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.

‍

• Shop at Detroit Vs Everybody for limited edition Tigers gear or buy the original sweatshirt that started it all and get a free t-shirt when you spend $75.

• Frida Batidos will be roasting aromatic pulled pork served over coconut ginger rice with tropical slaw for $8 (slow cooked black beans are available for vegetarians) along with buckets of Miller Lite and Miller High Life (5 for $10) and $3 shots of Cazcabel tequila.

• Swing by JoJo’s ShakeBAR for game day essentials from their signature brunch served daily until 2 p.m, an over-the-top Patron margarita tree, smash burgers, and biggie shakes.

• Enjoy Sahara Restaurant & Grill’s special shawarma sandwiches on their outdoor patio.

• Celebrate at Union Assembly on one of their terraces or extended outdoor patio and enjoy tracks from a live DJ along with shot specials.

• Hockeytown Café will have all three floors open including the outdoor patio and rooftop deck with incredible views. Guests can enjoy a live band outside, DJ on the 3rd floor and drink specials throughout the day.

• Skip the line by purchasing Tin Roof’s Opening Day Fast Pass Tickets.  Enjoy live music from live bands and DJs, with all four floors serving drinks and food, along with a patio bar and food truck.

• Snap pictures with PAWS when he stops on Columbia Street to say hello at 11 a.m.

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.

• Capacity crowd to witness Home Opener vs. Oakland Athletics, standing-room-only tickets available
• Lions All-Pro standout Penei Sewell to throw out first pitch
• Grace West, contestant on “the Voice,” to perform National Anthem before flyover
• Opening Day Tailgate Party, presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit at Grand Circus Park
• Fans encouraged to arrive early and to be in their seats by 12:35 p.m. for special introductions of Tigers players, manager, and staff – Gates open at 10:30 a.m.

A greatly enhanced fan experience is in store for the capacity crowd at Comerica Park on Opening Day 2024, presented by Rocket Mortgage, this Friday, April 5 against the Oakland Athletics at 1:10 p.m. Fans will feel the energy of the new videoboard and state-of-the-art upgrades to the sound system and new HD televisions throughout the ballpark.

Tigers fans have shown their excitement and anticipation for the 2024 Tigers season, with just standing-room-only tickets remaining for Opening Day. Great seats for the remainder of Opening Weekend, featuring home games against the Athletics on Saturday, April 6 at 1:10 p.m. – with a Tigers hockey jersey giveaway to the first 15,000 fans (sizes youth XL to adult XXL) – and for Chevy Sunday Kids Day on April 7 at 1:40 p.m., are available at Tigers.com/Tickets.

‍ARRIVE EARLY AND STAY LATE!

‍All gates to Comerica Park open at 10:30 a.m. Live music, photo opportunities and the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle will greet Tigers fans as they enter the concourse.

All ticketed fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Home Run Happy Hour – on the Comerica Landing – from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Select concessions items are available for just $5, including 16 oz. beers, fountain drinks, hard seltzers and snacks.

Tigers fans are reminded that all tickets at Comerica Park are digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets from the MLB Ballpark App to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted.

Several parking options are available throughout The District Detroit, including garages surrounding Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena. Parking can be reserved at ParkWhiz.com.

‍INTRODUCTIONS OF 2024 DETROIT TIGERS GET PREGAME FESTIVITIES STARTED

‍One of the memorable traditions on Opening Day is the individual introductions of the Tigers players, manager, coaches and support staff. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:35 p.m. to meet the 2024 Tigers for the first time.“

THE VOICE” STAR GRACE WEST TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM BEFORE FLYOVER

‍Grace West, a Canton, Michigan native who earned a spot in the finale of NBC’s “The Voice” in 2023, will perform the National Anthem on Opening Day, capping off an unforgettable pregame ceremony. West’s performance will be followed by a flyover featuring an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron, and part of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

‍PENEI SEWELL TO THROW OUT FIRST PITCH

‍Fans in attendance and watching on Bally Sports Detroit won’t want to miss the ceremonial first pitch, with Detroit Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell helping the Tigers open the home season in style. Fans will also enjoy hearing the infamous “Play Ball!” call from a special guest.

‍2024 OPENING DAY TAILGATE PARTY, PRESENTED BY MILLER LITE AND BALLY SPORTS DETROIT AT GRAND CIRCUS PARK

‍“Detroit’s Biggest Party” will start early with the 2024 Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party, hosted by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit, at Grand Circus Park. During the free tailgate from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., fans can enjoy beer, DJ’s, food trucks, photo opportunities, giveaways, baseball-themed games and activities and a live stream of the Tigers game.

‍RED WINGS GAME FOLLOWING TIGERS GAME

‍Fans can make it a doubleheader in The District Detroit on April 5. After watching the Tigers’ home opener, fans can visit Little Caesars Arena to cheer on the Detroit Red Wings as they host the New York Rangers. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with puck drop at 7 p.m. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a co-branded Red Wings/Tigers hat.

MotorCity Casino Hotel is excited to announce the promotion of Stacey Young to Senior Vice President of Casino Operations. With 25 years of casino management experience, Young brings exceptional leadership skills and strategic insight to his new role.

Young joined MotorCity Casino Hotel in 2003 as a Slot Technical Manager where he demonstrated exceptional technical skills. Young continued his successful career by taking on various operational roles, including Director of Slot Operations and Vice President of Slot Operations.

As Senior Vice President of Casino Operations, Young assumes primary responsibility for all facets of casino operations including, slots, table games, poker, and the sportsbook. “I’m thrilled to be part of such an outstanding team, and I’m excited to continue elevating the guest experience at MotorCity Casino Hotel” said Young.

“Stacey’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in delivering MotorCity Casino’s world-class experience,” said John Policicchio, General Manager of MotorCity Casino Hotel. “We’re eager to see Stacey continue to excel in his new role.”

Young holds a master’s in information management from Central Michigan University. He also served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps and is a Desert Storm veteran.

‍

For the final collaboration in the 2023-24 Local Designer Series, the Detroit Red Wings are partnering with local apparel brand Detroit Vs. Everybody for a special ticket package and exclusive merchandise line.

Fans can purchase a special Detroit Vs. Everybody ticket package for the Red Wings game on Tuesday, April 9, or simply purchase a regular game ticket and visit the exclusive in-venue pop-up shop at Little Caesars Arena during the game.

Detroit Vs. Everybody is a Detroit-based clothing company, founded by Detroit native Tommey Walker in 2012.

When the Red Wings host the Washington Capitals on April 9, fans can purchase a special ticket package which includes a game ticket, a limited-edition Detroit Vs. Everybody/Red Wings T-shirt and early access to Little Caesars Arena for the exclusive Detroit Vs. Everybody pop-up.

Aside from the T-shirt in the ticket package, there are 10 other items in the exclusive line including hats, shirts and hoodies.

Following the 4:30 p.m. early access window for Detroit Vs. Everybody ticket package purchasers, all fans who enter the arena that night will have access to the pop-up once doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.

The partnership between the Red Wings and Detroit Vs. Everybody is the third in the Local “Designer Series” taking place throughout the 2023-24 season.

“Embracing our roots in Hockeytown and the spirit of Detroit, we’re thrilled to partner with Detroit Vs. Everybody,” said Amanda Dennis, Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service for the Red Wings. “This partnership goes beyond the confines of our arenas; it’s a celebration of our city’s resilience and identity, and it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to our fans and the vibrant culture of Detroit.”

Walker’s brand and message of “Vs. Everybody” has spread across the globe, but he said it means a lot to partner with a historic brand so representative of his hometown.

“We’re thrilled to unite two Detroit icons: the Red Wings, with almost a century of history, and Detroit Vs. Everybody, the city’s heartbeat,” Walker said. “This collaboration has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to amplify Detroit’s legacy together.”

Fans can purchase an exclusive Detroit Vs. Everybody ticket package for the April 9 Red Wings game here.

‍

The first Downtown Job Fair of 2024 took place on March 20 at the historic Fox Theatre, showcasing the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities.  

The Downtown Job Fair, organized by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), supported by the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) and in collaboration with Detroit at Work, attracted a turnout of more than 375 participants, marking the event as DDP’s second most attended Downtown Job Fair. This event was made possible through sponsorship from The District Detroit Opportunity Center, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, and Little Caesars Enterprises, highlighting the strong support from local businesses and organizations.

“It was a pleasure to service the residents of Detroit and meet the different businesses and vendors who are committed to helping so many Detroiters find gainful employment. We are looking forward to our continued partnership and the next hiring event with DDP and The District Detroit Opportunity Center,” said Dwayne Walker, community engagement specialist with Detroit at Work.

‍

During the Downtown Job Fair, 32 employers and three service providers – including The District Detroit Opportunity Center’s partner, the Secretary of State – offered a wide range of employment opportunities. The engagement from both employers and attendees underscored the growing momentum in Detroit’s job market.

Post-event statistics revealed the positive impact of the Downtown Job Fair. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment extended job offers to many who interviewed for positions at Comerica Park, including roles in housekeeping, guest services and security. Similarly, Little Caesars and Blue Line Foodservice Distribution received dozens of applications for warehouse, driver and restaurant positions.

“The success of our Downtown Job Fair shows that many local businesses are ready to hire, and we are answering the call by hosting this event as well as future events in order to facilitate connections between employees and employers,” said Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership.

The Downtown Job Fair not only provided immediate job opportunities but also served as a platform for networking and collaboration, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for economic growth and opportunity and DDP’s commitment to the community. Events like the Downtown Job Fair continue to play a pivotal role in empowering Detroit’s workforce and driving sustainable economic development within Downtown Detroit, The District Detroit and the entire city.

‍

Since 2015, Ilitch Companies have partnered with Detroit Public School Community District’s Cass Technical High School on a paid summer internship for juniors and seniors, with more than 130 students participating to date.

In preparation for the upcoming program, employees across 19 departments within Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena, Little Caesars and Ilitch Companies visited Cass Tech for on-site interviews with over 100 students.

After going through an internal application process that included resume submission and an interest essay, students were assigned interviews that aligned with their goals and potential interests. Students participated in 20-minute interviews to display their interpersonal skills, discuss their relevant experiences, and ask questions of interviewers.

Approximately 20 students are selected to participate in the internship program. For seven weeks, the interns will work on projects in their respective departments including curation, event management, marketing, corporate communications, information technology, finance, parking operations and human resources. During the internship, students also participate in tours around The District Detroit, lunch-and-learns with company executives, networking activities, workshops, and more.

“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Cass Tech – one of Detroit’s top high schools – for our summer internship program,” said Nicole Nimeth, Human Resources Business Partner, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Internship Coordinator. “For nearly 10 years, we’ve been able to work alongside some of Detroit’s brightest students, watching them excel in this unique opportunity just blocks away from their school. In one summer they’ve gained skills to enhance their resumes and expose them to opportunities that may one day shape their futures.”

‍

• Game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket and the Tigers Radio Network;
• Detroit Tigers Home Opener Presented by Rocket Mortgage Set for April 5 vs. Oakland

The Detroit Tigers announced their 26-man roster for 2024 Opening Day. A charter member of the American League, the 2024 season will mark the 124^th season of Tigers baseball.

The Tigers Opening Day roster consists of 13 pitchers and 13 position players. Detroit opens the 2024 season this afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field against the Chicago White Sox with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Detroit and also air on 97.1 The Ticket and the Tigers Radio Network.

The Tigers 26-man Opening Day roster is as follows:

‍PITCHERS (13): Andrew Chafin, Alex Faedo, Jack Flaherty, Jason Foley, Tyler Holton, Alex Lange, Kenta Maeda, Shelby Miller, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, Tarik Skubal, Will Vest, Joey Wentz

‍POSITION PLAYERS (13): Javier Báez, Mark Canha, Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Andy Ibáñez, Colt Keith, Carson Kelly, Zach McKinstry, Parker Meadows, Jake Rogers, Spencer Torkelson, Gio Urshela, Matt Vierling

Single-game tickets for the 2024 season are available at tigers.com/tickets. While only standing-room only tickets remain for Friday’s Detroit Tigers Home Opener Presented by Rocket Mortgage vs. Oakland, tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday’s games. On Saturday, the first 15,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will receive a Tigers Hockey Jersey, presented by Comerica Park.

Comerica Park is gearing up to host more than 10 area eateries for the upcoming baseball season as part of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

“The way that fans experience food and beverage at the ballpark is such a unique aspect of baseball in particular,” said Ryan Gustafson, president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We’re going to always have the staples of baseball like hotdogs, beer, and nachos, but we want to bring in different flavors, local flavors.”

‍

Collaborating with Delaware North Sportservice, the Tigers are introducing several new additions to the menu across various locations at Comerica Park for the 2024 season, including Detroit-based Slows Bar BQ and Marrow.

Slows Bar BQ is debuting its pitcher’s pub concept at Comerica Landing, featuring new burrito options including pulled pork, hickory smoked chicken and a vegetarian option with plant-based chorizo.

“We’re very excited to be part of the Comerica Park experience, and we’re expecting people to enjoy our new Slows burritos,” said Brian Perrone, co-founder and chef of Slows. “We’ve been in Detroit for almost 20 years and this is our first time here at the park; and a lot of our fans at the restaurant are Tigers fans, so we’re expecting people to enjoy the food here, too.”

Marrow, known for its innovative cuisine, will be operating at the Corner Tap Room near Section 114, offering items such as a bacon burger, braised barbacoa torta, and a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich.

“We’re going to be creating food items using Marrow products: burgers from our lunch menu or sausages from the products that are available in grocery stores,” said Sarah Welch, executive chef and partner at Marrow. “This is really great exposure for us to create a more casual client base. I think when people think of Marrow, they tend to think it’s a little more high end, and yes, we are, but we also have the ability to be more casual and people can experience that at Comerica Park.”

Detroit Water Ice Factory, a local favorite, will be serving refreshing flavors at the Comerica Big Cat Court at section 138, including strawberry lemonade, blue raspberry, and orange cream. “We love being a part of the Comerica Park family. We’ve been in Detroit forever, and we’re a part of the SAY Detroit Foundation and everything we do supports charity, and our water ice is locally made,” said Annette Hill, director of store operations for Detroit Water Ice.

Additionally, Comerica Park will host rotating local pop-ups at section 116, featuring Ferndale-based seafood restaurant Voyager among others. “I think we’re bringing something totally new to the stadium. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a baseball stadium where they’re serving fish dip, or hush puppies, or shrimp,” said Emily Cameron, manager of Voyager. “It’ll be a really cool experience, not only for us, but for the guests as well, and I think it’ll of open up some eyes and maybe make some seafood fans out of it, too.”

Other returning favorites like Green Dot Stables, El Rey de las Arepas and Taqueria El Rey will continue to delight fans with their signature dishes like sliders, tacos and more.  

“I live for opportunities like this to share my culture,” said Ray Gutierrez, owner of El Rey de las Arepas. “Last year we were here to celebrate Miguel Cabrera’s last game, and we’re excited to be back in Comerica Park.”

Green Dot Stables plans to rotate some of their sliders to complement Tigers’ opponents throughout the season, something they’re anticipating fans will love. “Fans’ response that we got through our brick-and-mortar restaurant in Corktown was amazing. So many times, people would come in after the game to say that they had eaten sliders at the game and then had to come get more afterwards; so, it was a boost to our slider game,” said Les Molnar, corporate executive chef of Inlaws Hospitality – the ownership group of Green Dot Stables.

At section 139, fans can savor an indulgent cheesesteak sandwich packed with steak, hatch chili queso, and peppers and onions on a hoagie roll; or for those craving a unique twist, the cheesesteak hot dog combines the classic flavors of a hot dog with cheesesteak, all nestled in a hot dog bun. In addition to these delights, sections 151 and 336 offer hot honey chicken tenders, featuring three tenders coated in hot honey and served with crispy fries or classic tenders inside a souvenir five-piece chicken tender bucket with fries. For select theme games like Margaritaville Night and 90s Night, fans can enjoy exclusive food and beverage items like the tequila lime fried chicken sandwich and themed cocktails.

As Comerica Park readies itself for an exciting season, the fusion of local culinary excellence promises an unforgettable experience for Tigers fans of all ages, celebrating both the spirit of the game and Detroit’s vibrant food culture.

‍

• 2020 Second-Round Pick Has Played With Sweden’s Rogle BK Since 2021-22

The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman William Wallinder to a three-year entry-level contract beginning with the 2023-24 season. Wallinder will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

Wallinder, 20, has spent the 2022-23 campaign with Rogle BK in the Swedish Hockey League, recording 26 points (7-19-26), a plus-three rating and 10 penalty minutes in 50 regular-season games, in addition to three points (1-2-3) in nine postseason contests. His 26 points were tied for the most by any skater 22 years of age or younger in Sweden’s top professional league. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound blueliner also tallied eight points (1-7-8) in nine Champions Hockey League games this season, leading all defensemen in the tournament with seven assists. Wallinder played the majority of the 2021-22 season with Rogle, collecting 19 points (4-15-19), a plus-five rating and six penalty minutes in 47 regular-season games along with one goal in 13 postseason appearances. Wallinder was also a member of Rogle’s CHL-winning squad in 2022, posting four penalty minutes in 13 games. Additionally, Wallinder registered four points (1-3-4) in seven games with Rogle’s under-20 team during the 2021-22 campaign.

Originally selected by the Red Wings in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Wallinder made his professional debut with MoDo Hockey in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, totaling eight points (1-7-8) and 16 penalty minutes in 61 games in the country’s second tier from 2019-21.  Wallinder also logged 35 points (9-26-35) in 47 games with MoDo’s under-20 team and 23 points (6-17-23) in 29 games at the under-18 level. A native of Solleftea, Sweden, Wallinder dished out three assists in seven games for his country at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, winning a bronze medal with Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson. He also captured a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing with a plus-one rating in five appearances.