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Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Job Fair Reaches Record Level Turnout
March 28, 2024
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.
Ilitch Companies Preparing for 2024 Cass Tech High School Internship Program
March 28, 2024
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.”
Detroit Tigers Announce 2024 Opening Day Roster
March 27, 2024
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 124th 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.
Detroit Tigers Unveil Diverse Culinary Offerings for the 2024 Baseball Season
March 27, 2024
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.
Detroit Red Wings Sign Defenseman William Wallinder to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
March 26, 2024
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.
Detroit Tigers Reveal “What’s New” at Comerica Park for 2024 Season
March 26, 2024
When the Detroit Tigers welcome the best fans in baseball back to Comerica Park for Opening Day presented by Rocket Mortgage on Friday, April 5, fans will notice a transformation of the video and audio experience, along with new and local food & beverage options, new merchandise selections and faster entry into the ballpark.
At the annual “What’s New” media event at Comerica Park on Wednesday, the Tigers introduced a vastly upgraded digital presence throughout the ballpark, cut the ribbon on a brand-new sensory room in partnership with KultureCity and previewed new fan giveaway items and promotions, themed food & beverage items and new merchandise.
Single-game tickets for the 2024 season are available at Tigers.com/Tickets, including Opening Weekend against the Oakland Athletics (April 5-7). The home opener on April 5 only has standing-room-only tickets remaining.
“We’re excited to welcome our fans back to Comerica Park, where the experience will look, sound and feel much different this season,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We can’t wait to unveil our brand-new scoreboard and introduce our upgraded sound system, and for Tigers fans to enjoy all the new and traditional offerings at the ballpark all season long.”
Upgraded Audiovisual Components to Provide New and Immersive Experience for Fans
The digital presence at Comerica Park has been completely reimagined and will take the fan experience to the next level. The brand-new videoboard and revamped sound system will pair together to create an immersive audiovisual experience in all seating areas throughout the ballpark. High-definition screens have replaced the televisions throughout the concourse areas on both the lower and upper levels and will feature a connected IPTV system that allows fans to stay tuned to the game wherever they roam. The new TVs feature advanced signal quality, additional channels and specialized monitors designed to be viewed under sunny skies during day games.
The new videoboard is the largest in the American League and second largest in Major League Baseball, measuring 15,688 square feet with near crystal-clear resolution. The upgraded sound system is engineered by new speakers that are adjacent to the videoboard, providing a much-improved listening experience in the outfield and on the Comerica Landing. More than 25 subwoofers have been installed throughout the ballpark, providing a more robust sound for fans in attendance.
Along with the additional 9,500 square feet on the new videoboard, overall resolution has been upgraded. The upper and lower portions of the board feature 14.1 million pixels that are 33 percent closer together than the old scoreboard, which utilized 2.4 million pixels. The increased resolution and size provide enhanced graphical displays of lineups, statistical notes, analytics and much more.
Tigers fans can attend several new special events and more theme games than ever before at Comerica Park this season. The Tigers will celebrate former manager Jim Leyland’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 3 against the Kansas City Royals, and the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1984 World Series championship team will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. the Boston Red Sox.
Additional new theme games include Healthcare Appreciation (April 11 and 12), Pickleball Day (May 15), Margaritaville Night (June 21), Firefighter vs. Law Enforcement Night (July 10), Christmas in July (July 11), 80s Night (Aug. 30) and much more. Fans interested in special ticket packages, with many featuring an exclusive giveaway item, can visit Tigers.com/Theme.
The first 15,000 fans to enter Comerica Park will once again receive exciting giveaways at every Saturday home game this season.
The D Shop, presented by Meijer, is your one-stop shop at Comerica Park for new team merchandise. Tigers fans can purchase several new merchandise items at the ballpark, including:
The newest authenticated items for the 2024 Tigers season are available near Sections 133 and 134 at Comerica Park, including:
The Tigers are once again partnering with several small restaurant businesses in the city of Detroit, providing fans with diverse, local flavors throughout the ballpark.
Local businesses Slows Bar BQ, Marrow and Detroit Water Ice Factory have a season-long presence at Comerica Park this season, joining returning Detroit restaurants Green Dot Stables and Taqueria El Rey, while Voyager makes its Comerica Park debut on a rotating basis, joining El Rey de las Arepas, Lobster Food Truck, Breadless, Cooking with Que and Yum Village.
The Tigers, in partnership with Delaware North Sportservice, are excited to announce several menu additions at various Comerica Park locations in 2024, including a variety of unique twists on ballpark and local favorites.
Slows Bar BQ Burritos: Pitcher’s Pub (New Season-Long Location on Comerica Landing)
Marrow: Corner Tap Room (New Season-Long Location Near Section 114)
Detroit Water Ice Factory (Comerica Big Cat Court/Section 138)
Rotating Local Pop-Ups: Section 116
Voyager (New for 2024 season)
Chilled Peel & Eat Shrimp with Comeback Sauce and Lemon
Hush Puppies with Honey Butter and Lemon
El Rey de las Arepa
Chicken Arepa with Cheese and Garlic Sauce
Beef Arepa with Cheese and Garlic Sauce
Breadless
Southwest Rice Bowl – Warm Roasted Chicken or Falafel, Avocado Spread, Cilantro Avocado Sauce, White Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Sautéed Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Warm Brown Rice, Black Beans
Green Dot Stables: Meijer Market (Section 143)
Taqueria El Rey: Miller Lite Market (Section 149)
SmashBurger (Big Cat Court & Section 327)
Cheesesteak (Section 139)
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Section 151 & 336)
Souvenir Chicken Tender Bucket (Big Cat Court, Section 151 & 336)
The Tigers are also introducing specially themed food & beverage items for select theme games at Comerica Park, including:
Margaritaville Night: Friday, June 21 vs. Chicago White Sox
Tequila Lime Fried Chicken Sandwich – Tequila Lime Brined Fried Chicken, Cilantro Slaw with Citrus, Pickled Jalapeno, Smoked Chipotle Aioli, Martin’s Potato Roll
90s Night: Friday, Aug. 2 vs. Kansas City Royals
In partnership with the Detroit Tigers Foundation and KultureCity, the Tigers are pleased to unveil a brand-new sensory room on the upper level of Comerica Park outside Section 210. The space will be open for all games and events at Comerica Park beginning on Opening Day.
The sensory room is part of the Tigers Foundation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all, ensuring that individuals with sensory sensitivities can enjoy all events without barriers.
The state-of-the-art sensory room is designed to help individuals with sensory processing needs and thoughtfully caters to a variety of those individuals, incorporating adjustable lighting, calming visuals and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment like bubble walls, bean-bag chairs and sensory toys are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The room is fully accessible, accommodating individuals of all ages.
The Tigers have installed OPENGATE Detection System metal detectors outside Comerica Park, allowing fans to safely enter the ballpark without removing any items from their pockets. The screening system will be utilized at all four Comerica Park entrances and the Suite Bridge, ensuring much faster entry into the ballpark.
Small bags will continue to be checked, maintaining the same high level of security for fans. All bags, purses and clutches larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” remain prohibited.
The Detroit Tigers 1901 Society is the club’s Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with fans’ unique needs and interests in mind, the 1901 Society offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for Detroit’s most loyal supporters on a year-round basis.
1901 Society benefits include:
For more information or to become a member, visit Tigers.com/1901.
Detroit Red Wings Sign Forward Emmitt Finnie to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
March 25, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today signed center Emmitt Finnie to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season. Finnie will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
Finnie, 18, skated in 62 games with the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers during the 2023-24 season and ranked among the team leaders with 19 goals (T2nd), 40 assists (1st), 59 points (1st), 28 penalty minutes (9th), three power play goals (T5th), 20 power play points (2nd), four shorthanded goals (1st) and 164 shots (4th). The 6-foot-1, 178-pound forward was named the WHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 11 after tallying nine points (7-2-9) in three games from Feb. 7-10. Finnie spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with Kamloops, recording 35 points (9-26-35), a plus-11 rating and 12 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games, in addition to seven points (4-3-7) in 14 postseason contests. He also played in four games at the 2023 Memorial Cup, which was hosted by Kamloops.
Selected by the Red Wings in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Finnie debuted with Kamloops in 2021-22, logging six assists, a plus-three rating and two penalty minutes in 48 games. In total, Finnie has collected 100 points (28-72-100) and 42 penalty minutes in 174 WHL games. Prior to his major junior career, Finnie played at Yale Hockey Academy in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League from 2018-21. The Lethbridge, Alta., native appeared in five games with the under-18 squad during the 2020-21 season and racked up 107 points (51-56-107) in 60 games at the under-15 level from 2018-20.
Detroit Red Wings Assign Jonatan Berggren to Grand Rapids
March 24, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings today assigned right wing Jonatan Berggren to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.
Berggren, 23, has skated in 12 games with the Red Wings this season, recording six points (2-4-6) and two penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound forward also leads the Griffins in goals (19), assists (27), points (46) and shots (129) through 43 games and represented the club at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. Berggren spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Red Wings and ranked among the team leaders with 15 goals (5th), 28 points (9th), five power play goals (T4th), nine power play points (7th) and a 15.3 shooting percentage (1st) in 67 games. He also registered seven points (4-3-7) in seven appearances with the Griffins in 2022-23. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Berggren has collected 34 points (17-17-34) and 18 penalty minutes in 79 career NHL games. He has also logged 117 points (44-73-117) and 74 penalty minutes in 120 AHL games with the Griffins since 2021-22.
Prior to arriving in North America, Berggren played for Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, tying for the team lead with 45 points (12-33-45) in 49 games during the 2020-21 campaign, in addition to four assists in 12 postseason contests. In all, Berggren notched 60 points (14-46-60), a plus-seven rating and 28 penalty minutes in 99 games with Skelleftea AIK in Sweden’s top professional league from 2017-21. Berggren also registered 69 points (24-45-69), a plus-19 rating and 42 penalty minutes in 67 career games for Skelleftea’s under-20 team from 2016-18. The Uppsala, Sweden, native represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying seven points (2-5-7), a plus-five rating and two penalty minutes in eight games. Berggren earned a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording five points (1-4-5) in seven games. He captured a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the team with 10 points (5-5-10) in seven games, and also won bronze after picking up five points (3-2-5) in five games at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Additionally, Berggren won a gold medal with Sweden during the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, tallying three points (2-1-3) in six games.
Ryan Gustafson Promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
March 24, 2024
Chris Ilitch, Chief Executive Officer of Ilitch Companies, today announced that Ryan Gustafson has been promoted to President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. In this elevated role, Gustafson will continue to lead business operations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, and Fox Theatre, as well as the joint venture interest in 313 Presents. He also manages the business operations for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Tigers’ Single-A affiliate.
Gustafson had been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since March 2023, reporting to Chris Ilitch. There are no immediate plans to announce a successor for his current Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer role, but Gustafson will have an opportunity to assess the needs of his leadership structure over the coming months.
“Ryan’s collaborative and inclusive leadership style, business and analytical acumen, and passion for enhancing the fan experience has resulted in incredible accomplishments in a short time,” said Ilitch. “I’m looking forward to his continued success as he leads Ilitch Sports + Entertainment into the future.”
Gustafson has played a significant role in the multi-year renovation and expansion of the home clubhouse at Comerica Park, as well as a new videoboard which now ranks as the largest in the American League and second largest in Major League Baseball. He also had a key role in delivering significant upgrades to field lighting, outfield wall reconfiguration, and audio and video system enhancements throughout the ballpark. Future projects for the Tigers he will be central to include planning and preparation for a new dormitory at the club’s Lakeland complex, and new a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.
He has remained steadfast in his commitment to leading from the front in leveraging the iconic power of professional sport to positively impact communities. The teams and their charitable foundations – the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Detroit Tigers Foundation, both affiliates of Ilitch Charities – continue to raise and invest vital resources in inclusive education, wellness, sport, culture, and community initiatives.
“Sports and live entertainment have a tremendous power to unify communities in hometowns and around the globe, and at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we are proud to bring together some of the most iconic brands in sports and entertainment to fulfill our mission to amaze, inspire, and unite,” said Gustafson. “It has been an absolute honor to work alongside a phenomenal group of professionals who embody this mission every day, and I truly appreciate this opportunity and confidence placed in me to further lead this exceptional organization.”
Gustafson currently serves on the Detroit Sports Organization Corp (DSOC), an all-volunteer advisory committee that represents the top private-sector, civic, philanthropic, community and sports leadership across metro Detroit. The DSOC prioritizes, evaluates, and executes significant future bid opportunities to enable the Detroit Sports Commission to attract major sporting events to metro Detroit, accelerate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for citizens across the region. He is also a board member for Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, which is dedicated to making Michigan a Top-10 state for jobs, education, widely shared prosperity, and a healthy economy.
Gustafson has a diverse background in sports, including 15 years of strategic planning and revenue generation experience. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Puget Sound and his MBA from Harvard Business School.