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Fans Can Join the Winged Wheel Nation Waitlist for 2025-26 Campaign
June 19, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today announced the introduction of a Winged Wheel Nation season ticket waitlist for the 2025-26 season to meet the demand for tickets by the Hockeytown faithful. Fans will have the opportunity to join the Winged Wheel Nation waitlist by placing a deposit or move to the top of the waitlist by purchasing a 10-game plan for the upcoming 2024-25 season. For details visit DetroitRedWings.com/WingedWheelNation.
“To best serve the high demand created by Red Wings fans for season tickets we have established a Winged Wheel Nation membership waitlist for the 2025-26 season,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Fans have two options to consider in joining the waitlist: either place a deposit starting at $50, which can be applied toward their membership, or purchase a 10-game plan for the 2024-25 season to secure future season tickets.”
Waitlist members for the 2025-26 Red Wings season will also receive first access to purchase individual game tickets for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign before they go on sale to the public, along with exclusive offers throughout the season.
Benefits for Winged Wheel Nation members include:
The waitlist is for Winged Wheel Nation Memberships only. A 10-game plan does not include the same benefits as a WWN member.
Individual game tickets and 10-game plans will go on sale only after the announcement of the 2024-25 National Hockey League schedule and are the only remaining ways to purchase tickets to the upcoming Red Wings season at Little Caesars Arena. Group tickets and premium rentals are also available for purchase.
Information on fan giveaway items and special events for the 2024-25 Red Wings season will be announced in the coming days and weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow @DetroitRedWings on social media and to visit DetroitRedWings.com for specific details.
Red Wings to Host Sticks & Picks Festival, presented by Bud Light, at Little Caesars Arena for First Round of NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 28
June 19, 2024
Family-friendly festival will be hosted outside and inside Little Caesars Arena from 6-10 p.m., with events and activities available for fans of all ages
On the evening of the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 28, Hockeytown will be the place to be as the Detroit Red Wings host the “Sticks & Picks” Festival, presented by Bud Light. The family-friendly event will be held outside Little Caesars Arena in the plaza areas, and inside the venue in the seating bowl.
The festival will run from 6-10 p.m., and tickets are just $5, with children ages 2 and under receiving free admission. Parking will be available for $10 in the UWM, Trinity Health and Temple West garages surrounding Little Caesars Arena and can be purchased in advance at ParkWhiz.com. ESPN’s live broadcast will begin at 7 p.m., with the Red Wings currently slated to pick 15th in the first round.
Tickets to the Sticks & Picks Festival can be purchased here, or at the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena the day of the event until 8 p.m. For more information visit DetroitRedWings.com/SticksAndPicks.
Fans can enjoy live music and entertainment outside the arena and watch the entirety of the NHL Draft on the center hung videoboard in the lower level of the seating bowl.
Similar to recent draft parties, the Chevrolet Plaza will feature tailgate games, fan giveaways, artists and face painters, concessions, a variety of food trucks and Instagram photo opportunities, including a 360-Degree Camera. The Detroit Red Wings Foundation will host a Tent Sale in the Chevrolet Plaza, and Nütrl Vodka Seltzer sampling will be available for fans ages 21 and over.
Interested fans can play street hockey in one of two rinks on Henry Street on the southwest side of Little Caesars Arena. Former Red Wings players will sign autographs in the plaza areas.
Inside the arena, fans can enjoy Red Wings and Detroit Tigers co-branded giveaways, additional autograph opportunities with Red Wings alumni, a selfie station, LED mini golf, and Coca-Cola sampling. ESPN’s broadcast will be shown on the center hung videoboard – with sound – and will be lowered for prime viewing. Interviews with special guests and Draft analysis will take place during ESPN’s commercial breaks.
Select concessions will be available for purchase inside Little Caesars Arena, and Mike’s Pizza Bar and Detroit House will be open. The Team Store will also be open for attendees, with clearance items available featuring 50-75 percent discounts. Winged Wheel Nation members will receive an additional 10 percent off.
Red Wings Sign Defenseman Albert Johansson to One-Year Contract Extension
June 18, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman Albert Johansson to a one-year, two-way contract extension.
Johansson, 23, spent the entire 2023-24 season with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, recording 21 points (6-15-21), a plus-seven rating and 46 penalty minutes in 66 games. The 6-foot, 185-pound defenseman also collected three assists and eight penalty minutes in nine postseason contests, helping the Griffins reach the Central Division Finals. Johansson made his North American professional debut with the Griffins in 2022-23, notching 15 points (5-10-15) and 38 penalty minutes in 53 games. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (60th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson has registered 36 points (11-25-36) and 84 penalty minutes in 119 AHL games with the Griffins.
A native of Karlstad, Sweden, Johansson spent parts of four seasons with Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League from 2018-22, racking up 57 points (15-42-57), a plus-10 rating and 44 penalty minutes in 141 games in Sweden’s top professional league. He also helped Färjestad BK win a SHL championship in 2022, tallying eight points (2-6-8) in 19 postseason matchups. Johansson also logged 38 points (9-29-38) and 79 penalty minutes in 58 games with Färjestad’s under-20 team, in addition to 36 points (14-22-36) and 14 penalty minutes in 50 games with the under-18 team, and 26 points (11-15-26) and 82 penalty minutes in 56 games at the under-16 level. On the international stage, Johansson represented Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship along with Lucas Raymond and Elmer Söderblom, recording three assists in five games. Johansson captured a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, tallying one assist in seven games. He also earned a silver medal with Sweden at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recording two penalty minutes in five appearances.
Little Caesars and Ilitch Companies Announce Key Technology Promotions to Support Innovation and Record-Breaking Growth
June 17, 2024
Little Caesars, a global leader in the pizza industry, is proud to announce the promotion of three exceptional executives to key leadership positions within the company’s technology division. These promotions come at a time of tremendous growth for Little Caesars, underscoring the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge innovation to drive future success and enhance the guest experience. These promotions will also continue to elevate technology at the entire Ilitch Companies family of businesses, including Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
Keith Faigin Promoted to Chief Information Officer, Restaurant Systems
Keith Faigin, who recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary at Little Caesars, has been promoted to Chief Information Officer, Restaurant Systems. Throughout his tenure, Keith has overseen numerous software initiatives, with a significant focus on the company’s e-commerce platform. He has been instrumental in securing multiple patents for Little Caesars and holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and a master’s in computer science from the University of Illinois. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Keith is a resident cast member of Go Comedy! Improv Theater and a founder of the Detroit Improv Festival.
Afia Phillips Promoted to Chief Information Security Officer
Afia Phillips has been promoted to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Afia has been serving as the Vice President of Information Security at Little Caesar Enterprises, overseeing information security across all Ilitch companies. Afia has established a strategic enterprise information security program that focuses on mitigating cyber risk across the organization. She is passionate about social responsibility and has led key initiatives pertaining to food insecurity, volunteerism, diversity, equity and inclusion. Afia is an active member of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, T200, and Chief, a selective nationwide network of female executives. She is a governing body member of the Evanta CIO & CISO Network (Detroit Chapter) and was appointed to the State of Michigan’s Board of Ethics by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Her achievements have been recognized with a Crain’s Notable Women in STEM honor and a Top Global CISO Award from Cyber Defense Magazine. Afia holds a degree in computer science from Wayne State University and has certifications in cybersecurity and risk management.
Lance Shinabarger Promoted to Chief Information Officer, Shared Technologies and Applications
Lance Shinabarger has been promoted to Chief Information Officer, Shared Technologies and Applications. With over 25 years of IT management experience, Lance has been with Little Caesars since 2017 as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Systems, Data Services, and Global Infrastructure. He has successfully led the global infrastructure for Little Caesars, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and other Ilitch companies. Lance holds a degree in Computer Science from Cleary University and has a proven track record of developing and executing technology strategies that drive business growth.
“These promotions highlight the incredible talent and dedication of our leadership team,” said Anita Klopfenstein, Global Chief Information Officer. “Keith, Afia, and Lance have consistently demonstrated their commitment to innovation and excellence through their strong leadership. We are confident that they will continue to drive our technology initiatives forward.”
As Little Caesars continues to grow and innovate, the company remains focused on its mission to provide exceptional value, convenience and quality to customers through pioneering technology and forward-thinking strategies. These leadership changes are a testament to the company’s dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry and preparing for an even brighter future of continued aggressive growth.
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 60 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.
About Ilitch Companies
Ilitch Companies represents leading brands in the food, sports and entertainment industries, including Little Caesars, Blue Line Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Fundraising Program, Champion Foods, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino and Tenda. The organization also has a joint venture interest in 313 Presents.
The companies collectively employ tens of thousands of people across the world, have 400+ million customer interactions annually and generate billions of dollars each year.
Ilitch Companies, Detroit Tigers Celebrate Pride Month
June 12, 2024
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.
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.
NFL and Little Caesars Announce Ultimate Football Fan Prizes for Summer of HOT-N-READY® Giveaways & Getaways
June 12, 2024
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:
NFL Kickoff Experience
This prize winner will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime kickoff experience including:
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.
Detroit Tigers Annual “Pink Out the Park” Event Uplifts Spirits at Comerica Park
June 11, 2024
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.
Tigers Honor Veterans at Annual Military Appreciation Game and Visit to VA Medical Center
June 9, 2024
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.”
Detroit Tigers Host ALS Community at Comerica Park Ahead of Lou Gehrig Day
June 4, 2024
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.”
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.