Anchored by the Detroit Tigers annual Pride Night celebration on June 11, Ilitch Companies are commemorating Pride Month throughout June with a series of activities for fans and colleagues.

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Pride Night at Comerica Park began with a reception honoring this year’s Game Changers honorees for Pride Month. The Game Changers program, presented by Comerica Bank, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on local families, businesses and communities. Each honoree receives a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, allowing them to further their philanthropic efforts and continue making a difference.

This year’s honorees are:

Reid Beyerlein – Co-Founder, Ties Like Me!

Ties Like Me! was created for the professional gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to network, creating an environment to meet new friends, engage in casual conversation and build strong business ties. Beyerlein is also a past President and Board member for Metro Detroit Youth Clubs.

Jay Kaplan – LGBTQ+ Rights Project Staff Attorney, ACLU of Michigan

Kaplan has worked on cases including challenging undercover sting operations targeting gay men, fighting Michigan’s constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying, defending the validity of second parent adoptions granted in Michigan and civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ employees.

Brandon Shamoun – Vice Chair, Michigan LGBTQ+ Commission / Commissioner, Stonewall Sports Detroit

Shamoun is currently the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Involvement, Activities and Organizations at Wayne State University. Additionally, he is the co-chair of the Queer Employee Engagement Group (QWSU) at WSU. He also serves as the Commissioner and President of Stonewall Sports Detroit, a local non-profit chapter to increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community through sporting leagues.

Emme Zanotti – Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, Equality Michigan

At Equality Michigan, Michigan’s statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, Zanotti ensures the LGBTQ+ community is engaged in elections and in the policy work that will impact their lives and wellbeing.

“There’s a lot of trailblazers, the activists and the artists, what I call unsung heroes every day that go out and have changed the world to make events like this happen so that we can wear rainbow colors with pride in June every single day and not have an issue,” said Beyerlein.

In addition to celebrating the Game Changers during the Tigers’ game against the Washington Nationals, Pride Night featured a pre-game Street Fair on Columbia Street with information booths, giveaways, food, shopping and music from a local DJ.

Throughout the month of June, colleagues at the Ilitch Companies’ family of businesses also had the opportunity to attend panel discussions and lunch-and-learns as well as play Pride Jeopardy.

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NFL Prizes Include an Ultimate NFL Fantasy Football Experience and Once-in-a-Lifetime Kickoff Prize

Little Caesars, home of HOT-N-READY pizza and sides, is excited to announce two exclusive NFL prizes as a part of Little Caesars Summer of HOT-N-READY Giveaways & Getaways. This nationwide celebration marks the 20th anniversary of Little Caesars’ iconic HOT-N-READY range of products and invites pizza lovers across America to participate in a thrilling summer-long giveaway.  To enter, simply stop in and purchase and HOT-N-READY pizza or side at a Little Caesars location and scan the QR code displayed in the store, or visit SummerSweeps.LittleCaesars.com to upload your in-store receipt**.

Little Caesars HOT-N-READY pizzas have revolutionized the way families enjoy pizza with quick, affordable, and delicious offerings. As Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, Little Caesars is awarding extraordinary prizes in partnership with the NFL that football fans won’t want to miss.

The partnership between Little Caesars and the NFL perfectly embodies the spirit of celebration and community. As the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, Little Caesars aligns its brand with one of the most beloved sports leagues in the United States, leveraging this collaboration to enhance the consumer experience during the significant milestone of 20 years of HOT-N-READY products. The selected prizes in the Summer of HOT-N-READY campaign are meticulously crafted to reflect the essence of both football culture and Little Caesars commitment to quality and convenience.

Ultimate NFL Fantasy Football Experience
This prize winner will enjoy an exclusive NFL Fantasy Football Experience, including:

• VIP Event Access: An unforgettable event at the Levi’s Stadium Innovation Center, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and immersive football atmosphere.
• Meet and Greet with George Kittle: A special appearance by NFL superstar George Kittle, providing fans with an up-close and personal experience with one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends.
• All-Inclusive Travel: Round-trip coach airfare, ground transportation between the hotel and stadium, and two nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel (double occupancy).

NFL Kickoff Experience
This prize winner will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime kickoff experience including:

• Game Tickets: Winners can choose tickets to the first regular season home game of their favorite NFL team.
• Exclusive Prize Pack: A summer-themed prize pack filled with tailgating essentials, including tailgate chairs, a Bluetooth speaker, and a cooler backpack.
• Covered Hospitality Fees: Ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Get ready to heat up your summer with Little Caesars’ Summer of HOT-N-READY Giveaways & Getaways! Stay in the loop on all the latest and greatest giveaways and promotions by visiting SummerSweeps.LittleCaesars.com or following Little Caesars on social.

** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 US and DC, who are 18 years of age or older and age of majority, as of date of entry. Begins 10:00 a.m. ET on 5/27/24 and ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 9/1/24. For complete Official Rules, eligibility and entry periods, including how to enter without a purchase, visit summersweeps.littlecaesars.com. Sponsor: Little Caesars Enterprises Inc. ©2024 LCE, Inc. CR0023736.

About Little Caesars®
Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1959 as a single, family-owned restaurant. Today, it is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, with restaurants in each of the 50 U.S. states and 28 countries and territories.

Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza and famed Crazy Bread®, Little Caesars uses quality ingredients, like fresh, never frozen, mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. The brand is known for innovation and is home of the exclusive Pizza Portal® pickup, a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station. Little Caesars is also the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League.

An exceptionally high-growth company with over 65 years of experience in the $145 billion worldwide pizza industry, Little Caesars is continually looking for franchisee candidates to join the team in markets around the world. In addition to providing the opportunity for entrepreneurial independence in a franchise system, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.  Little Caesars is proud to be part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.  

Celebrating the strength of those impacted by breast cancer, the Detroit Tigers’ 12th annual “Pink Out the Park” game, presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute, completed a series of events highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Leading up to the June 8 game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tigers players made a special visit to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment colleagues gathered to acknowledge friends and family members affected by the disease.

During their visit to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Tigers pitchers Reese Olson and Joey Wentz connected with breast cancer patients and survivors. Touring various treatment areas, the players handed out Tigers-branded pink beanie hats and tickets to the Pink Out the Park Game, connecting with the patients and hearing their stories. Players extended personal invitations for patients and their families to attend the game and to watch batting practice from the field.

“Karmanos is such a special partner in the fight against Breast Cancer,” said Tiffany Harrington, director of partnership activation for the Tigers. “Our annual Pink Out the Park game is always such a huge success in bringing awareness to and raising funds for breast cancer research and it’s because of our incredible fans, survivors, fighters, doctors, nurses and staff who are all aiming for one goal; finding a cure.”

More than 1,000 complimentary tickets were provided to Karmanos patients, doctors, nurses, staff and their families for the Pink Out the Park game, where survivors and health care providers were recognized in a pre-game ceremony, followed by the first pitch being thrown by breast cancer survivor Linda McIntosh and the National Anthem was performed by survivor LaTorea McBride. The first 15,000 fans in attendance received a commemorative pink Tigers jersey.

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To honor current and former service men and women, the Detroit Tigers hosted their annual Military Appreciation Game at Comerica Park, preceded by a visit to Detroit’s John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center to meet veterans involved in the hospital’s Recreational Therapy and Art Therapy Programs.

Upon arrival at the VA medical center, Tigers players and Bally Sports Detroit broadcasters met with Detroit VA Chief Executive Officer Chris Cauley and the staff members who run the therapy programs, then teamed up with veterans to compete in various sports and art activities. Players Casey Mize, Zach McKinstry and Jake Rogers attended, along with broadcasters Dan Petry and Craig Monroe.

“It’s an interesting perspective of them being excited to see me and thinking highly of me when I reciprocate that completely,” said Tigers pitcher Casey Mize. “I think so highly of these people that are here. They served so that we can go about daily life and know that we’re protected. The freedom we have in this country, they stand on that line and fight for that. It’s important to recognize that and I am as excited to see them as they are to see me.”

Activities included Tee Whiffle Ball, where players helped veterans set up and swing; a Blindfold Baseball Toss, challenging both players and non-blind veterans in an accuracy competition; and an Art Therapy activity, with players and veterans collaborating on painting and mixed media projects.

“The art unlocks something that they can’t always express,” said Shelley Knoodle, creative arts therapist with the Detroit VA Medical Center. “They find their words through their creative process. So, bridging what we do in treatment and working with the Tigers on this, I think they’ll be on cloud nine for a while.”

The event underscored the Tigers’ commitment to honoring military service members. The inspirational moments captured during the visit were shared across the Tigers’ social media platforms during the Military Appreciation Game against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7.

U.S. Army Major Jonathan Turnbull threw out the first pitch, and the National Anthem was performed by 1SG Andrew Schwallier of the 126th Army Band. Active service members and veterans were invited to participate in an on-field ceremony and received more than 1,000 tickets to enjoy the game with their families.

“The annual Military Appreciation game is more than just a tradition; it’s a tribute to the brave men and women who have made sacrifices for our freedom,” said Jon Perry, community impact manager at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Our visit to the VA medical center provides players and broadcasters a meaningful opportunity to spend time with the veterans and to hear their stories in advance of that game.”

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Continuing their efforts to raise awareness of ALS, the Detroit Tigers hosted a special event at Comerica Park before the May 23 game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The event was held in advance of Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, when the team played in Boston.

More than 400 individuals, including those directly impacted by ALS, their families, and staff from organizations that serve those living with ALS gathered for an informal pregame event organized through four local ALS-focused organizations: ALS of Michigan, ALS Association – Michigan Chapter, I AM ALS, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“To bring the ALS community together, to be able to watch America’s favorite pastime baseball together, is inspiring,” said Rose Lull, fundraising and marketing manager at ALS Michigan. “I’ve been so inspired by these families. It’s amazing.”

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Hosting this experience offered an opportunity for members of the ALS community to connect and enjoy a day of baseball in a supportive environment,” said Jon Perry, community impact manager for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “It’s an honor to welcome the ALS community and raise awareness for such a crucial cause, both on and off the field.”

During the gathering, select individuals shared their personal experiences with ALS and discussed the importance of Lou Gehrig Day. They highlighted how Major League Baseball and the Detroit Tigers have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for ALS research and care.

Lou Gehrig Day, established as June 2 across Major League Baseball in 2021, is observed annually by all MLB clubs. The day commemorates the legendary New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, who succumbed to ALS in 1941. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and movement.

Learn more about how the Tigers and Major League Baseball are supporting the ALS community by visiting MLB.com/4ALS.

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The Detroit Tigers are proud to once again support a significant initiative aimed at giving back to the community by donating 133,333 tickets to groups and individuals throughout the 2024 season. The donation effort is in conjunction with the MLB’s Commissioner’s Community Initiative Tickets Program and Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority’s Tigers Ticket Donation Program. The donated tickets benefit a wide range of deserving individuals falling into a number of eligible categories.

“Through the power of baseball, our community ticket donation program serves as a catalyst for positive change, impacting lives and fostering a sense of unity and joy among diverse groups across Detroit,” said Jon Perry, community impact manager for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “This initiative embodies our commitment to sharing the power of sports throughout our community.”

The categories eligible to receive tickets include:

• Auction Winners & Volunteer Recognition
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• DEI & Cultural Groups
• First Responders
• Governmental/Civic
• Health-related (including Mental Wellness and Hospitals)
• Homelessness/Housing
• Library/Reading Programs
• Military/Veterans
• RBI & Youth Baseball/Softball
• Religious Organizations
• Schools & Summer Camps
• Senior Citizens
• Youth & Family Services

Of the total ticket donation, 83,333 tickets are part of the MLB Commissioner’s Community Initiative (CCI), while 50,000 are part of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Tigers Ticket Donation Program, specifically intended for youth-serving organizations in Detroit and Wayne County. Additionally, Game Day For Kids, presented by the Detroit Zoo, will account for 4,000 of the 50,000 tickets allocated by the DDA Tigers Ticket Donation Program.

This initiative underscores the Tigers’ commitment to making a positive impact in the community and providing opportunities for various groups to enjoy baseball games at Comerica Park. Those interested in learning more about the Detroit Tigers’ community tickets program and applying for tickets can visit https://www.mlb.com/tigers/community/donation-programs.  

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In celebration of their USA Hockey Youth Tier 1 National Championship, the Little Caesars AAA Hockey 2010 Boys team were recognized during the Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park on Sunday, April 28. The team met with Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies, in the Tigers Den before being honored on the field prior to the game.

During the game, head coach Ryan Kesler spoke to Bally Sports about the team’s accomplishments.

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The first night of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25 was a night to remember from the Red Carpet Experience at the historic Fox Theatre to a watch party and live music on Columbia Street in The District Detroit.

Chris Coffman, who has led Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s corporate partnerships sales and activation teams for more than two years, has been named the organization’s first Chief Commercial Officer.

Coffman was hired as IS+E’s Vice President of Corporate Partnerships in December 2019, before being promoted to Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships in November 2021. In his new and expanded role, Coffman will oversee corporate partnership sales, activation and solutions across the organization, in addition to managing the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings marketing, creative and fan experience teams.

Specifically, Coffman and his teams will continue to identify and secure partnerships with corporate sponsors, advertisers and other key stakeholders, build new sponsorship platforms using a data-driven and solutions-based approach, and champion initiatives to enhance the fan experience at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.

“Chris is a talented executive and a tremendous leader who excels at developing relationships and building culture. He has done an incredible job leading our Corporate Partnerships function and I am thrilled for him to take on the additional responsibility of overseeing our outstanding marketing, creative services, and fan experience teams,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “He has a unique passion for our brands and Detroit sports fans, and we look forward to the great things ahead under his continued leadership.”

Prior to joining IS+E, Coffman was the Tournament Director of The Ally Challenge, a PGA event through the HNS Sports Group, from 2017-19. He spent more than 20 years working in golf sales leadership roles for Taylor Made (1993-2004) and NIKE (2005-16), in addition to a stint with Detroit-based Greyson Clothiers.

“I’m very excited about this new role and want to thank Chris Ilitch and Ryan Gustafson for the opportunity,” Coffman said. “We have a talented group of hard-working colleagues across the organization, and I look forward to continuing to work with them every day. It’s a tremendous time in Detroit and we can’t wait to create more incredible memories for Tigers and Red Wings fans.”

Coffman earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Baylor University in 1991 and was a member of the Bears’ men’s golf team. He and his wife, Traci, reside in Ann Arbor. All three of their kids, Will, Julia and Catie, attended the University of Michigan.