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Mike Singer Named Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships

Mike Singer, who has served as the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Business Strategy and Activation for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment since January 2023, has been named the Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.

Singer was promoted to his new role after Chris Coffman, IS+E’s former SVP of Corporate Partnerships, was recently promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. In his new role, Singer and his team will assess the needs of existing and new partners to determine the proper retention and growth strategies. Specifically, he will oversee the corporate partnerships activation teams for both the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings.

Singer was hired as IS+E’s Director of Corporate Partnerships Business Strategy and Solutions in January 2020, before being promoted to Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Business Strategy in May 2022, and eventually Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Business Strategy and Activation. He and his team have created platforms to strengthen relationships with corporate partners and other stakeholders, resulting in more than 50 percent growth in each of the past four years.

“Mike is a tremendous relationship builder, and a data-driven leader that is well-deserving of this promotion,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “He and his team will expand the programming and visibility for our partners as we continue to elevate the fan experience both at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.”

Prior to joining IS+E, Singer was the Senior Business Development Manager at Barton Malow Company from 2018-20, and also spent more than four years (2013-18) as the Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Detroit Lions.

“I’m honored for this tremendous opportunity and am looking forward to continuing to cultivate and grow the relationships with our loyal partners,” Singer said. “It’s a great time to be affiliated with the Tigers and Red Wings, and we are committed to creating engaging and memorable experiences for our fans and stakeholders.”

Singer earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 2003, and his master’s in sports administration from Northwestern University in 2011. He and his wife, Sarah, reside in Birmingham with their three kids, Hailey, Mia and Aaron.

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Empowering Future Sports Leaders: The CASE Study Program Expands to Detroit

“I got to see them learn and hear their ideas that stemmed from some of the coolest people in the world. They got to hear from them, learn from their expertise,” said Dan Wolford, Social Studies Department Lead at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, who served as a School Lead for the school’s CASE participants. “Now, working through the group project, they’re activating their curiosity; and to watch them take the little bits that they learned along the way and build a pretty remarkable project is really special.”

The CASE Program formally concluded on February 29 at Comerica Park, with an event that featured student-led group presentations centered on pre-selected topics pulled directly from subject matter that was covered during the virtual sessions. Working collaboratively with their peers, School Leads, and Instructors, students presented their findings to Scott Harris and Tigers’ Community Impact staff. As a symbol of their achievement, students received CASE diplomas from Harris during a ceremony marking their completion of the program, and they will be recognized at a Detroit Tigers game later in the season.

The CASE Study Program, in partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, has not only broadened the horizons of aspiring sports professionals but has also equipped them with practical knowledge and networking opportunities essential for navigating the dynamic sports industry. As this initiative continues to flourish, it serves as a beacon, illuminating a path for the next generation of sports executives and leaders in Detroit, Chicago, San Francisco, and beyond.

“I hope CASE gives these students a head start in the sports industry. By completing the program and making early connections with sport professionals, they’re already way ahead of where I was in high school,” said Harris, with a piece of advice for Detroit’s inaugural class of CASE Study Program students: “Take this head start and run with it. If you keep working hard and building momentum, a career in sports is within reach.”

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First 15 Players Named to 2024 U.S. Men's National Team

Team USA to Compete in IIHF Men’s World Championship Beginning May 10 in Czechia

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USA Hockey announced today the first 15 players of the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete in the IIHF Men’s World Championship, May 10-26, in Ostrava and Prague, Czechia. The group includes 11 first-round NHL Draft picks and more than 5,000 games of NHL experience.

"We’ve got an outstanding start to our roster," said Brett Peterson (Northborough, Mass.), general manager of the 2024 U.S. Men's National Team and assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers. "There’s a lot of excitement among our players, and everyone is looking forward to representing our country in the world championship.”

Team USA will train in Bratislava, Slovakia, starting May 5 and play a pre-tournament game there against Slovakia on May 7. The U.S. will open play in the IIHF Men’s World Championship against Sweden on May 10 in Ostrava, Czechia, at 8:20 p.m. local time/2:20 p.m. ET. All U.S. games in the tournament will air live on NHL Network.

The U.S. has finished in the top four of the IIHF Men’s World Championship in seven of the last 10 tournaments with four bronze medals to its credit (2013, 2015, 2018, 2021).

ROSTER OVERVIEW – The First 15

• One goaltender, five defensemen, nine forwards

• Averages: Height: 6-0 • Weight: 200 • Age: 25

• Youngest Player: Jake Sanderson, 21

• Oldest Player: Alex Lyon, 31

• Roster includes four top-five picks in the NHL Draft, including Luke Hughes (2021; 4th overall/New Jersey Devils), Jake Sanderson (2020; 5th overall/Ottawa Senators), Brady Tkachuk (2018; 4th overall/Ottawa Senators), and Seth Jones (2013; 4th overall/Nashville Predators).

• Eight players have previously been part of Team USA for an IIHF Men’s World Championship, including Matt Boldy (2022), Johnny Gaudreau (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019), Luke Hughes (2022), Dylan Larkin (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Seth Jones (2014, 2015, 2022), Luke Kunin (2019), Alex Lyon (2015), and Zach Werenski (2019).

• Twelve players have competed at USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, including Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, Joel Farabee, Luke Hughes, Seth Jones, Luke Kunin, Dylan Larkin, Jake Sanderson, Brady Tkachuk, Alex Vlasic, Zach Werenski and Trevor Zegras.

• All 15 players have competed in at least one IIHF world championship. The players have won 28 collective medals in IIHF world championship play, including 10 gold. Seth Jones leads the way with four medals, including gold in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2011 and 2012 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, and bronze in the 2015 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

• The players come from 10 different states, including New York (3), Michigan (3), Missouri (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), Montana (1), New Jersey (1), Texas (1) and Wisconsin (1).

• All 15 players have competed in the United States Hockey League, the only Tier I junior hockey league in the U.S.

• A total of 14 players have competed in college hockey in the U.S., with four coming from Boston University, three from University of Michigan, two each from Boston College, University of North Dakota and University of Wisconsin and one from Yale University.

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Little Caesars AAA Youth Hockey: A Legacy of Excellence

National and state championships clinched; multiple players signed to take the next step in their hockey careers

For decades, the Little Caesars AAA Youth Hockey program has been a beacon of excellence, showing the grit, determination, and talent of young players year after year. The 2023-24 season was no exception, with nine out of twelve teams clinching Michigan state championships:

19U Girls coached by Jaymes Kastely
14U Girls coached by Jaymes Kastely
16U Boys coached by Derek Roehl
2008 Boys coached by Brian Felsner
2009 Boys coached by David Legwand
2011 Boys coached by Chris Osgood
2012 Boys coached by Mike Nodler
2013 Boys coached by Kyle Miller

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Additionally, the Little Caesars AAA Youth Hockey in the 2023-24 season had a dynamic performance by the 2010 (13O) Boys team. Coached by Ryan Kesler, they not only secured the Michigan State Championship but also won the inaugural Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier 1 National Championship. In a 5-2 victory against the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, these young athletes finished the season with a record of 73-5-2; with a season start ranked number one in the nation, they never let that ranking change.

Kelly Sipotz, the 2010 team’s manager and a mother to one of the players said, “This group of boys has worked hard from day one at training camp last August, until the whistle blew to end that national championship game. They’ve received so much support from each other, their friends, family, the Ilitch organization, the Red Wings, and the most amazing coaching staff in the game. While we know this year was an incredible one, we believe this group will accomplish so much more in the future.”

In addition to championships, multiple players from the LCAAA organization have been drafted to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL),and others have secured commitments to play hockey at colleges and universities across the country. Those players are:

Ontario Hockey League Draftees:
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Beckham Edwards – Sarina Sting (3rd round, pick #46)
Ethan Garden – Windsor Spitfires (9th round, pick #164)
Drake Gram – Windsor Spitfires (8th round, pick #144)
Brayden Hughes – Sarina Sting (8th round, pick #146)
Jacob Monks – London Knights (5th round, pick #83)

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College Commitments:

Paige Cline – Lindenwood University
Drew Dyczkowski – Long Island University (LIU)
Evan Jardine – Harvard University
Kelsey Joiner – Western New England University
Maggie Kime – Merrimack College
Nicholas Kosiba – Western Michigan University
Gavin Lock – Western Michigan University
Ella Lucia – Harvard University
Cullen McCrate – U Mass Lowell
Ellie Muscedere – Lindenwood University
Easton Pace – Colorado College
Tricia Piku – Boston College
Addison Spitz – Colgate University
Crosby Wildfong – Long Island University (LIU)

“We are incredibly proud of all our teams and their continued successes over the years. Little Caesars AAA Youth Hockey and the Amateur Hockey League remain dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and sportsmanship and off the ice, ensuring that the legacy of hockey greatness continues for generations to come,” said Brian Rolston, Director of Little Caesars Youth Hockey.

Little Caesars AAA Hockey, founded by the Ilitches in 1968, is among the nation’s most elite amateur youth sports programs, winning more than 100 state championships and 24 national titles. The club remains dedicated to providing student athletes the opportunity and training needed to excel in sports and life with an emphasis on education, leadership and core values.

“Little Caesars youth hockey launched our organization’s involvement in sports, and it continues to be a source of personal pride for me to see the incredible dedication and perseverance from the players, coaches and their very supportive families,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “I continue to be inspired by all of our teams, and their commitment to excellence on and off the ice. They continue to make us all proud!”

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Award Winning Restaurateur Billy Dec To Bring Sunda New Asian to The District Detroit

Olympia Development Announces Co-Developer Program For Three Detroit Properties

475 Peterboro: Located between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue across from the popular Detroit Shipping Company collective, these three-story buildings were designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architectural firm Pollmar & Ropes in 1914 as The Woodstock Apartments and originally comprised 71 apartments over two buildings. The buildings contain 47,500 square feet.

45 & 48 W. Adams: Located on Adams just West of Woodward overlooking Grand Circus Park, the site comprises two parcels containing a total of 0.523 acres. The south parcel also contains the historic seven-story decorative masonry façade of the former Fine Arts Building designed in the Spanish Gothic style by architect Louis Kamper in 1905. The parcels are historically designated within the Grand Circus Park Historic District.

“The Olympia Development Co-Developer Program is a significant example of the diversity and inclusion that is a result of The District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement. This program will provide immense opportunity to emerging and disadvantaged Detroit-based developers and bring new life to key properties in the City,” said Chris Jackson, Chair of The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

The RFPs will be published sequentially, 90 days apart, after a qualification period, giving developers ample time to consider the wide variety of development options and deliver well prepared development bids. The selected parcels are separate from the 10 renovated historic or new Transformational Brownfield Plan projects.

The Co-Developer Program was designed with extensive input from the community and Detroit-based developers and is part of the community benefits agreement with the City of Detroit associated with a $1.5 billion development plan between Olympia Development and Related Companies. The RFP is an opportunity tocultivate diverse perspectives on future developments that will lead to inclusive and transformative development initiatives.

Emerging developers who qualify as disadvantaged businesses or Detroit-Based Businesses, Detroit Headquartered Businesses, and Detroit Resident Businesses will be able to get information and apply for the qualification phase of the Co-Developer Program at TheDistrictDetroitOC.com/RFP.

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Ilitch Companies Participate in NFL Draft Activities in The District Detroit

Little Caesars® Fuels Nationwide Growth Signing Several New Multi-Unit Development Agreements

Leading Pizza Chain to Add More Than 30 Restaurants Across Seven States

Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, announced today the signing of several new multi-unit development agreements to expand its presence across target markets in the U.S., fueling the brand’s ongoing efforts to grow with ambitious operating partners. As part of these deal signings, Little Caesars will open more than 30 new restaurants throughout San Diego, Memphis, Tampa, Raleigh,Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio and Eugene.

Spearheading Little Caesars expansion across Southern California is Leo Gonzalez, an experienced franchise owner operating multiple Little Caesars restaurants in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Recognizing areas of opportunity to grow the brand across an untapped market, Gonzalez committed to open nine Little Caesars in San Diego over the next four years.

Just as motivated to bring Little Caesars to further locations are new franchise owners Jocelyn Monperousse and Lissette Isabel. Co-owners of RJBL Pizza, this dynamic female duo is set to open the first traditional Little Caesars restaurant in Bradenton, Florida. Their five-unit franchise agreement will support their continued development plans in the Tampa market going into 2027.

"The growth and momentum we’ve built in the first two months of 2024 underscores the strength and viability of Little Caesars. With a business model that’s built for our franchise owners, we’ve successfully garnered the attention of many experienced multi-unit operators," said Patrick Cunningham, Vice President of U.S. Development at Little Caesars. “Our development pipeline is strong and as we look ahead into the year, we remain committed to building on this momentum, seeking opportunities to expand our presence while meeting the evolving demands of our guests through technology and innovation.”

In addition to the recent deal signings, Little Caesars plans to grow its footprint across the U.S. with its newest restaurant prototype – Little Caesars PODs. Featuring a design that’s built offsite, PODs have a quicker construction timeline than most traditional restaurants.

Little Caesars is actively seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to help propel development efforts in target markets nationwide, including in and around non-traditional venues like universities, water parks, airports and stadiums. Multi-unit franchising opportunities remain in regions across the U.S., including the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Kansas City, New Orleans, and North and South Carolina. The established brand offers franchisees a convenience-driven business model and an efficient concept.

For more information, interested candidates can visit franchise.littlecaesars.com. 

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Detroit Red Wings Sign Defenseman Shai Buium to Three-Year Entry Level Contract

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