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.

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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After becoming General Manager of the San Francisco Giants, Harris and the Giants launched a San Francisco chapter of CASE in 2022. Now, as the Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Harris brought the program to Detroit, with support from the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

The inaugural class of the Detroit Chapter welcomed twenty-two students from Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School and Osborn High School. These students had the unique opportunity to participate in virtual sessions facilitated by sports industry professionals from renowned organizations such as the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Cubs, and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment.

“This experience was great; because a lot of people that are from where I’m from – East 7 Mile – they don’t get this type of opportunity. So, I’m thankful for it,” said Jaiden Mabins, a 10^th grade student at Osborn High School.

Over the course of eight sessions, students delved into various aspects of the sports industry. Topics included Player Development, led by Jeff Greenberg, General Manager of the Detroit Tigers, and Jared Banner, Assistant General Manager of the Chicago Cubs; Data Analytics, instructed by Jay Sartori, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Detroit Tigers, and Bryan Campbell, Director of Statistical Analysis and Hockey Administration for the Detroit Red Wings; Sales and Partnerships, featuring insights from Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, and Chris Coffman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships for the Detroit Tigers, among others.

“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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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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Emmy award-winning personality, actor and restaurateur, Billy Dec, is thrilled to announce Sunda New Asian’s newest location in, The District Detroit at 33 W. Columbia Street set to open in spring 2026.

After the successful openings of its two newest locations in Chicago’s Fulton Market and Tampa, FL and thriving locations in Nashville and Chicago’s River North, the team is elated to continue the expansion of the Sunda brand.

Founded in 2009, Sunda is an award-winning restaurant showcasing modern new Asian cuisine from Japan, China and other southeast Asian countries, elevating it with upgraded ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation. This creates a new and memorable hospitality experience that retains the deep-rooted spirit of the originals.

“Beyond the incredible amount of Michigan support we have felt in our original Sunda home in Chicago over the last 15 years, we are in awe of the explosive pride, investment, energy and growth all happening in Detroit fast and furious, especially The District Detroit’s Columbia Street location where we are proud to call our new home.”

“Just as we identified Nashville as a growing market to explode 10 years ago, Tampa 4 years ago, we are confident Detroit is about to go on an outstanding growth run the world won’t see coming and Sunda wants to contribute and be part of it all.” – Billy Dec, CEO/Founder, Sunda New Asian.

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Named “Best Asian Cuisine” by USA Today, the concept has garnered a devoted fan base among celebrities such as Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Ben Stiller, Ariana Grande, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba and many others.

“The restaurant scene in Detroit has experienced exponential growth over the last few years. The talent and diversity of food and drink experiences is exceptional. The ever trend-setting Mr. Dec saw the opportunity in The District Detroit and chose Columbia Street for his first Detroit restaurant” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “Having visited Sunda in other markets, we are confident this will be a culinary experience Detroiters will embrace while creating unforgettable memories with family and friends."

The 33 W. Columbia Street Sunda location will also offer many signature items from the original location in Chicago.

Columbia Street is The District Detroit’s pedestrian-friendly walkway located between the historic Fox Theatre and Little Caesars World Headquarters, across Woodward Avenue from Comerica Park.

Columbia Street is home to Frita Batidos, JoJo’s ShakeBAR, Sahara Restaurant and Grill, Good Cakes and Bakes, Detroit Vs Everybody, M Den, Union Assembly and Mom’s Spaghetti. The District Detroit is managed by Olympia Development. Olympia Development of Michigan is part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.

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Olympia Development of Michigan issued a Co-Developer Request for Proposals (RFP)today. The Co-Developer Program is designed to create opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or Detroit resident-owned development companies. Qualified companies will have the opportunity to pursue the development of up to three Olympia Development properties.

“Our Co-Developer Program is at the core of our mission to help improve the lives of people who live and work in Detroit. These RFPs invite developers who share our community-minded development approach to partner with us to further enhance The District Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit.

The three sites that will be offered with the upcoming RFPs are:

• 81 W. Columbia Street: Located at the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Columbia Street adjacent to the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Global Resource Center and situated at a corner gateway to the fully pedestrianized block of retail shops and dining along Columbia Street. Designed in the transitional style by architectural firm Baxter and O’Dell in 1909 as the Blenheim Apartments, it originally comprised 19 apartments and a speakeasy. The building is four stories tall and contains 17,500 square feet.

• 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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This April 25-27, Ilitch Companies is proud to participate in NFL Draft-related activities and expanded entertainment options for fans coming into downtown Detroit, with activities from Hart Plaza to The District Detroit.

Little Caesars, the official pizza sponsor of the NFL, will have interactive fan engagement activities at Hart Plaza featuring appearances by NFL players:

Thursday, April 25

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Frank Ragnow
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Sam LaPorta

Friday, April 26

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Jahmyr Gibbs
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Amon-Ra St. Brown

The historic Fox Theatre will host a private VIP reception for projected first-round NFL Draft prospects and their families on April 25.

Additionally, pedestrian-only Columbia Street will host a free outdoor NFL Draft Party with live broadcasts, music, outdoor bars, and food specials from local restaurants throughout the weekend.

Baseball and football fans can come together and catch the Detroit Tigers in action against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 26 at 1:10 p.m., where Bazzi the musician will throw the first pitch. Bazzi will be perform at the NFL Draft on Saturday.

On April 27, the game will begin at 6:10 p.m., where an NFL legend will be throwing the first pitch. Get tickets for either game, or both, here. Throughout both games, the Lions’ picks will be featured on the scoreboard at Comerica Park.

Road Closures and Parking:

Keep in mind that there will be increased traffic and road closures in the downtown area. Road closures started at the beginning of April and will continue to expand. Visitors can stay updated on the latest closure information at VisitDetroit.com/2024NFLDraft, and selecting “Getting Around Detroit” or by viewing the planned closure map, here. Additionally, plan your parking ahead of time by checking parkwhiz.com or Visit Detroit Parking for the best parking options based on the events you plan to attend.

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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