Tigers starting Tuesday, Oct. 8 and continuing throughout the week. The Tigers will host the Cleveland Guardians for Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 3:08 p.m. and if necessary, Game 4 of the ALDS on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:08 p.m.
“Tigers fans have been incredibly supportive all season long, and we can’t wait to celebrate the return of postseason baseball to Comerica Park,” said Asia Gholston, Vice President of Marketing, Detroit Tigers. “We encourage our fans to wear orange and arrive early for some exciting events outside the ballpark. We’re looking forward to what will be an unforgettable environment inside Comerica Park when the gates open for Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday afternoon.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m., a special Drone Show, presented by Meijer, will take place outside Comerica Park. Fans are invited to gather on Columbia Street near the Fox Theatre in The District Detroit for the best viewing experience. The Drone Show is free to attend, and no ticket is required.
ALDS Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 9 (3:08 p.m. first pitch)
Fans are invited to attend a free pregame Block Party, presented by Meijer, outside Comerica Park on Witherell Street. Gates will open at 12 p.m., ahead of the 3:08 p.m. first pitch.
Local favorites Bert’s Marketplace and Yum Village will have food trucks available. Detroit City Distillery and a draft beer trailer will be available for fans 21 and older. Postseason merchandise will be available for purchase, and local DJs will perform on the Meijer Stage in front of the Comerica Entry.
Fans will also be able to enjoy face painters and airbrush artists, a 360-degree camera and several photo opportunities. 97.1 The Ticket, the Tigers’ flagship station on the Detroit Tigers Radio Network, will broadcast live from the Block Party.
Gates to Comerica Park will open at 1 p.m., and all ticketed fans with an assigned seat will receive an orange postseason Rally Towel, presented by Meijer.
ALDS Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday, Oct. 10 (6:08 p.m. first pitch)
Thursday’s pregame Block Party for a potential Game 4 of the ALDS will get underway at 3 p.m. outside Comerica Park. Gates to Comerica Park for the scheduled 6:08 p.m. first pitch will open at 4 p.m. All fans with an assigned seat will receive an orange postseason Rally Towel, presented by Meijer.
For additional information on the ALDS home games at Comerica Park, fans should visit Tigers.com/Postseason or follow the club on social media @Tigers.
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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to Serve as Sports Marketing Agency for Wayne State University Department of Athletics
October 3, 2024
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the business division of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, and the Wayne State University Department of Athletics today announced a partnership in which IS+E will serve as the exclusive sports marketing agency for the Warriors. Through the multi-year partnership, IS+E’s corporate partnerships team will manage the sale of sponsorships on behalf of Wayne State Athletics, in addition to strategic planning for partner activations.
Similar models are prevalent across the intercollegiate athletics and professional sports landscape, with athletic departments, teams and venues partnering with third-party brand management agencies to sell and activate corporate partnerships, among other services. Working with the highly experienced team at IS+E will offer Wayne State Athletics access to innovative approaches and best practices that maximize the athletic department’s brand exposure and revenue opportunities, while providing corporate partners with dynamic experiences and high-value visibility.
“We are excited to announce this innovative partnership with Wayne State Athletics,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Our corporate partnerships team, under the leadership of Chief Commercial Officer Chris Coffman, is committed to advancing the Wayne State Athletics brand presence across Metro Detroit during a new and dynamic era in intercollegiate athletics.”
“I am very excited about this partnership with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment,” remarked WSU Director of Athletics Erika Wallace. “Together we will support our student-athletes and our athletic programs by creating unique branding opportunities for corporate partners throughout Detroit. Wayne State University sits just one mile down the street from Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park. Leveraging our assets on the collegiate sports platform in combination with the professional sports platform, in a city that we all call home, will provide many partners with opportunities that they have not seen before and elevate our fan experience.”
WSU Athletics attracts outstanding students to Wayne State, locally and from around the world. Athletic scholarships are a significant source of financial support, enabling the department’s more than 400 student-athletes to earn higher education degrees from among 375 academic programs.
Wayne State’s athletic campus at Warren and Trumbull Avenues includes Tom Adams Field – home of the Warriors football team – and a three-year old, $28 million Wayne State Fieldhouse that serves as the home of Wayne State men’s and women’s basketball, in addition to the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons G-League affiliate. Six new buildings have been added to WSU’s athletics campus since 2010.
Wayne State sponsors 18 varsity sports, most of which compete at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The fencing programs participate in the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference with Ohio State and Northwestern. The Warriors have won 44 conference titles in the past 17 years, produced 11 team national championships and had two Olympians this past summer in Paris (Sabre Fencer Ziad Elsissy, and Epeeist Mahmoud Saleh).
Success of WSU student-athletes is also evidenced by the department’s 3.45 cumulative grade point average with every team boasting a GPA of at least 3.11. WSU’s student-athlete Academic Success Rate (ASR) is 78 percent. The Athletic Department was recently awarded the GLIAC Community Service Award for its contributions to the local community.
The Ilitch organization and Wayne State University have a longstanding relationship, including the opening of the Mike Ilitch School of Business in 2018 made possible by a $40 million gift from Mike and Marian Ilitch. The gift remains the largest in the school’s history and highlights the Ilitch family’s lifelong dedication to promoting entrepreneurship, education and the revitalization of Detroit.
Since the announcement of the gift, Wayne State’s business school has launched new programs in Sport and Entertainment Management and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, creating even more opportunities for students to become immersed in Detroit’s business community.
The IS+E corporate partnerships team cultivates partnerships with companies to leverage the Red Wings and Tigers iconic brands to drive business objectives. The department structure includes sales, activation and solutions verticals, with the team managing sponsor relationships at Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the historic Fox Theatre and Pine Knob Music Theatre, among other entertainment venues across Metro Detroit.
Hockeytown Opening Week Presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer Red Wings Opening Night Thursday, October 10 vs. Penguins Fan-Favorite Red Carpet Walk on Saturday, October 12 vs. Predators
October 2, 2024
The Red Wings will host the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Home Opener on Thursday, Oct. 10, and the annual Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk will be held in the Chevrolet Plaza area outside Little Caesars Arena ahead of the Saturday, Oct. 12 contest against the Nashville Predators. Hockeytown Opening Week wraps up with a season kickoff party on Thursday, Oct. 17 prior to the Red Wings taking on the New York Rangers in the first Original Six matchup of the season.
The Oct. 10 and 12 games will start at 7 p.m., while puck drop against the Rangers on Oct. 17 is set for 7:30 p.m. for the national TV broadcast on ESPN+ and Hulu. Limited tickets for all three games remain available at DetroitRedWings.com/Tickets.
All three pregame events in the Chevrolet Plaza on the exterior of Little Caesars Arena are free to attend, and open to fans of all ages. Ticketed fans will have access to exclusive giveaway items for all three games.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back the Hockeytown faithful with special events inside and outside of Little Caesars Arena to start the season,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We know Red Wings fans will bring their incredible energy giving us a real home ice advantage on Opening Night and all season long.”
Hockeytown Opening Week Schedule of Events
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Nashville Predators
Thursday, Oct. 17 vs. New York Rangers
What’s New at Little Caesars Arena in 2024-25
KultureCity Sensory Room
The brand-new KultureCity Sensory Room at Little Caesars Arena, supported by the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, will be open for all Red Wings home games near PORTAL 66 on the upper concourse.
The sensory room is designed to cater to individuals with sensory processing needs, incorporating adjustable lighting, calming visuals and comfortable seating. Sensory tools and equipment like bubble walls, bean bag chairs and tactile objects are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The rooms are fully accessible, accommodating individuals of all abilities and ages.
Little Caesars Arena, the 2021 KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year, is also equipped with sensory bags, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads.
New Concessions Items
Little Caesars Arena concessionaire and retailer Delaware North and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continue to connect with the city of Detroit through partnerships with small restaurant businesses and local favorites. Below is a list of new concessions and menu items at Little Caesars Arena’s restaurants.
The Mixing Board
UWM District Market (Via Concourse)
The Coop
Gelato Carts
Grill Stand (PORTAL 12)
UWM District Market (Upper Concourse)
313 Grills
1701 Pub
New Merchandise Items
New Sponsors at Little Caesars Arena
Several loyal corporate partners will have an increased presence at Little Caesars Arena heading into the 2024-25 Red Wings season.
The all-inclusive club with lower-level, center ice seating between sections 108-110 is now branded the Michigan First Credit Union Club. The Northwest Entry is now the Priority Entry Northwest. Inside that entrance, the walk-up bar is now the Michelob Ultra Bar.
Red Wings Pet Pack
In partnership with Pet Supplies Plus, the Red Wings Pet Pack is a new way for fans to show off their four-legged friends and Red Wings fandom. For $30, fans receive a custom collar, a collapsible water bowl, bandana and waste bag holder. Fans can purchase the Pet Pack starting on October 10 at DetroitRedWings.Com/PetPack.
Winged Wheel Nation Waitlist
In addition to purchasing single-game tickets for the 2024-25 season, fans can join the Winged Wheel Nation waitlist for the 2025-26 Red Wings campaign for as low as $50 per seat.
Fans interested in group ticket packages can contact the Red Wings group sales team at 313-471-7575 or visit the Group Tickets page on DetroitRedWings.com.
Little Caesars Arena to Host 2028 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Regional
October 2, 2024
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA®) announced today that Detroit will host the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regional at Little Caesars Arena on March 24 and 26, 2028, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a premier destination for collegiate sports.
“From the record-breaking 2024 NFL Draft in April to the Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional in March, this has been a historic year for Detroit,” said Dave Beachnau, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC). “We’re grateful to the NCAA staff and committee for entrusting the DSC, our host institutions and partners with another Midwest Regional. This opportunity allows us to continue building momentum, showcase Detroit as a premier sports destination, and make a lasting impact on our community.”
This announcement follows Detroit’s selection as the host city for the 2028 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, taking place at Little Caesars Arena from March 1-5, 2028, marking the first time the tournament will be held in Detroit.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity for Little Caesars Arena and the City of Detroit to host the 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regionals,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Little Caesars Arena is a world-class venue that has been home to some incrediblemoments over the past seven years. We’re appreciative of the NCAA for continuing to entrust in our organization to host these events, and we look forward to creating a great experience for the fans and student-athletes.”
“As Detroit’s premier live entertainment company, 313 Presents, in partnership with the Detroit Sports Commission and host institutions – Oakland University and the University of Detroit Mercy – are honored for Little Caesars Arena to be selected to host the 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “With this announcement, 2028 will be an epic year for us to showcase the best in collegiate athletics while providing memorable experiences for the student-athletes, coaches and fans at our world-class venue.”
Detroit’s success as a top host city is driven by its world-class venues, strong community collaboration, and proven track record. In 2027, Ford Field will host the NCAA Men’s Final Four®, with the national semifinals on April 3 and the championship game on April 5.
The city has a longstanding history of delivering successful NCAA events. Little Caesars Arena hosted the sold-out 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, drew over 100,000 fans for the 2022 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, and attracted more than 37,000 attendees for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional.
Co-hosted by the DSC, Oakland (MI) University, and University of Detroit Mercy, the Regional will take place at Little Caesars Arena on March 24 and 26, 2028.
“Oakland University is excited to once again partner with the Detroit Sports Commission to host another NCAA Championship event,” said Steve Waterfield, Oakland University Director of Athletics. “The 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will bring fans from across the country to Detroit where they will experience a first-class event and see first-hand what makes Detroit a world class sports city.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to work with Oakland University and the Detroit Sports Commission on NCAA national events like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament,” said Robert Vowels University of Detroit Mercy Director of Athletics. It is a tremendous honor and privilege especially since as a University we have a proud history of hosting a number of NCAA Championships in the City of Detroit. The visibility and recognition of a premiere tournament on a national stage is exciting for the University, alumni, fans, and friends of the program.”
Since its inception in 2001, the DSC has consistently secured a wide range of NCAA events for Detroit, including:
* Awarded to Detroit, but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
^ Awarded to Detroit, but the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the surrounding area due to the COVID-19 pandemic
As part of the NCAA’s current bidding cycle, 88 of their 90 annual championships, including preliminary and regional competitions, were up for bid from fall 2026 through spring 2028. In February, the DSC submitted bids for four key events, including the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First/Second Rounds, 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regionals, 2028 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, and the 2028 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship.