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 Bobby Waller, Event Security, Little Caesars Arena:

The Mike Ilitch School of Business has announced that Scott Fisher has been selected to receive the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award at the 43rd annual Recognition and Awards Program.

Fisher earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wayne State University in 1983 and became a certified public accountant in Michigan in 1986. Fisher also participated as a student-athlete on the football team from 1979 to 1983, received the prestigious Ron Solack Award winner and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Honorable Mention in 1983.

Fisher has nearly 40 years of experience with the Ilitch Companies. Before being appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008, he held several finance positions, including Vice President of Finance and Administration and Controller at Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Controller for the Detroit Red Wings and Controller for the Detroit Tigers. He also played a pivotal role in creating Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers.

In his role as CFO, Scott oversees the finance, treasury management and tax functions, as well as overseeing the financing for complex, mixed-use real estate development such as the Little Caesars Arena complex which includes office, dining, retail and public spaces. He is also engaged in a leadership role for strategic planning, long range projections, annual budget process, and corporate governance.

He supports many charitable organizations, including Michigan Humane, Tunnels for Towers, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ilitch Charities.

Fisher was honored on November 17, 2023, at the 43^rd annual Recognition and Awards Program at the Roostertail, along with the recipients of this year’s Michigan Executive of the Year Award, Emerging Leader Award, Outstanding Student Award, Inspirational Student Award, Inspirational Teacher Award, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame Award and the Corporate Mentorship Program Founders Awards.

The Mike Ilitch School of Business is developing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs for this region, and was named in 2015 after Mike and Marian Ilitch made a $40 million gift – which remains the largest in the history of the university.

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Tanya Cripps-Serra, Associate General Counsel for Olympia Development of Michigan, has been elected Chair of the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section (YLS) for the 2023-2024 bar year. As Chair, she will lead over 7,500 section members, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the legal community and the state of Michigan.

“My vision for YLS is about creating a legacy of inclusivity, mentorship, and advocacy,” said Cripps-Serra. “Together, we’ll build a legal community that not only thrives but also genuinely cares for its members and the society we serve. I’m grateful for Olympia Development’s support.”

As the oldest and second largest section of the State Bar of Michigan, YLS serves as a platform for new lawyers to hone their skills, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities while also enabling them to actively engage in community outreach and public service. This dynamic community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Michigan’s legal landscape, as it encourages young attorneys to influence and contribute to the state’s legal and social evolution.

“Tanya is incredibly talented, hardworking, and a valued member of the Olympia Development team,” said John Valentine, Olympia Development’s Vice President and General Counsel. “Taking on this additional responsibility is a testament to her dedication to the legal profession and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our communities.”

Cripps-Serra has served on YLS Council since 2013, currently serves as a member of the Board of Commissioners for the State Bar of Michigan and was the past Chair of the Oakland County Bar Association’s New Lawyers Committee. At Olympia Development, she provides legal counsel on the many aspects of commercial real estate transactions including property transactions, financing, leasing, development, and joint ventures. In addition to her career and professional commitments, Cripps-Serra juggles her responsibilities as a mother to her one-year-old son, in partnership with her husband and fellow lawyer, Mike Serra.

• Meijer and Tigers contributed $100 for every opponent strikeout to the Meijer Simply Give program as part of “Striking Out Hunger” initiative
• Donations totaled $137,400 in inaugural season of extended partnership

The Detroit Tigers Foundation and Meijer will be donating $137,400 to the Meijer Simply Give program that helps feed hungry families by stocking the shelves of food pantries across the Midwest. As part of a multi-year extended partnership, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Meijer combined to contribute $100 for every opponent strikeout during the Tigers season. The inaugural season saw the Tigers strike out 1,374 opponents, equating to the $137,400 donation.

“As Michigan-based organizations, the Detroit Tigers and Meijer are united by our shared commitment to community impact,” said Ryan Gustafson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Our extended partnership underscores our common values and dedication to making a meaningful difference in Michigan.”

Simply Give has helped feed families across the Midwest by stocking the shelves of local food pantries since November 2008. The program has generated more than $80 million in donations to food pantries thanks to the continued generosity and support of Meijer customers, team members and food pantry partners, who are committed to helping those experiencing food insecurity.

“Both Meijer and the Detroit Tigers have rich histories and a sincere commitment to community,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “We’re honored to work together to help feed more families through the Striking Out Hunger initiative.”

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This Friday, November 17, the magical Coca‑Cola® Holiday Caravan will bring a taste of the holidays to The District Detroit. The caravan will be loaded with holiday gifts, Coca‑Cola products and even Santa himself!

The public event runs from 6-9 p.m., and everyone is invited to come join in on the fun, holiday magic and joy. Friends and family can experience free photos with Santa, Coca-Cola products and free gifts.  

Since 1997, the 65-foot-long Coca-Cola® Holiday Caravan has touched hearts and created lasting memories for millions of people and become a highly anticipated holiday tradition.

The Holiday Caravan will be located on Columbia Plaza, directly in front of Comerica Park. The event coincides with Detroit’s 20^th Annual Tree Lighting in Campus Martius Park.

Olympia Development congratulates the University of Michigan for naming Scott Shireman as the inaugural director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, located in The District Detroit.

U-M Hires Inaugural Director of Innovation Center in Detroit

Scott Shireman, an experienced higher education administrator with deep expertise in global and online education, will become the inaugural director of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit.

His appointment to a five-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2024, was announced by Provost Laurie McCauley and will be reported to the Board of Regents at its Dec. 7 meeting.

The provost said Shireman’s administrative and leadership experience demonstrate his ability to excel as the inaugural UMCI director.

“He will not only be an effective leader for the center itself, but his deep roots in higher education will allow him to collaborate across the institution and with Detroit-based partners to bring the center to life,” McCauley said.

The U-M Board of Regents approved construction of the $250 million center in downtown Detroit at its Oct. 19 meeting. Construction is expected to take three years.

The center 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 will be raised from donors. The university will break ground on the project by the end of the year.

Shireman comes to U-M from the online higher education company Coursera, where he is the global head of Coursera for Campus. He often represents Coursera around the globe, presenting regularly on topics such as the future of higher education and better alignment between academic programs and industry needs.

“It’s an incredible honor to be selected to lead the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit and I am eager to start making important connections with Detroiters and the many community organizations that are so important to this effort,” Shireman said.

He has worked in numerous increasingly responsible leadership positions as associate dean and chief operating officer at the University of California Berkeley Extension and as director of IT infrastructure and operations at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Shireman, a first-generation college student, earned two degrees from Northwestern University—a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese religion and Master of Business Administration.

UMCI is designed to be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to propel city, regional and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.

UMCI will add to the university’s presence in Detroit, which includes the P-20 Partnership at the School at Marygrove; the Horace H. Rackham Educational Memorial building, which has been approved for renovation; and the U-M Detroit Center, which opened in 2005. Additionally, there are hundreds of projects U-M works on with community partners throughout the city.

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The American Cancer Society of Michigan will present The Detroit Red Wings Foundation with its Community Athletic Award at its annual Discovery Ball, held at The Fillmore Detroit on November 11.

The award is given to those that exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of professional athletics and exceed expectations in assisting others within the cancer community. The recognition shines the light on organizations who have made significant contributions to the fight against cancer through partnership, generosity, and impact. The Detroit Red Wings Foundation has been a long-time partner of the American Cancer Society through the National Hockey League’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” initiative.

“Hockey Fights Cancer” night will take place at Little Caesars Arena on November 30 against the Chicago Blackhawks, with the game horn to be sounded by Carson Jones, the four-year-old son of Red Wings head ice technician Dave Jones. Carson was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August 2023. Tickets for the game are available at https://www.NHL.com/RedWings/

Tickets for the American Cancer Society Discovery Ball are sold out, but those wishing to support the organization can bid in the event auction which closes Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 p.m. Winners will be contacted the following week.

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• This Veterans Day Marks 17th Anniversary of the Little Caesars Veterans Program

As part of a long-standing tradition of giving back and honoring U.S. military men and women, Little Caesars® is offering all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating stores nationwide this Veterans Day.

On Saturday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military members can receive their free Lunch Combo, which features four slices of Little Caesars famous Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza paired with a 20-ounce Pepsi product.

“All of us at Little Caesars are thankful to our veterans and military members for their service,” said Little Caesars President and CEO David Scrivano. “In addition to complimentary lunch on Veterans Day, our family-owned company remains committed to supporting these heroes all year round with initiatives like the Little Caesars Veterans Program.”

The Little Caesars Veterans Program, now in its 17th year, provides honorably discharged veterans and Gold Star families with financial incentives to open a Little Caesars franchise of their own. These individuals receive benefits when opening a franchise store through the Little Caesars Veterans Program, including a franchise fee discount, equipment and supply discount, financing assistance, and advertising and publicity support, among other benefits.  Today, there are hundreds of veteran-owned Little Caesars stores across the country. For more information about becoming a Little Caesars franchisee, visit www.franchise.littlecaesars.com.

“As an organization, we believe that our veterans, the men, and women who have given so much to serve our country, should return home with business prospects to help them achieve their hopes and dreams,” said Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer for Little Caesars. “So, we created a program to honor veterans and provide them with an opportunity to become business owners.”

No coupon is required to redeem the free HOT-N-READY Lunch combo offer on Veterans Day. Veterans and military personnel must present proof of service (such as an ID card with veteran designation, DD-214 form, or current military-issued ID card).

The Little Caesars Veterans Program reflects the company’s strong belief and business philosophy that giving back and making a difference is something we can all do.

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Renowned broadcaster Jason Benetti has joined the Tigers as the club’s television play-by-play announcer, serving as the voice of baseball to one of the best fanbases in all of sports.

Benetti, one of the top voices in Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball, joins the Tigers after eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Known for his elite storytelling ability, creative thinking, and engaging personality on-air and behind-the-scenes, Benetti will work alongside the Tigers, production staff with Bally Sports Detroit, and his partners in the booth to entertain and inform fans across the world.

“I’m incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending Tigers franchise,” said Benetti. “From every single person I talked with throughout the interview process it was clear why so many respected professionals and creative people have joined the organization in the last several years. There’s something special about it, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Tigers fans around the globe. I’d also like to thank Chris Ilitch, Ryan Gustafson, Scott Harris, and everyone else I’ve met with in the last several weeks who have been so welcoming. Everyone I spent time with made it clear this was the right place for me. I was born and raised in the Midwest, and understand how important sports are, especially here in the Motor City.”

Benetti, who will be employed by the Tigers, is also one of the few regional broadcasters whose voice extends beyond the city or sport they call home. On the national level he calls games for FOX in several sports, including Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball games. He’s also one of the radio voices for March Madness on Westwood One and has led the booth for MLB Sunday Leadoff on Peacock.

With time built into his schedule to satisfy national broadcast obligations, Benetti will call a minimum of 127 Tigers games each season. When those scheduling conflicts occur, the Tigers will move long-time radio play-by-play voice Dan Dickerson over to television. Dickerson, who has filled in on television in the past, agreed to do this to ensure fans have the best broadcast experience possible throughout the season.

“Jason is a world-class talent and today is another tremendous step forward for the Tigers as we continue to build a championship-level organization and experience for our fans,” said Ryan Gustafson, EVP/COO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Beyond his talent, Jason’s story is inspirational and our shared commitment to excellence and innovation was apparent throughout our discussions. We are thrilled to welcome Jason to our family, joining an incredible group of broadcasters at the Tigers and Red Wings that create the on-air experience our fans deserve.”

“All of us at Bally Sports welcome Jason to Detroit, and we’re thrilled he’s joining our Tigers telecasts,” said Greg Hammaren, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bally Sports Detroit. “Jason’s reputation as one of the best and brightest announcers across all of sports adds to our already strong production effort here in Detroit. His deep knowledge and love for baseball are traits shared by our incredible fans, and we’re looking forward to them getting to know Jason more starting in February when the Tigers take the field in Lakeland.”

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