Thanks to our colleagues, partners and guests for your support, collaboration, and shared commitment, which made a meaningful impact here in our hometown and around the world in 2025.

Watch the video below to enjoy a look back at just some of the moments, milestones, and teamwork that helped shape our past year.

Last month, Special Olympics Michigan presented Ilitch Sports + Entertainment with the 2025 Sports Partner of the Year award during the annual ceremony at Michigan Central in Detroit.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has partnered with Special Olympics Michigan for more than 10 years and the partnership has grown in the last three years to include year-round athlete engagement and support.

“Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, through the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers Community teams, have not simply supported Special Olympics Michigan — they have opened their platforms to our athletes,” said Bridget Ryley, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for Special Olympics Michigan. “Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has demonstrated what it looks like when a major league stage becomes a stage that everyone can stand on.”

Every year, the Red Wings and Tigers host multiple events for Special Olympics Michigan athletes, including the Red Wings’ Poly Hockey Skills Clinics at Little Caesars Arena, where current Red Wings players meet athletes, lead drills, provide equipment and foster inclusion, demonstrating a commitment to the Special Olympics community through player involvement and community engagement.

The Red Wings proudly host "SOMI Night" at Little Caesars Arena each season, offering exclusive hats and supporting fundraising efforts, and the Red Wings Alumni Association has joined the efforts, having Special Olympics Michigan athletes serve on coaching staffs for select alumni games.

Each season since 2015, one of the most visible, unwavering champions of the Special Olympics Michigan partnership is Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

“We are fortunate to have the support of many wonderful sports teams and organizations but Ilitch was the standout partner this year by not only sponsoring events and donating critical funds, but also creating skills clinics and once in lifetime experiences for our athletes,” Ryley said. “Having the support of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is a cherry on top and something our athletes and organization takes deep pride in.”

The Tigers have built the same culture of inclusion, embracing Special Olympics Michigan’s State Softball Tournament and welcoming Special Olympics Michigan’s gold-medal softball teams to Comerica Park for a night of true belonging in the big leagues.

The Detroit Tigers Foundation invites Special Olympics softball teams to select games each season for special access, including batting practice and a chance to meet Tigers players.

The collaboration highlights the athletes' abilities and fosters community understanding and unity.

For more information about Special Olympics Michigan, visit SOMI.org.

Little Caesars has achieved extraordinary results in the past several decades, and that momentum is continuing. Because of this, Little Caesars today announced several senior leadership promotions that reflect the company’s sustained success and long-term growth. Effective January 1, 2026, longtime CEO Dave Scrivano has been promoted to Vice Chairman of Little Caesars.

In his new role, Scrivano will continue to lead the brand while focusing on long-term strategy, culture, and innovation — the areas central to sustaining Little Caesars’ global growth and competitive strength.

Little Caesars also announced the promotions of three executives:

• Paula Vissing has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail. Vissing joined Little Caesars in 2011 and under her leadership the brand experienced its strongest period of expansion in company history. In her role since 2023 as president of global retail, she has driven strong results in franchise profitability, restaurant growth, global marketing initiatives, and global learning and development.

• Ed Gleich has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Services. Gleich joined Little Caesars in 2011 and he has been responsible for launching major traffic driving growth initiatives including the launch of national media, creation of limited time and permanent menu items, and expansion into delivery. In his role since 2023 as president of global services, he has driven growth and operational excellence through his leadership of innovation, global supply chain, equipment sales, spice blending, Blue Line Distribution, and Champion Foods.

• Leigh Burnside has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. Burnside joined Little Caesars in February 2023 and she has enhanced financial planning processes, strengthened treasury and accounting capabilities, and elevated organizational alignment across the company’s finance organization. She will now also oversee Human Resources and Legal, strengthening the company’s people, brand and business alignment.

“These promotions reflect the strength of our leadership team and the continued execution of our strategic plan, which has driven significant progress in international expansion, digital innovation, and restaurant growth,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Dave’s leadership has been instrumental to that success, and I’m pleased he will continue to guide the company.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for this next chapter,” said Scrivano. “Paula Vissing, Ed Gleich, and Leigh Burnside are exceptional leaders whose vision, experience, and dedication have helped drive our growth. Their new roles reflect both the strength of our leadership team and the opportunities ahead as we continue building on our global momentum, innovation, and the strong culture that has always set Little Caesars apart.”

Little Caesars continues to expand both domestically and internationally, driven by its commitment to value, convenience, innovation, and operational excellence across its global network.

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Olympia Development of Michigan has selected Detroit-based Woodborn Partners to pursue the restoration of the historic Woodstock buildings at 475 Peterboro Street in The District Detroit. The planned renovation of 475 Peterboro and selection of Woodborn is part of Olympia Development’s Co-Developer Program, a program that creates real estate development opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or Detroit resident-owned development companies.

“Our goal with the Co-Developer Program is to work with community-minded partners who share our commitment to improving Detroit, and Woodborn exemplifies that spirit,” said Keith Bradford, President, Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “Our shared vision for the restoration of the Woodstock buildings helps to ensure the return of another great community asset for people to embrace all that The District Detroit has to offer.”

The selection of Woodborn Partners for the Woodstock restoration embodies the mission of the Co-Developer Program envisioned with The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Woodborn Partners is an emerging, Black-owned, Detroit-based developer with several successful residential projects in the city underway or completed. They include The Scott at Brush Park, The Coe at West Village, The Brooke on Bagley and Van Dyke Village Apartments.

“We are dedicated to improving neighborhoods and making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and restoration of the historic Woodstock buildings will do exactly that,” said Clifford A. Brown, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Woodborn Holdings. “The newly restored residential buildings will show our appreciation for their historic beauty with amenities and technology that will embrace a timeless aesthetic.”

475 Peterboro Street was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the architectural firm Pollmar & Ropes and opened in 1914 as The Woodstock Apartments. The building is 47,500 square feet and originally had 71 apartments. The property is located between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue across from Detroit Shipping Company.

The vision for the restored Woodstock buildings is 56 well-appointed residential studios and one-bedroom units that are slightly larger than the original spaces. When finished, the Woodstock will offer modern, technology-enabled amenities as well as common areas, a courtyard, and available on-site parking.

Olympia Development and Woodborn Partners are actively engaged in permitting and other pre-development work necessary before the start of on-site restoration.

As the holidays approach, a group of Ilitch Companies colleagues came together to give back to the community by volunteering with Forgotten Harvest, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.

Forgotten Harvest is gearing up for a busy holiday season as the need for food assistance continues to grow. "We're able to serve about 100,000 families in the metro Detroit area each month,” said Mary Moore-Butler, Volunteer Program Manager at Forgotten Harvest. “With funding being cut, we're seeing people come through our doors that have never had to rely on organizations like ours in the past. So, we couldn't do what we do without volunteer groups assisting our organization and the impact that we make."

Colleagues generously donated their time at the Forgotten Harvest Warehouse in Oak Park, where they rolled up their sleeves to sort, pack, and prepare food boxes for families in need. Together, the team packed emergency food boxes and portioned large quantities of food into family-sized packages.

Some volunteers brought along their whole department to volunteer for the afternoon, working together to make a meaningful difference outside of the office. “We want to give back to our community, specifically where we live, where we work, said Monica Lippert, Purchasing Manager at Little Caesars. “It's really great to see what they do here. When you speak to them and see how much they're giving back to the community, it’s very impressive.”

By the end of the day, the group had helped package more than 10,000 pounds of food enough to provide thousands of meals to neighbors across Southeast Michigan.

This volunteer effort reflects Ilitch Companies’ ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where their colleagues live and work. It was a meaningful opportunity for colleagues to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a cause that truly serves the community.

Premium Access, All-Inclusive Dining, and New Climate-Controlled Indoor Seating Option Now Available

Detroit Tigers fans can now purchase season membership plans for the MotorCity Casino Hotel Tiger Club, one of Comerica Park’s most sought-after premium spaces. Previously accessible only through single-game reservations, the Tiger Club is now open for membership, offering fans exclusive club access with all-inclusive food & beverage and premium ballpark seating at an approachable price point, starting at just $99 per seat per game.

A highlight of the new membership offering is the debut of indoor, climate-controlled seating, available for the first time. This expanded space features 88 premium, cushioned seats positioned near floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unbeatable views of the action while ensuring comfort in any weather. Fans who prefer to sit outdoors can choose from sections beneath the Tiger Club.

The MotorCity Casino Hotel Tiger Club season memberships join Comerica Park’s lineup of premium experiences, complementing existing clubs and expanding value-driven options for fans. Developed in response to strong demand for additional club concepts at varying price tiers, the Tiger Club offers an inviting new pathway for fans seeking an enhanced game day experience.

MotorCity Casino Hotel Tiger Club Membership Highlights:

• Premium Experience at an Accessible Price – Exclusive club access beginning at just $99 per game.

• Prime Location – Options include exceptional sightlines from a new private, indoor, climate-controlled environment as well as outdoor seating in sections below the Club.

• Exclusive Amenities – Dedicated club space featuring its own bar and restrooms.

• All-Inclusive Ballpark Favorites – A curated menu of classic ballpark fare included with membership.

• Private Bar with Drink Specials – Signature cocktails and rotating drink specials available for purchase.

• Season-Long Access – Membership secures a full season of access to the Tiger Club and premium stadium seating.

Season memberships for the MotorCity Casino Hotel Tiger Club are available now. For more information or to secure your seats, visit www.mlb.com/tigers/ballpark/tiger-club.

Tickets are on sale on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. starting at $30 for the return of college hockey to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at 313Presents.com, the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena and Ticketmaster.com.

The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.

The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 356th all-time meeting between the historic programs, with Michigan currently holding a 183-145-24 edge in the series.

Michigan State, currently ranked No. 3 in the nation by the USCHO poll, has won the “Iron D” Trophy in each of the last two seasons after losing six consecutive matchups against the Wolverines at Little Caesars Arena. The Spartans will face off against No. 1 Michigan three times this season (Dec. 5 at MSU; Dec. 6 at U-M; Feb. 6 at U-M) before their final regular season matchup in the “Duel in the D.”

“There’s nothing quite like the environment at Little Caesars Arena when Michigan and Michigan State play for the ‘Iron D’ trophy,” said Michigan Head Coach Brandon Naurato. “It marks not only an important game for the players and the league but for every sports fan in the state. Our program takes great pride in our Michigan roots, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this game possible. We can’t wait to once again provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

“Having an opportunity to play in the greatest rivalry in college hockey in an NHL building is exciting for our program,” said Michigan State Head Coach Adam Nightingale. “Michigan State-Michigan brings out the best in both programs, and playing the game in front of 19,000 fans creates an atmosphere that is unmatched.  I have great memories of the games we played at Joe Louis Arena when I was a player, and we are appreciative that Little Caesars Arena and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to give us this platform to showcase college hockey in the city of Detroit.”    

Tickets for the “Duel in the D” are on sale on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com, the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena or by calling the Red Wings Ticket Sales and Service office at 313-471-7575. Group discounts are available by calling 313 Presents Group Sales at 313-471-3099.

Players and broadcast personalities from Red Wings and Tigers help local children check off wish-list items

The Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Meijer teamed up to spread a little yuletide joy on Monday evening, treating 35 kids from the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) to a special shopping spree at a Meijer store in northwest Detroit for the annual Hometown Holiday Assist.

In attendance at this year’s seasonal giveback event were Red Wings forwards Patrick Kane, Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Emmitt Finnie, Mason Appleton and defensemen Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Jacob Bernard-Docker, as well as radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal, the television announcing duo of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond, Tigers radio play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson, Red Wings/Tigers television reporters Daniella Bruce and Logan Reever, and PAWS.

“It means a lot to do this,” Raymond said. “The support we get from Detroit as a city and fanbase is unbelievable, so to be part of an event like this around the holidays is amazing. We really enjoy it as much as the kids, if not more.”

A group of colleagues and volunteers from the Red Wings and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment also assisted the group of children at Meijer.

“It’s a great event,” Kane said. “My family, we did it last year and we really had a lot of fun helping the kids pick out toys and give back in that way. We wanted to do it again this year, so I brought them again and it was nice to give back a little bit.”

On Monday, which marked the 12th annual Hometown Holiday Assist, each child from Detroit PAL received $200 to spend at Meijer, a holiday-themed gift basket, $50 Meijer gift card and Little Caesars pizza party.

“It’s good to be able to give back,” Sandin-Pellikka said. “I’m sure the kids are really happy to be able to get a lot of the stuff they wanted for Christmas, so it’s awesome to see their faces and smiles.”

When it was time to check out, several Meijer shopping carts were filled to the brim with items ranging from stuffed animals to kick scooters to NERF blaster toys.

“It’s really cool to be able to do this,” Danielson said. “It’s cool to see how much the kids enjoy it. It takes you away from hockey, being able to help make these kids’ days.”

Detroit PAL is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help youth find their greatness through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.

“From a kid’s perspective, when they’re looking up and seeing the Red Wings, Tigers, personalities and police officers, it’s bigger than life for them,” said Detroit PAL CEO Fred Hunter. “And just to have dollars available for them to shop with their hearts, it’s special. For us, as a kids’ organization, we just want kids to have tremendous experiences.”

Giving back is a big part of the work the Red Wings do beyond the rink, and Appleton said spending his Monday evening making a positive impact in the Detroit community was truly meaningful.

“You’re fortunate when you can always celebrate Christmas with the family and have presents under the tree, and obviously, you want that for everyone,” Appleton said. “To take the time out tonight is nothing in comparison to how far something like this is going to go.”

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by Jonathan Mills for DetroitRedWings.com

Detroit’s softball, senior and junior baseball teams went undefeated at regional tournaments; softball squad won Nike RBI World Series for the first time in program history

The summer of 2025 was a landmark season for Detroit’s Nike RBI program, as all three teams — junior baseball, senior baseball and softball — swept their regional tournaments and advanced to the Nike RBI World Series for the first time in history.

The crown jewel came when Detroit’s softball team capped an undefeated summer by defeating Roberto Clemente RBI, 3-1, to capture the city’s first-ever Nike RBI Softball World Series championship at the Jackie Robinson Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.

“This program gave me a chance as a kid, and now I’m giving it back,” said Tim McEvoy, who once played for Detroit’s Nike RBI team and now coaches the senior baseball squad. “To be on this stage again, but as a coach, it feels full circle.”

Softball brings home Detroit’s first title

Detroit softball stormed through regional and World Series play without a loss, fueled by dominant pitching and a lineup that thrived under pressure.

MVP Sasha Walker delivered a performance for the ages in the championship game, throwing more than 100 pitches with nine strikeouts and just three hits allowed. She even added an RBI single at the plate.

“I felt like all eyes were on me in the final, but that just pushed me harder,” Walker said. “Detroit doesn’t always get credit, but we proved we can play with anybody in the country.”

Shortstop Sydney Evans, who recently graduated from Cass Technical High School and is committed to Hampton University, shared the victory with her twin sisters, making the championship moment even more meaningful.

“Playing with my sisters made this experience even more special,” Evans said. “Winning a championship with Detroit across your chest, that’s a dream.”

Walker said winning the Softball World Series for the first time in program history was extremely rewarding.

“It was amazing to see all our hard work pay off as well as make a name for Detroit,” Walker said. “It felt great to know that I played a big part in the game and helped better my team. People usually expect great talent from the south and often overlook Detroit, so I think winning gave light to the talent we have here. I think it shows girls all over Detroit that you can fulfill anything in the game.”

And although she’s proud of her MVP award, she doesn’t take any credit alone.

“Winning MVP of the series was a huge honor but honestly it feels like a team award,” Walker said. “I couldn't have done it without my teammates, coaches and knowing there was talent behind me on the field. Winning the award was totally unexpected but it felt great to be recognized in the end. Receiving MVP means a lot to me but winning the championship with my team is what I'm most proud of.”

Senior baseball makes quarterfinal run

Detroit’s senior baseball team also impressed, reaching the quarterfinals before falling short against Indianapolis RBI. The run was a point of pride for McEvoy, who emphasized the resilience of his players.

“We knew the talent was there, but what made me proudest was their resilience,” McEvoy said. “Even when we faced adversity, they didn’t hang their heads.”

Outfielder Avery Myles echoed that sentiment.

“Detroit is grit. That’s how we play. That’s how we live,” Myles said. “This team is family. We had each other’s backs no matter what.”

First baseman Juan Torres said the ride to the World Series taught him as much about community as it did about competition.

“I wanted to do it for the boys,” Torres said. “For Detroit. For everybody who believed in us.”

Junior baseball reaches title game

Detroit’s junior baseball squad also pushed deep into its tournament, advancing to the championship game before falling to the Dodgers Dreamteam Junior RBI, 5-2.

Head coach Matt Williams, who grew up playing for Nike RBI in Detroit two decades ago, said the team’s energy and pride carried them all summer.

“When we got to Vero Beach and people heard us saying ‘What up doe,’ they knew right away where we were from,” Williams said. “That’s Detroit. That’s who we are.”

A program on the rise

Created in 1989, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities — now known as Nike RBI — is Major League Baseball’s youth outreach initiative, aiming to expand access to baseball and softball in underserved communities. Today, it reaches hundreds of organizations around the world, but Detroit’s summer sweep placed the city firmly in the national spotlight.

“RBI stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities,” Williams said. “The program started with a goal of increasing African American participation in the game. I’ve never seen as many Black kids playing the game as I have lately — it’s a beautiful sight, and it’s competitive. We’re playing high-level baseball and getting noticed on and off the field.”

Williams also noted the breadth of Play Ball Detroit, the citywide initiative that feeds into RBI.

“Play Ball Detroit spans across five organizations. We’re connecting throughout the city, not just playing the game. Boys and girls are doing field cleanups, experiencing opening days, experiencing what it’s like to be at the ballpark. A lot of them might get to touch a Major League field for the first time.”

For the players, the experience will resonate long after the trophies were handed out.

“I hope some little girl watching says, ‘If she can do it, I can too,’” Walker said. “That’s what means the most.”

The Detroit Tigers have five Play Ball Detroit leagues; Detroit PAL, Eagle Sports Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Parks & Recreation and Rosedale-Grandmont Little League.

More than just wins

The three-team sweep of regionals marked the first time Detroit sent its entire program to the World Series since hosting in 2004 — but unlike then, each earned their spot outright.

For Williams, McEvoy and dozens of players who wore “Detroit” on their jerseys this summer, the accomplishment went beyond box scores.

“A lot of these players wouldn’t have these opportunities without the Tigers and Nike RBI,” McEvoy said. “This program is life changing.”

The Detroit Tigers Foundation, with support from Nike, covers all costs for athletes in the Nike RBI program — from travel to equipment. Earlier this summer, players received their gear during a visit to Comerica Park, and all three teams were recognized before the Tigers’ July 29 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2025 MLB World Series

As a reward for winning the softball World Series, three members of the Detroit team and one coach attended Game 2 of the 2025 MLB World Series in Toronto. Walker, along with teammates Sydney Evans, Taylor Bond and Assistant Coach Corey Bell were recognized on the field before the game.

“It's an honor to represent your community directly and play for a purpose,” Walker said when asked about the Nike RBI program. “Playing RBI the last two seasons has taught me a lot on how to quickly adapt to new environments and work together with teammates no matter the circumstance. The program has given me and my teammates opportunities we otherwise wouldn't have.

“The program covers all expenses, they have fantastic coaches and more than that, they care about us as people, not just players. The program has helped me grow not only as an athlete but as a young woman too.”

For the Tigers Nike RBI teams, the 2025 season was about more than wins. It was a celebration of grit, talent and community pride. From Walker’s MVP performance to the collective effort across three teams, the city’s young athletes are leaving a mark on the field and in neighborhoods across Detroit. With programs like Nike RBI providing opportunity, mentorship and exposure, these players are showing the future of Detroit baseball and softball is bright, competitive and full of promise.