Hundreds of students at Detroit’s New Paradigm Glazer Academy recently got some encouragement to read more often when Detroit Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon stopped by the kickoff event for the 2024 Red Wings for Reading program. Lyon read a book to a group of kindergarten and first graders, then helped the seventh graders pick out their own free books during the school’s book fair.

As part of the expanded Red Wings for Reading platform, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation has teamed up with United Way for Southeastern Michigan to support their “My Home Library” program at two area elementary schools. The program will visit Daly Elementary in Dearborn in late March.

The visit to New Paradigm Glazer Academy coincided with the introduction of the 2024 Red Wings for Reading “Classroom Challenge,” a student reading incentive program available to 250 classrooms across Michigan during National Reading Month in March. Last year, more than 3,700 students participated, generating 2.2 million minutes of reading during National Reading Month.

The “My Home Library” program provides a set of five complimentary books to each student at schools in southeast Michigan communities deemed as “book deserts” for their lack of adequate access to reading materials. Approximately 400 students will benefit from 2,000 donated books at the two school locations.

To see more of Lyon’s visit, check out this video:

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• Red Wings forward happy to help kick off annual Street Hockey in the D: At School program

The guiding mission of the Detroit Red Wings’ groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score platform is to build confidence and character while imparting fundamental life skills to youth across Detroit.

And on Tuesday afternoon, Joe Veleno embodied that mission by playing floor hockey with students at Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in northwest Detroit to help launch the Red Wings’ annual “Street Hockey in the D: At School” program, powered by Chevrolet.

“Any chance I can get out into the community means a lot to me,” Veleno said. “I was once in their shoes. We’re trying to help grow the game of hockey. A lot of these kids don’t get the opportunity to play hockey. So to introduce it in school, while it’s a little different, puts a smile on my face when I see these kids have fun.”

From Jan. 30 – Feb. 9, more than 34,000 students at various K-8 Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) locations will participate in the innovative street hockey program in their physical education classes.

“It’s all about growing the game of hockey,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), who was also in attendance Tuesday. “The best way to do that is by partnering with the schools. Having the buy-in from our partnership with DPSCD, having educators and everyone involved in this just makes the entire experience better. It helps us grow the game and impact kids’ lives, which is what this is all about.”

Helping lead hockey skills stations alongside several IS+E Community Impact colleagues, Veleno’s smile was one of the biggest in the room full of excited students.

“I never had these opportunities as a kid,” Veleno said. “To have an NHL player come to your school, talk to you and show you how to play definitely means a lot to me and hopefully to them.”

“Street Hockey in the D: At School” is an important program because it promotes healthy lifestyles and helps students create new memories, according to IS+E Director of Community Impact Kevin Brown.

“To see tens of thousands of students each year experience the joy and excitement of hockey in their physical education classes is unlike anything we’ve experienced as an organization,” Brown said. “The growth of the game is so important to the Detroit Red Wings. We know that access leads to opportunity, which ultimately opens doors for kids to dream big through the power of hockey.”

Stepping away from the everyday grind of an 82-game NHL season was refreshing for Veleno, who said he is enjoying his second full campaign with the Red Wings. On the ice this season, Veleno has recorded 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 47 games.

“Although we’re winning some games and the vibe has been fun, there’s still a lot in our game that needs to improve, like every other good team,” Veleno said. “But we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. We must play in the moment, not look at what could happen or what other teams are doing. We just want to be able to control what we can, and that’s winning hockey games every night.”

‍Original article published By Jonathan Mills @DetroitRedWings DetroitRedWings.com

After being named a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, Detroit’s Waka by Baobab Fare has taken up residence inside Little Caesars Arena, sharing their authentic East African street food – including items that are not available elsewhere – with Detroit Red Wings and Pistons fans at home games until January 31.

Co-owners Nadia Nijimbere and her husband Hamissi Mamba, the restaurant’s chef, immigrated to America from Burundi seeking political asylum in 2013. They launched Baobab Fare in 2017, beginning with pop-ups on the street and at festivals, eventually opening a permanent location in Detroit in 2021.

“As a kid in Burundi, just the thought of being at a game was a dream. So, imagine me cooking chapati and bringing East African street food to Little Caesars Arena!” Mamba said. “I can’t begin to express how much I appreciate being there and being able to represent Detroit in this way. It truly represents Detroit Ni Nyumbani. And we bring another halal option to such a large and diverse crowd. It’s amazing and again we’re so grateful to be in this incredible space.”

The exclusive menu items for Little Caesars Arena include:

• Beef Chapati: Tender beef slow simmered in ripened tomato sauce, rolled in flat bread, plantains and beans
• Chicken Chapati: Pan-fried chicken in tangy mustard-onion sauce, rolled in flat bread, plantains and beans
• Eggplant Chapati: Fragrant eggplant stew, rolled in flat bread, plantains and beans

Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park began featuring Detroit-based small businesses as food vendors in 2022, with nine businesses participating to date. This season at Little Caesars Arena has also included Bert’s Marketplace and Cooking with Que.  

“We’re proud to host Detroit-based businesses at Little Caesars Arena, offering new and exciting options for our guests,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Building these relationships creates connections that unite our community through shared experiences.”

Baobab Fare was awarded The Best New Restaurant in America in 2021, and in 2022, The Best New Restaurant in Metro Detroit and The Best New Restaurant in America. They received the State of Michigan Award in 2021 and 2023. Mamba and Nijimbere received two nominations for James Beard semifinalist for Best Chefs and in 2023, Mamba became a Food Network Chopped champion.

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The Detroit Tigers signed infielder Colt Keith to a six-year contract extension worth $28,642,500 that runs through the 2029 season and includes club options for the 2030, 2031, and 2032 seasons.

Keith will make $2,500,000 in 2024, $3,500,000 in 2025, $4,000,000 per season from 2026-27, and $5,000,000 per season from 2028-29. The deal also includes a $2,000,000 signing bonus, $10,000,000 club option for 2030 with a $2,642,500 buyout, $13,000,000 club option for 2031 with a $1,000,000 buyout, $15,000,000 club option for 2032 with a $2,000,000 buyout, and escalators for the club option salaries. If all options are escalated and exercised, the contract would be worth $82,000,000 over nine years.

Keith, drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, has excelled during his journey through the Tigers player development system and is currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the club’s No. 2 prospect, and No. 22 in all of baseball. The 22-year-old lefthanded hitter is a native of Zanesville, OH and attended Biloxi High School (MS).

“This is a very exciting day for the Detroit Tigers, Colt, his family, and our fans,” said Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris. “Colt has done everything we’ve asked of him during his young career, improving all facets of his game and asserting himself as one of the sport’s most promising young players. This contract demonstrates our faith in Colt and this organization’s commitment to acquire, develop, and retain young talent.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to reach this agreement, securing my place in this organization for years to come,” said Keith. “Since being drafted in 2020, all the coaches and staff have been invaluable in helping me and my teammates grow on and off the field. There’s a reason I felt strongly about making a long-term commitment to be here, and being surrounded by incredibly talented teammates and coaches is a big part of that. I’d also like to thank my family, fiancé, agent, and friends for their tireless support throughout my life and career. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I know this is a big accomplishment, but ultimately my mission is to be the best player possible and help win a World Series Championship for Tigers fans everywhere.”

The 2023 season was a highly successful one for the then 21-year-old Keith, during which he powered through Double A (59 games) and Triple A (67 games). In his third Minor League season, and first reaching the Triple A level, Keith put together a combined slashline of .306/.380/.552 with 38 doubles, 27 homers, and 101 RBI. Among all full season Minor League players last season, he ranked third in extra-base hits (68), fifth in total bases (280), and tied for eighth in RBI (101).

While in Erie in 2023, he posted a .325/.391/.585 slashline, belting 14 home runs and 18 doubles, while driving in 50 RBI. Among all qualified hitters across the Double A level at the time of his promotion to Toledo (June 23), Keith ranked second in total bases (144); third in extra-base hits (34); fourth in slugging percentage (.585); fifth in batting average (.325), doubles (18) and home runs (14); and sixth in RBI (50). His performance earned several accolades from the Eastern League in 2023, including two Player of the Week honors (April 23 and May 21), Player of the Month (May) and being named a Post-Season All-Star.

After his promotion to Toledo, Keith ranked as one of the International League’s best hitters even though he was more than five years younger than the average player in the league. During his time with the Mud Hens, he hit .287/.369/.521 with 20 doubles, 13 home runs, and 51 RBI. From the span of his first game in Toledo (June 28) through the end of the season, Keith ranked third in the league with extra-base hits (34) and total bases (136); fourth in doubles (20); and fifth in hits (75) and RBI (51).

Additional accolades earned during his 2023 campaign: MiLB.com Organizational All-Star (also earned in 2022), MLB Futures Game Selection, Baseball America Tigers Minor League Player of the Year, and Minor League Baseball’s Single Game Performance of the Year after going 6×6 and hitting for the cycle (with two home runs) on May 16.

Through his first three professional seasons, Keith has slashed a combined .300/.382/.512 with 60 doubles, 11 triples, 38 home runs, and 164 RBI in 239 games. He played in the Arizona Fall League in 2022, hitting .344/.463/.541 with three doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI. Keith was selected to play in the AFL’s Rising Stars Game.

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• Ville Husso Activated from Injured Reserve and Loaned to Grand Rapids for Conditioning; Patrick Kane Placed on Injured Reserve Retroactive to Jan. 14

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled defenseman Brogan Rafferty from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have activated goaltender Ville Husso from injured reserve and loaned him to the Griffins for conditioning, and placed right wing Patrick Kane on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 14.

Rafferty, 28, has tallied 15 points (2-13-15) and six penalty minutes in 36 games with the Griffins during the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot, 197-pound blueliner spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and led the team’s defensemen in goals (9), assists (42), points (51), plus/minus (+28), power play goals (2) and shots (154) in 72 games, earning a place on the AHL Second All-Star Team. Rafferty also helped the Firebirds reach the Calder Cup Finals in their inaugural season, recording 11 points (2-9-11) and four penalty minutes in 26 postseason contests. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vancouver Canucks on April 1, 2019, Rafferty picked up one assist in three appearances with the club in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Rafferty has also collected 135 points (22-113-135), a plus-46 rating and 96 penalty minutes in 230 AHL games with the Utica Comets, San Diego Gulls, Firebirds and Griffins since 2019-20. He played in the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic and was selected to the league’s Second All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team after leading all first-year players with 38 assists.

Prior to turning professional, Rafferty played three seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2016-19, recording 65 points (10-55-65) and 100 penalty minutes in 116 games. The West Dundee, Ill., native spent the 2015-16 season with the Bloomington Thunder of the United States Hockey League, logging 28 points (2-26-28) and 30 penalty minutes in 60 regular-season games, in addition to nine points (3-6-9) and four penalty minutes in 10 postseason matchups. Rafferty also totaled 56 points (8-48-56) and 105 penalty minutes in 110 North American Hockey League games with the Topeka Roadrunners and Coulee Region Chill from 2012-15.

It’s another exciting Sunday for Detroit sports as two hometown teams host two Tampa Bay teams in The District Detroit. First, the Detroit Lions take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an NFC Divisional Round playoff game at Ford Field at 3:00pm. Later, the Red Wings play the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena at 7:00pm.

Fans can join the excitement in several ways – from food & beverage specials at area restaurants, access to Little Caesars Arena restaurants during the day, a free football watch party at Comerica Park and more! Details are below.

Comerica Park Watch Party

Comerica Park will host a pre-Lions game watch party that is free and open to the public.

• Doors open at 10:00am and the watch party runs until the end of the Lions game
• Event takes place in the Tiger Den and Beer Hall
• Food can be purchased at multiple stations including burgers, coney dogs, hot Italian beef, and more
• Drink specials include $5.00 16oz domestic beers and discounted themed liquor drink
• Music provided by DJ Bleau the Beer Hall

Columbia Street

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.

• JoJo’s ShakeBAR adds a fun twist to the game experience with its Touchdown Tray and Game Day Hot Chocolate, perfect for sharing before or while watching the game
• Sahara Restaurant & Grill specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, steak, seafood, and pasta, and will serve a limited edition “Blue Roar” drink this Sunday
• Frita Batidos serves award-winning, flavorful Cuban-inspired food and drinks, including the FRITA – a burger traditionally made from spicy chorizo served with shoestring fries on top in a soft egg bun and BATIDOS – tropical milkshakes made with fresh fruit, crushed ice, and sweetened milk – with or without rum
• Detroit Vs Everybody opened on Columbia Street in December, selling limited edition football themed apparel and accessories
• Good Cakes and Bakes, nationally recognized for its high-quality, organic desserts and baked goods, will offer custom football themed desserts this Sunday
• Union Assembly offers a dynamic game-day experience with a live broadcast of the game, a DJ, and enticing game day food and drink specials
• M-Den is a must-visit for University of Michigan fans. Whether you’re looking for jerseys, hats, or other Wolverines merchandise, M-Den has a wide selection to ensure you’re game-day ready

Little Caesars Arena

On Sunday, Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar will open at 11:30am. These restaurants are accessible from outside Little Caesars Arena for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans.

Doors for the Red Wings game will open at 5:30pm. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive the highly-anticipated Jake Walman bobblehead with him doing “The Griddy.”  

Parking

With travel delays expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early, and parking at Olympia Parking locations can be reserved in advance at ParkWhiz.com.

• Locals can now enjoy HOT-N-READY® pizzas from just £5 All Day, Every Day

Little Caesars® Pizza, the third largest pizza chain in the world, has opened the doors of its first restaurant in the north of Nottingham city, in Top Valley.

The menu, which champions fresh quality ingredients from around Europe at an affordable price, will feature several delicious pizza varieties, including the signature HOT-N-READY® Pepperoni and Margherita for just £5. The Little Caesars HOT-N-READY® model gives customers the easy and quick option to simply stop in and take away a freshly made, piping-hot, large pizza and side items without waiting or ordering ahead.

Other delicious offerings include the Mushroom Deluxe (£8), the Three Meat Treat (£10), Peri Peri Chicken (£10), and many others. Three-piece Pepperoni Crazy Puffs (£3) and Little Caesars signature Crazy Bread® (£2) are also available. All pizzas on the menu are 12-inch large sizes that are perfect for families or individuals for a weekday or weekend treat.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Little Caesars Pizza into Nottingham, our second location in the U.K.,” Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail for Little Caesars, expresses. “Little Caesars is synonymous with quality, convenience, and affordability, and we are eager to share our delicious offerings with the vibrant community of Nottingham. The U.K. market holds significant importance for us, and Nottingham serves as a fantastic gateway to introduce our renowned menu. With a year of growth ahead, we plan to unveil multiple new sites, including a much-anticipated presence in the lively city of London. We look forward to becoming a go-to destination for pizza lovers across the U.K.”

The global brand, which currently operates in 28 countries and territories, has ambitious plans to continue expanding throughout the U.K. and is actively seeking franchisees interested in joining the world-renowned brand. In addition to Nottingham, two stores in London and a store in Liverpool will open later this year. To learn more about development and growth opportunities in the region, visit International.LittleCaesars.com.

• Atlantic Division Matchup Will Now Begin at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena

The National Hockey League today announced an updated start time for the Detroit Red Wings home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, Jan. 21 at Little Caesars Arena.

The game, originally scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET, will now begin at 7:00 p.m. ET following the Detroit Lions’ NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 3:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field. The Red Wings-Lightning game will be broadcast live on Bally Sports Detroit and air on WWJ Newsradio 950.

With travel delays expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early, and parking at Olympia Parking locations can be reserved in advance at ParkWhiz.com.

Before the Lions game, Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar will open at 11:30 a.m. All restaurants are accessible from outside Little Caesars Arena for both ticketed and non-ticketed fans.

Doors for the Red Wings game will open at 5:30 p.m. ET. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive the highly anticipated Jake Walman bobblehead with him doing “The Griddy.”  

An updated Red Wings schedule is available at DetroitRedWings.com/schedule.  

• Tickets Go On Sale Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m.

One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time Grammy®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run, including Pine Knob Music Theatre on Tuesday, July 2 at 8 p.m. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest. Pine Knob Music Theatre is presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally.

Tickets go on-sale Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.

Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”

The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope”, 30 years of “janet”, and 35 years of “Rhythm Nation.” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time Grammy®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.