Chris Ilitch, CEO Ilitch Companies, announced today that experienced communications executive Steve Kinkade is joining Ilitch Companies as its Chief Communications Officer.

Kinkade will oversee planning, strategy and execution as it relates to Ilitch Companies communications, stakeholder engagement and philanthropic efforts.

“As the Ilitch Companies continue to grow, we look forward to amplifying our impact in the communities we serve,” said Chris Ilitch.

With 12 operating businesses employing tens of thousands of colleagues around the world, Ilitch Companies are world leaders in the food, sports and entertainment, gaming and other industries.

“Steve’s background, skills, and experience will make him a strong addition to our team,” continued Ilitch, “helping us deepen charitable, engagement and other meaningful initiatives.” Kinkade brings nearly 30 years of experience to his new role. Previously, Kinkade held various executive and management positions with Bridgestone Americas, Honda and Acura brands, and Ford Motor Company.

“I’m excited to join Ilitch Companies,” said Kinkade. “I look forward to helping lead our communication, engagement and philanthropic efforts and propel the organization towards continued success.”  

A Michigan native, Kinkade earned his undergraduate degree in journalism and public relations from Grand Valley State University, his master’s degree in management from the Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration and his MBA from Michigan State University. He and his family reside in the Detroit area.

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• Tickets Go On Sale Friday, January 12 at 10 a.m.

WWE®, a TKO Group Holdings company (NYSE: TKO), will bring its live superstar action to Little Caesars Arena for WWE Friday Night SmackDown on Friday, April 12 at 7:45 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 12 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.

• Event will honor Big Sean, Judge Greg Mathis, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Amy Nederlander and Maha Freij with Special Tributes to Harry Belafonte and Rev. Charles Adams
• Tickets are free and available Friday, December 29 at 10 a.m

Rainbow PUSH will host “Let Freedom Ring,” a free public event, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the historic Fox Theatre.  “We will honor several luminaries whose deeds have exemplified the life of Dr. King. These exemplary individuals have been social justice stewards of humanity and their actions are living proof that Dr. King’s dream is alive, ” said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder of Rainbow Push Coalition. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.

This event is free to the public and tickets are available Friday, December 29 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The Let Freedom Ring recipients include Judge Greg Mathis and “Big Sean,” who will be honored with the Keep Hope Alive Award; Bishop John Drew Sheard, presiding bishop of 6 million COGIC members, will receive the Theological Leadership Award; and Maha Freij, president and CEO of ACCESS and Amy Nederlander, co-founder of L!fe Leaders, will receive the Social Service Award.

Harry Belafonte, a close friend of Dr. King and an internationally-acclaimed actor and singer, whose life challenged the world to shine the light on humanity and the least of these, will receive the Rainbow Push Humanitarian Award posthumously. It is well documented, as the organizer, his name is eponymous with “We are the World,” a song that raised funds to address African famine. When one ponders the greatest preacher, history will not omit Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, former pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. He was a prophetic, spiritual and civil rights advocate whose messages inspired each of us. He was the president of the Detroit Branch NAACP and led the Progressive National Baptist Convention. The Harvard School of Divinity graduate will also receive the Rainbow Push Humanitarian Award posthumously.

Previous Let Freedom Ring Award recipients have included Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, Congressman John Conyers, Detroit News Publisher Jonathan Wolman, KEM, Blake Corum and others.

Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop and Cass Technical High School Ensembles will provide the gifts of dance and music respectively. Errol Service Jr., will provide an artistic tribute to Harry Belafonte. Several elected officials will share remarks on this special day, including Mayor Mike Duggan, Senator Gary Peters, Congresswomen Debbie Dingell, and Rashida Talib, Congressman Shri Thanedar and representing the state of Michigan, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, II.

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The Detroit Tigers have signed righthanded pitcher Shelby Miller to a one-year contract worth $3 million with a club option for the 2025 season worth $4.25 million. If the club option is not exercised, Miller is entitled to a $250,000 buyout.

Miller’s contract includes performance bonuses in 2024 and 2025 that can increase his base salary by up to $1.175 million for games pitched and games finished in each season: $100,000 each for 50, 55 and 60 games pitched, $125,000 for 65 games pitched, $150,000 for 70 games pitched and $150,000 each for 40, 45, 50 and 55 games finished. Miller’s 2025 club option also includes escalators that can increase his 2025 base salary by up to $1.4 million for games pitched and games finished in 2024: $100,000 each for 50, 55 and 60 games pitched, $150,000 each for 65 and 70 games pitched and $200,000 each for 40, 45, 50 and 55 games finished.

Miller, 33, put together an impressive 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in 36 games, including one start, and posting a 3-0 record with one save, a 1.71 ERA (42.0IP/8ER) and 42 strikeouts. He finished the season with a 0.90 WHIP and limited opponents to a .135 batting average. Miller also made one postseason appearance for the Dodgers, throwing 2.0 scoreless innings with one hit allowed and three strikeouts in Game 1 of the National League Division Series vs. Arizona. Among National League relievers with at least 40.0 innings pitched last season, Miller ranked second with a 0.90 WHIP and .131 opponent batting average, while he was sixth with a 1.76 ERA.

Miller was selected to the National League All-Star Team in 2015 with Atlanta, starting 33 games for the Braves and posting a 3.02 ERA (205.1IP/69ER) and 171 strikeouts. He ranked tied for 10th among National League pitchers with 21 quality starts, while he was 11th with a 3.02 ERA and .238 opponent batting average and 12th with a .663 opponent OPS.

Miller had a pair of no-hit bids that season, throwing 8.2 no-hit innings on May 17 at Miami and 7.0 hitless innings on August 16 vs. Arizona, becoming the first Braves pitcher to take two no-hitters through 7.0 innings in a season in Atlanta history. Miller has pitched in parts of 11 Major League seasons, posting a 41-58 career record with a 4.08 ERA (820.0IP/372ER) and 686 strikeouts. He finished third in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year in 2013 and played in the MLB All-Star Futures Game in 2010 and 2011.

A native of Brownwood, TX, Miller was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 19th overall selection in the 2009 MLB Draft.

As a corresponding move for the signing of Miller, catcher Donny Sands has been designated for assignment. The Tigers 40-man roster is now at 40.

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The community came out to celebrate Detroit Vs Everybody as they cut the ribbon and officially opened their new flagship store at 44 W. Columbia Street in The District Detroit. Tommey Walker, creative lead and founder and Sean Williams, CEO, for Detroit Vs Everybody were surrounded by family, friends and fans of the iconic brand on this momentous day.  

Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Olympia Development, opened the ceremony, and was joined at the podium by Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilmember Fred Durhal III, and Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development and The District Detroit.

“You now have a beautiful location where everyone can find you and your business can grow,” Mayor Duggan said. “Thank you to the Ilitch organization and congratulations, Tommey!”  

Detroit Vs Everybody moved to The District Detroit after a wall collapse at their previous location. Walker spoke of the cooperation he has experienced since that event and his excitement about the new spot.

“Being born a Detroiter and now to have a store in the heart of Detroit between all the stadiums, means a lot. Personally, I have so many memories here,” said Walker. “Olympia Development reached out and showed us a couple of locations, and this was our favorite. It has been a seamless transition.”

The location will offer a full line of the company’s trademark, internationally recognized apparel and accessories.

In his remarks, Councilman Durhal praised Walker for being a role model for Detroiters.

“Keep up the great work, keep pushing forward, keep inspiring our younger kids and our neighborhoods and our communities, letting them know that they can do this. They can be small business owners, they can be entrepreneurs,” Durhal said.

Detroit Vs Everybody was founded by Walker to represent the pride and unapologetic spirit of Detroit. Walker remains committed to creating a brand that strengthens the city’s image through the restored pride of Detroiters and is the creative powerhouse behind every product Detroit Vs Everybody sells.

Speaking on behalf of Olympia Development, Bradford spoke about the importance of developing a diverse, welcoming destination such as The District Detroit.

“What an outstanding moment for the city, for Columbia Street and for The District Detroit,” said Bradford. “Today is about making sure we are bringing about economic inclusion for Detroit businesses and we are so proud to welcome a brand such as Detroit Vs Everybody to The District Detroit,” Bradford said.

With its overwhelming success, Detroit Vs Everybody continues to grow and has attracted local, national and international recognition. Detroit Vs Everybody will be open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, with additional hours during events.

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

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) was welcomed to The District Detroit on December 14 at a groundbreaking ceremony featuring inspiring remarks from business, community, government and education leaders – a testament to the UMCI’s powerful potential to nurture and retain talent and drive positive social and economic impacts throughout the city, region, and state.

“Today’s groundbreaking is far more than the promise of a new building. It is a profound expression of our sustained and lasting commitment to the city of Detroit, and of our faith in a shining future for the state of Michigan,” said University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono. “It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

The event also included rousing performances from the U-M Student Jazz Trio and Fanfare Band, and Detroit’s Cass Tech Madrigals, as well as the introduction of Scott Shireman, the inaugural director of the UMCI.  

Chris Ilitch, CEO, Ilitch Companies, spoke about the organization’s longstanding commitment to education and supporting the community.

“For nearly 65 years, the mission of our organization has been to leverage our companies, our resources, our relationships and our partnerships to further our community,” Ilitch said. “And this is what we can accomplish when we work together and aspire to do tremendous things to lift up the people of our city, state and region to new heights. I am truly inspired by this entire initiative.”

The UMCI academic building will be funded by a $100 million gift from donor Stephen M. Ross, $100 million from the state of Michigan, a land donation of 2.08 acres at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and West Columbia Street from Olympia Development of Michigan, and an additional $50 million that will be raised from donors.

The cornerstone of the first building of U-M was laid on Sept. 14, 1817, near the corner of Bates and Congress streets in Detroit. “Now the University of Michigan is back home, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Other speakers at the event included, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Council president, Stephen Ross, Chairman of Related Companies, Laurie McCauley, U-M provost, Geoff Chatas, U-M chief financial officer, and Lisa Phillips, principal, Cass Tech High School.

“It’s a public-private undertaking like this with so many who’ve made investments to realize this opportunity right here in the heart of the city of Detroit,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “A city that is on the rise. And this will add one more opportunity for Detroiters, for future Wolverines, for our economy and for this beautiful state we all call home.”

Stephen Ross, a Detroit native and U-M alum, has championed bringing the UMCI to the city for nearly five years. “It will grow downtown Detroit, and reverberate throughout the city and state attracting jobs and people who see the opportunities in Detroit,” Ross said.

The UMCI joins a robust live, work, play and learn district that is home to world-class sports & entertainment venues, professional sports teams including the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars world headquarters, Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University and Detroit Public School Community District’s Cass Technical High School.  

“The University of Michigan Innovation Center is laying the foundation for a brighter future and where innovation knows no bounds in education, it is a gateway to endless possibilities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who continue to make this partnership a reality, made this collaboration to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for generations” said Lisa Philips, Principal of Cass Technical High School.

Through catalytic developments, innovative design and construction, and inclusive placemaking, Olympia Development continues to create jobs, produce needed housing, increase tax base, and grow businesses in Detroit while steadily creating one of the world’s most dynamic destinations, The District Detroit. Olympia Development of Michigan, a proud member of Ilitch companies, is a real estate development firm dedicated to improving the lives of people who live, work, and play in Detroit and beyond.

Center to Spur Economic Growth, Educational Enrichment in Detroit Article

University of Michigan Recap Video

City of Detroit Full Ceremony Video

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At the Ilitch Companies, gratitude underscores all that we do – we are thankful for our colleagues, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we serve. This holiday season, as we close out a year of gratitude – from celebrating the career of the legendary Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera to providing meals through the Little Caesars Love Kitchen and shining the spotlight on the athletic and artistic talents of youth, plus so much more – we thank all those who have been part of the journey.

Appreciating our community partners as we build opportunity

• The evolution of Columbia Street continued as Detroit’s “Restaurant Row” as Olympia Development welcomed two new locally-owned destinations to the pedestrian-only thoroughfare – Sahara Restaurant & Grill and Good Cakes and Bakes. The area was further activated throughout the year with family-friendly activities including Lions tailgates in partnership with Little Caesars, a celebration of European soccer, a Miggy pop-up experience featuring El Rey de las Arepas, Fall Fest, Winter Wonderland and more.
  
• Building on last year’s inaugural program, both Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park welcomed Detroit-based food vendors to the venues, creating opportunity for small businesses while enhancing the experience for fans. Among the local entrepreneurs were The Kitchen by Cooking by Que, Bert’s Marketplace, The Lobster Food Truck, Breadless and others.
  
• Leveraging their partnership with the NFL, Little Caesars Love Kitchen served nearly 70,000 meals to those in need in 2023, including stops at the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl, cities impacted by natural disasters, as well as 5,500 pizzas in the company’s hometown of Detroit.
  
• Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch served as the 2023 Senior Corporate Chair of the Detroit Branch NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, billed as the largest sit-down dinner in the world. This year also marked the 60^th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Freedom Walk. The commemorative walk was supported by all Ilitch Companies businesses, and colleagues who marched, volunteered and provided water to participants.
  
• Working with partners across a wide array of backgrounds, this year marked the opening of The District Detroit’s Opportunity Center. The center serves as a centralized location for residents of Detroit to find resources for housing and jobs, while providing opportunities to engage with employers, contractors and other community members.
  

Supporting kids on the field, in the classroom and on the stage

• Students from Detroit Public Schools Community District returned to the stage at the Fox Theatre for the annual Evening of Fine Arts, in partnership with Olympia Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, 313 Presents and Comerica Bank. Featuring visual art on display in the theatre’s Grand Lobby and a variety of performances by musicians, actors and dancers on stage, the event showcased the immense talents of Detroit’s students.
  
• The Detroit Red Wings Learn, Play, Score program was expanded this year to include street hockey within the P.E. curriculum for more than 34,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Launched in 2020, Learn, Play, Score breaks down systemic barriers by providing access to all forms of hockey for thousands of children in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
  
• At a community celebration in August, llitch Charities expressed its gratitude to three community organizations, including the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. The donation of $100,000 supports career and technical educational programs that train students to join the workforce. Other honorees were Detroit’s Eastern Market Partnership and Hatch Detroit by TechTown, an initiative of Wayne State University.
  
• As Miguel Cabrera’s final season came to an end, the Detroit Tigers Foundation hosted its Keeping Kids in the Game fundraising event at Comerica Park, benefitting Make-A-Wish, providing positive life-changing experiences to critically ill youth, and the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, which, among other things, promotes recreational baseball and softball to children between 6 and 10 years of age.  

Read more about the Ilitch Companies family of business at www.IlitchNewsHub.com.

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With hundreds of events across six sports and entertainment venues, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment event colleagues play a critical role in amazing, inspiring and uniting millions of guests each year. These incredible colleagues work in a diverse array of roles, including ushers, security, parking, in-venue entertainment and much more. Their dedication to providing a tremendous guest experience shines through in all that they do.

Meet Jerome Foster, Security Supervisor, Little Caesars Arena:

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When the Detroit Tigers welcome the best fans in baseball back to Comerica Park for Opening Day on April 5, 2024, they will notice a transformation of their visual and audio experience.

The Tigers announced today that a brand-new videoboard, measuring 15,688 square feet, will be installed at Comerica Park. Significant enhancements will be made to the audio system at Comerica Park, and televisions throughout the ballpark will be upgraded.  

The new videoboard at Comerica Park will be the second largest in Major League Baseball, replacing the pre-existing scoreboard, which was the 18th largest. The ballpark will receive new speakers that will be adjacent to the new videoboard, allowing for an enhanced audio experience throughout the ballpark.  

“Investing in a world-class entertainment experience at Comerica Park for Tigers fans is a top priority for our organization and we are excited to make these enhancements heading into next season,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment EVP/COO. “Fans will see and hear a noticeable difference on Opening Day with a new videoboard more than double the size of the existing one, and significant advancements to the audio and television systems throughout the ballpark.”

The videoboard project began on Thursday, Dec. 14 and will continue through the winter. Daktronics, which designed the original scoreboard at Comerica Park, will be the manufacturer of the new videoboard.

The new televisions throughout the Comerica Park concourse will feature advanced signal quality and additional channels, including live feeds of the Tigers’ minor league affiliate teams. The connected IPTV system will also be upgraded to provide a consistent and enhanced visual experience throughout the ballpark.

Along with the additional 9,500 square feet for the new videoboard, overall resolution will also be upgraded. The upper and lower portions of the board will create a high-definition viewing experience featuring 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 will provide enhanced graphical displays of lineups, statistical notes, analytics and more.

Members of the Tigers’ business operations visited ballparks across MLB to benchmark and gather best practices for making industry-leading video and audio advancements.

The Tigers will host the Oakland Athletics for 2024 Opening Day – Detroit’s Biggest Party – on Friday, April 5. Detroit will start the season on the road, playing at the Chicago White Sox (March 28, 30-31) and New York Mets (April 1-3).

The Tigers have made several enhancements to Comerica Park in recent years, including adjustments to the outfield wall height, padding and dimensions and upgrades to state-of-the-art LED stadium lighting, in addition to an extensive player clubhouse renovation, ahead of the 2023 season. The Chevrolet Pavilion Bar was renovated into an additional social space for Tigers fans in 2022, along with the Atwater Brewery Bar at the Chevrolet Pavilion and the Vizzy Hard Seltzer View. Dozens of permanent concession stands have been renovated and installed in recent years, and several Detroit-based businesses have brought their unique, local flavors to Comerica Park the past two seasons.

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