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.
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.
Red Wings Release Alex Chiasson from Professional Tryout
October 1, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today released right wing Alex Chiasson from his professional tryout and assigned center Emmitt Finnie to the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers.
The Red Wings currently have 55 players on their training camp roster: 31 forwards, 16 defensemen and eight goaltenders. Currently at 3-1-1 through five preseason games, Detroit continues its preseason schedule with a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Detroit and air on 97.1 The Ticket.
Read more here.
Tigers Announce Roster for Wild Card Series
September 30, 2024
The Detroit Tigers announced their 26-man roster for the Wild Card Series vs. Houston. The Tigers are in the postseason for the 17th time in franchise history and the first time since 2014.
The Tigers Wild Card Series roster consists of 12 pitchers and 14 position players. The series against the Astros begins this afternoon with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday and Game 3 (if necessary) slated for Thursday. All three games are scheduled to start at 2:32 p.m. ET/1:32 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC and the Tigers Radio Network.
The Tigers 26-man Wild Card Series roster is as follows:
PITCHERS (12): Beau Brieske, Jason Foley, Sean Guenther, Brenan Hanifee, Tyler Holton, Brant Hurter, Jackson Jobe, Ty Madden, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, Tarik Skubal, Will Vest
POSITION PLAYERS (14): Kerry Carpenter, Dillon Dingler, Riley Greene, Andy Ibáñez, Jace Jung, Colt Keith, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Zach McKinstry, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Jake Rogers, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson, Matt Vierling
Tigers to Host Watch Party at Comerica Park for Game #1 of AL Wild Card Series vs. Houston Astros on Tuesday, October 1
September 28, 2024
The Detroit Tigers will host a Wild Card Watch Party at Comerica Park for their first game of the American League Wild Card series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, Oct. 1. First pitch is scheduled for 2:32 p.m. ET, with the Rocket Mortgage Entry opening to ticketed fans at 1:30 p.m.
Fans can register for the Watch Party by visiting Tigers.com/postseason. Tickets will cost $5, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation, which has awarded millions of dollars in grants, tickets and college scholarships throughout Michigan, northern Ohio and southern Ontario, Canada since its inception in 2005. 1901 Society members will receive complimentary admission to the Watch Party and kids 14 and under will be admitted for free if accompanied by a guardian. Parking will be available at the Tiger Garage, located at 250 Fisher Road, adjacent to Comerica Park.
The game broadcast will be shown on the brand-new, 15,000+ square foot videoboard at Comerica Park, in addition to the concourse TVs. Fans arriving early to the Watch Party will receive a “Tigers in the Wild” T-Shirt, presented by Meijer.
“The city of Detroit has rallied behind the Tigers throughout the season and especially during this incredible run in August and September,” said Asia Gholston, Vice President of Marketing for the Tigers. “Hosting a Watch Party is another way to bring our incredible fan base and community together to celebrate the Tigers’ return to the postseason.”
The Comerica Landing and Pitchers Pub will be activated during the Watch Party, with select concession and retail locations also open for Tigers fans, including postseason-themed merchandise. Tigers mascot PAWS will be in attendance and the first 500 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive complimentary Little Caesars pizza and water, courtesy of Pepsi.
Red Wings Prospects and Players Engage with Traverse City Community During Training Camp
September 22, 2024
To support the Detroit Red Wings’ ongoing commitment to supporting the community, team prospects took part in a number of engagement activities during prospect training camp in Traverse City, Michigan.
Prospects visited Central Grade School in Traverse City on Monday, September 16 to host a ball hockey clinic for approximately 40 students.
The 24 attending Red Wings players, which include recent draft picks, free agent signees and tryouts, introduced elementary students to the basic elements of hockey through hands-on instruction with multiple rotating stations. The Red Wings also gifted several sets of equipment to encourage students to continue playing hockey while supporting an active and healthy lifestyle.
During the visit, Nate Danielson read to the first-grade classes and unveiled a Little Free Library that was donated to the school, as part of the launch of the year-long Red Wings for Reading program.
On September 19, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the second Special Olympics Poly Hockey Celebration, presented by Gallagher, in an effort to grow the game of hockey within Michigan’s disabled community. A select number of Special Olympics Poly Hockey athletes and their supporters were invited to Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City to view a Detroit Red Wings training camp practice as VIP guests.
Following the practice viewing, the athletes participated in a hockey skills clinic where Red Wings players surprised the athletes with an equipment donation. The prospects were joined by current players Dylan Larkin, Justin Holl, Jeff Petry and Christian Fischer. Gallagher also made a monetary donation for Special Olympics to purchase additional equipment for all 600+ Special Olympics Poly Hockey athletes in Michigan.
Read more about the prospects’ visit to Central Grade School: https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-prospects-introduce-hockey-encourage-reading-to-students-at-central-grade-school
Little Caesars Introduces Creamy Cu4tro in Mexico
September 21, 2024
Little Caesars recently launched of a new pizza in its Mexico restaurants. The Creamy Cu4tro features a new creamy cheese base and builds on the success of its existing Cu4tro product by incorporating a selection of ingredients in 4 sections: ham with mushrooms, bacon with onions, pepperoni, and cheese.
“At Little Caesars, we’re always looking for new ways to surprise our guests, whether it’s adding new ingredients or reinventing recipes. For Creamy Cu4tro we made a careful selection of ingredients that will make each bite a delicious experience,” said Roberto Guzmán, Marketing Director of Little Caesars Mexico.
Creamy Cu4tro will be available beginning September 17 at all restaurants throughout Mexico for a limited time.