Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and KultureCity Unveil Sensory Rooms at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, Paving the Way for Inclusive Entertainment Environments
April 15, 2024
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to announce the unveiling of sensory rooms at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena in partnership with KultureCity, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. The sensory room at Comerica Park is open for all Detroit Tigers home games and any events at the ballpark and the room at Little Caesars Arena is open for all events. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the arena room will take place in the fall.Both sensory rooms are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with sensory processing needs. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the venues it operates are committed to fostering a positive and accommodating experience for all guests and colleagues, ensuring those with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the power of sports and entertainment without barriers.The sensory room at Comerica Park is on the 200 level behind section 210, and the Little Caesars Arena will be located outside PORTAL 66 on the concourse level. The completion of the rooms was made possible from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Detroit Red Wings Foundation, respectively.
With input from sensory experts, KultureCity sensory rooms incorporate adjustable lighting, calming visuals and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment such as 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.
“It is with immense pride that Ilitch Sports and Entertainment joins hands with KultureCity and the Detroit Tigers Foundation in bringing this incredible initiative to life,” said Amanda Vought, Vice President, Guest Strategy, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These sensory rooms are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all our guests and empowers our event staff by providing them with tools to better support individuals with sensory processing issues. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can feel welcomed and comfortable.”
Little Caesars Arena was named the 2021 KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year. Both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena earned certification by KultureCity in 2018, and at Guest Services locations, are equipped with sensory bags, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. The certification process entails the event staff at both facilities are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to best handle a sensory overload situation.
“We are thrilled to continue collaborating with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment and to introduce these new sensory rooms,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. “At KultureCity, our mission is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can fully enjoy and participate in community experiences. These sensory rooms represent a crucial step towards inclusivity, providing a welcoming space where individuals with sensory sensitivities can engage with their surroundings comfortably. We applaud Ilitch Sports and Entertainment for their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, and we are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the community.”
“One of the core pillars for both of our foundations is making baseball and hockey accessible and inclusive,” said Shannon Lapsley, Community Impact Director, Fundraising and Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These rooms are a testament to the foundations’ dedication to utilizing baseball and hockey to provide inclusive opportunities for all, allowing more of our fans the opportunity to experience a day at the ballpark and arena and make memories with friends and family.”
In addition to Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre have all earned KultureCity certification in recent years.
Prior to attending an event at venues managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity app, where guests can view which sensory features are available, and where to access them.
313 Presents Announces Live Entertainment Industry Veteran Sarah Zawalski to Top Booking Post
April 9, 2024
313 Presents, Detroit’s premier live entertainment company that promotes and produces top events at six leading venues, announced today that industry booking veteran Sarah Zawalski has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Booking & Industry Relations. In this role, Zawalski will lead the 313 Presents booking team and advance the company’s mission to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit. Zawalski succeeds Dana Warg, one of the nation’s best-known live entertainment booking leaders, as part of a planned succession.
Zawalski, recently named one of VenuesNow 2024 “Women of Live,” will oversee the booking and content strategy for the company’s six world-class venues – Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Comerica Park, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre as well as lead partnerships across new markets and venues to expand the company’s business. Zawalski will immediately assume this leadership role from Warg, with whom she has worked for more than 15 years. Warg will continue with the company focusing on larger-scale projects and new initiatives while supporting the transition.
“After an extensive national search, Sarah distinguished herself as the best candidate to lead our booking team and key industry relationships into the future,” said Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents. “Sarah lives and breathes our culture, she’s a no-nonsense problem solver, talented dealmaker and drives the business with a growth mindset. I’m excited to watch Sarah soar.”
“I’ve been privileged to witness and support Sarah’s growth over many years. She works tirelessly with promoters, agents and artists to build trusting relationships and to put the very best content on our stages.” said Warg. “I am thrilled to see her take this well-deserved next step.”
Zawalski is a 25-year Detroit sports and entertainment industry veteran, beginning her career with Olympia Entertainment, holding a variety of roles from private event sales to arena production leading to her role as Director of Booking which she had held since 2005. During this time, she actively participated in planning and development for Little Caesars Arena providing valuable insight into the artist compound, seating configuration and sightlines from a concert perspective. She also played an instrumental role in the creation of 313 Presents, collaborating with both Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sport & Entertainment to ensure a smooth transition.
Zawalski most recently served as 313 Presents Senior Director of Booking, securing more than 4,000 events throughout her career including 50 stadium shows at Comerica Park. She also manages the event calendar across the company’s expansive portfolio of venues. Recent noteworthy events include securing a multi-year commitment to host iHeart Radio’s “Jingle Ball” and Cirque Du Soleil’s Christmas blockbuster “Twas The Night Before…”, Claressa Shields World Middleweight Boxing Championship defense at Little Caesars Arena, and the acquisition of other big events including the 2022 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championships and the 2024 NCAA D1 Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional.
“I’m eager for the opportunity to serve Metro Detroit’s incredible passion for live entertainment and to further build 313 Presents position in our industry,” said Zawalski. “I’d like to thank my mentor, Dana Warg, who has helped guide me to this point and Howard Handler for his confidence and support as I step up to this leadership role.”
Detroit Red Wings Recall Zach Aston-Reese from Grand Rapids Under Emergency Conditions
April 9, 2024
Forward Has Recorded 80 Points in 308 NHL Games Since 2017-18
The Detroit Red Wings today recalled center Zach Aston-Reese from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.
Aston-Reese, 29, made his Red Wings debut on Dec. 11 against the Dallas Stars, recording two hits in 6:21 time on ice. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward has also tallied 29 points (14-15-29), a plus-four rating and 51 penalty minutes in 59 games with the Griffins during the 2023-24 season. Aston-Reese spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, collecting 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. He also netted one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests with Toronto, helping the franchise clinch its first postseason series win since 2004. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has registered 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 308 NHL games with the Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Maple Leafs and Red Wings since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese has totaled 75 points (32-43-75), a plus-30 rating and 125 penalty minutes in 121 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Griffins.Prior to turning professional, Aston-Reese played four seasons at Northeastern University from 2013-17, racking up 148 points (66-82-148), a plus-48 rating and 182 penalty minutes in 145 games. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA First All-American Team and named Hockey East Player of the Year after leading the NCAA in goals (31) and points (63) in 38 games during the 2016-17 season. Aston-Reese also guided the Huskies to a Hockey East Tournament championship as a junior in 2015-16. The Staten Island, N.Y., native added 50 points (16-34-50), a plus-12 rating and 188 penalty minutes in 140 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13.
Final Three Games of Red Wings Regular Season to be Simulcast on TV20 in Detroit
April 9, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings have partnered with Scripps Sports and Bally Sports Detroit to allow fans free access to the final three games of the regular season on TV20 (WMYD), an over-the-air (OTA)broadcast channel. This opportunity allows over 1.5 million fans in Southeast Michigan to tune in for free as the Red Wings make their final push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The broadcasts will be simulcasts of the Bally Sports Detroit game feed, with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond calling the action.
“We’re thrilled to expand the reach of the final three regular-season games and give more hockey fans throughout the metro Detroit area a chance to feel a part of the exciting playoff push,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Every game matters so much, and many in Hockeytown and beyond will be tuning in to cheer on the Red Wings as the team battles against some of its toughest rivals for a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”
The three games will continue to be available for fans to watch on Bally Sports Detroit and the Bally Sports app – while the feed will additionally be shown on TV20 throughout southeast Michigan. Fans will be able to watch games as they have in the past on Bally Sports Detroit channels, as the simulcast on TV20 is in addition to those traditional ways of tuning in.
Below are the games during which the Bally Sports Detroit feed will be simulcast on TV20:
The games were made available for local over-the-air distribution as part of an agreement with Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports Detroit, and the Red Wings and Scripps Sports, a division of The E.W. Scripps Company.
“Teams want as many fans as possible watching their games, especially at such a crucial time in the hockey season,” said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports. “It’s great that the Red Wings are making these games available free and over the air so everyone can have access.”
Olympia Development of Michigan Selects Detroit-Based Development Group to Rehabilitate Historic Brush Park Site
April 9, 2024
Olympia Development of Michigan and Edmund Place Partners announce the planned restoration of the historic Standart House at 64 Edmund Place in Brush Park. The former single-family home will be restored and redeveloped into new housing while building upon and renewing the historic character of this residential asset.
The project will be led by Edmund Place Partners who are planning to restore and add to the nearly 130-year-old building at 64 Edmund, transforming the current historical structure into three separate residences. Each unit will be unique with three or four-bedroom plans, rooftop patios and two-car garages with finishes and appointments befitting the rich history of Brush Park.
Sean Tidwell, founder of The Tidwell Group Inc said, “We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring this jewel back to life and contribute to our hometown. We are looking forward to working with community members and the city of Detroit to work together on this restoration.”
The 7,000-square-foot 64 Edmund Place, like many residential buildings in Detroit’s Historic Brush Park neighborhood, was once a grand single-family dwelling. Its elaborate architecture will be restored in the spirit of original designs.
“We are thrilled with the development team behind Edmund Place Partners. They share our passion for preserving historical buildings in Detroit and have put forward a great plan to restore a stunning building. We look forward to the restoration of 64 Edmund Place being a part of the remarkable transformation happening in Brush Park,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit.
The Edmund Place Partners development team is a partnership comprised of three Detroit-based and Black-led development organizations: The Tidwell Group, City on the Rise and Tekton Development. Each member of this newly formed development team brings significant local development success including Levels Commonwealth, Scripps District, and North 320 Luxury Residences. Edmund Place Partners has selected T he Excellent Group to manage the construction and 4545 Architecture to lead design and architecture. All are Detroit-based organizations.
Detroit Public Schools Community District In Partnership With Key Organizations Announce An Evening Of Fine Arts Fox Theatre May 15 Performance
April 8, 2024
Tickets are FREE and Available to the Public at Eventbrite.com
Comerica Bank, 313 Presents, Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the City Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are proud to present Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) annual An Evening of Fine Arts for the third consecutive year at the Fox Theatre (55th anniversary of EFA) on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
The free public event will feature performances by DPSCD’s top instrumental music ensembles, vocal music ensembles and dance companies as well as theatre excerpts. In addition, original works of art by the district’s top visual artists will be displayed in the Fox Theatre’s Grand Lobby.
Although admission to An Evening of Fine Arts is free and open to the public, tickets are required for entry and are available in advance at participating schools, the DPSCD Office of Fine Arts and Eventbrite.com.
“It is impossible not to have goosebumps while watching our students perform at this event,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD. “We are grateful for the support we have received as a District to bring back this event to the Fox Theatre. It means so much to our students and their teachers and families. If you did not attend the event last year, you need to attend this year. The performances match any professional concert!!!”
The Ilitch Companies and 313 Presents have supported Detroit Public Schools students over the years and An Evening of Fine Arts is a natural extension of that partnership, which has included financial and in-kind donations, internships and educational programs.
“When you watch these talented students display their excellence and creativity, it is nothing short of inspirational,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Their dedication and talent are testaments to their own hard work and the support of their teachers, families and school community. The Evening of Fine Arts is an amazing example of how working together can uplift and engage, and we are grateful that our long-standing partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District gives us the opportunity to showcase these young people on the stage of the historic Fox Theatre.”
“The extraordinary talent of students throughout the entire Detroit Public Schools Community District is truly impressive and makes the Evening of the Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre a special and signature event for the City of Detroit,” said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. “We look forward to seeing what is in store this year, and we are honored to partner in helping amplify the artistic, performative and gifted spirit that resonates through the teens of our community.”
313 Presents President Howard Handler agreed.
“313 Presents is excited to continue its commitment to Detroit Public Schools Community District’s An Evening of Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre. This occasion not only serves as a platform for students to showcase their remarkable talents on such a prestigious stage but also ignite a collective spirit within the community to rally behind our youth and champion their aspirations. We can’t wait to see the great performances the students have in store for us this year.”
Rochelle Riley, the City of Detroit’s Director of Arts and Culture, said, “It is vital that we not only celebrate excellence, but celebrate it early. Our children who want to become part of one of the nation’s most vibrant and accomplished creative workforces need to know that they don’t have to leave Detroit to be great, and they can take great stages before Carnegie Hall. They can be showcased at one of our preeminent venues – the Fox Theatre. They deserve it, and so does the city. I cannot wait to see them shine.”
For more information about An Evening of Fine Arts, visit Detroitk12.org. Follow the district on Facebook at Detroit Public Schools Community District, Twitter at @Detroitk12, and Instagram at @Detroitk12.
Detroit Red Wings Loan Ville Husso to Grand Rapids for Conditioning
April 7, 2024
Goaltender Has Made 19 Appearances With Red Wings During 2023-24 Season
The Detroit Red Wings today loaned goaltender Ville Husso to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins for conditioning.
Husso, 29, has made 19 appearances with the Red Wings during the 2023-24 season, posting a 9-5-2 record with a 3.55 goals-against average and an 0.892 save percentage. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound goaltender also stopped all 25 shots he faced with the Griffins on Jan. 26 against the Belleville Senators during a previous conditioning stint. Husso spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the Red Wings, logging a 26-22-7 record with a 3.11 goals-against average, an 0.896 save percentage and four shutouts in 56 games. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (94th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Husso has compiled a 69-40-16 record with a 3.01 goals-against average, a 0.902 save percentage and seven shutouts in 132 appearances with the Blues and Red Wings since 2020-21. Additionally, Husso has posted a 51-54-16 record with a 2.68 goals-against average, a 0.909 save percentage and 11 shutouts in 130 AHL games with the Chicago Wolves, San Antonio Rampage and Griffins, earning a place on the AHL All-Rookie Team in 2017-18.
A native of Helsinki, Finland, Husso played three seasons with HIFK in Finland's SM-Liiga from 2013-16 prior to arriving in North America, finishing with a 60-33-21 record and 10 shutouts in 121 appearances. In his final season with HIFK, Husso was named to the SM-Liiga All-Star Team and captured the Urpo Ylönen Award as the league's top goaltender after recording the circuit's best goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (0.927) in 39 games during the 2015-16 campaign. On the international stage, Husso represented Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, showing a 1-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and an 0.863 save percentage in three appearances. He also competed at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2014 and 2015, winning a gold medal at the 2014 tournament. Husso was a member of Finland’s bronze-medal entry at the 2013 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and made three appearances at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Special Olympics Michigan Visits Little Caesars Arena for Detroit Red Wings Experience
April 3, 2024
During the event, Special Olympics Michigan poly hockey athletes and their supporters were invited to Little Caesars Arena as VIP guests to observe a Detroit Red Wings practice. Following the practice viewing, the guests participated in a hockey skills clinic alongside Detroit Red Wings players and coaches and were surprised with an equipment donation.
The Detroit Red Wings and Gallagher made a monetary donation to the Special Olympics Michigan for additional equipment, benefiting all 600+ Special Olympics Michigan poly hockey athletes in the state. Additionally, Dylan Larkin and the Red Wings Foundation surprised Special Olympics Michigan with a $10,000 donation.
“Hosting this Special Olympics Poly Hockey Celebration in partnership with Gallagher and the Detroit Red Wings is a testament to our collective dedication to fostering inclusivity and opportunities for athletes with disabilities in Michigan,” said Shannon Lapsley, Director of the Red Wings Foundation. “This event not only showcases the transformative power of sports but also underscores the importance of providing equal access to recreational activities for everyone in our community.”
In total, 100 Special Olympics Michigan athletes watched Red Wings practice, participated in a hockey skills clinic, and received donations from 10 Red Wings coaches and players. The coaches and players involved included: Derek Lalonde, Jay Varady, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Jeff Petry, Justin Holl, Lucas Raymond, Joe Veleno, Alex Lyon, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Daniel Sprong, reflecting the hockey community's commitment to inclusivity and support for athletes of all abilities.
“The power of inclusion was on full display today during the Special Olympics Michigan Poly Hockey Celebration in partnership with Gallagher,” said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Through this event and more, the Detroit Red Wings proudly champion access and opportunity within the game as we redefine what's possible in hockey and beyond.”
See more about the celebration in this video:
Detroit Tigers Opening Day Celebrated Throughout The District Detroit
April 2, 2024
Fans headed to The District Detroit for Opening Day will find plenty of activities, from food and drink specials to DJs and giveaways on Columbia Street, the pedestrian-only walkway located just steps from Comerica Park across Woodward Avenue.
Whether fans are coming for the Tigers home opener against the Oakland Athletics or Friday evening’s Detroit Red Wings game against the New York Rangers, The District Detroit food and retail options will be offering game day specials and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Enjoy outdoor seating, Tigers giveaways and photo opportunities with PAWS, the Tigers mascot.
Heading to watch the Red Wings game in the evening or to a show the Fox Theatre? Stop by one of the many restaurants on Columbia Street, Tin Roof across from Comerica Park or Basan, located next to Little Caesars Arena on Park Avenue.