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Olympia Development of Michigan Contributes $100K for Lower Cass Corridor Planning Study
September 13, 2023
Olympia Development of Michigan (ODM) announces the contribution of $100,000 to the Detroit Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for a future development planning study for the lower Cass Corridor and Grand River Corridor. The study will lay the groundwork for optimal development that best benefits the community.
“As we continue the development of The District Detroit, we want to ensure we are developing in a way that is most beneficial to Detroiters,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Planning Department and we look forward to working closely with them on a masterplan for these important neighborhoods.”
The planning study will outline a vision and recommended land use strategies to support future development. The planning study is expected to begin next year. In consideration for this contribution and to support development in accordance with the study, parcels located within the study area will have their development agreement deadline extended to five years from the completion of the study.
Antoine Bryant, Director of Planning and Development shared, “One of our central beliefs as a city is that residents and businesses should have a say in how their neighborhood develops and we provide that opportunity through our neighborhood planning studies. The Lower Cass Corridor is about to be at the center of a significant amount of development and we are very appreciative that Olympia Development is helping to fund the effort to seek meaningful community input as we move forward.”
The updated agreement was approved by the DDA board at its meeting earlier today.
“We are pleased to continue collaboration with the City and Olympia Development of Michigan on this important planning study for the lower Cass Corridor. It’s critical that as downtown continues its revitalization, we properly allocate resources and opportunities to benefit the city’s residents,” said Kenyetta Bridges, chief operating officer for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “This study will help ensure development offers amenities that serve the community.”
Olympia Development is committed to development of The District Detroit and progress continues on multiple sites. Current or future development projects include the restoration of seven historic buildings on Henry Street that is expected to being this year; Bagley Development Group’s restoration of the Residences@150 Bagley (formerly the United Artists Building) that is expected to be completed next year, and multiple dining options that have opened including Basan, Frita Batidos, Good Cakes and Bakes Detroit, JoJo’s ShakeBAR and Sahara Restaurant and Grill. In addition, a pop-up experience at 44 W. Columbia Street in celebration of Miguel Cabrera’s legendary and lengthy Major League career will be open on select days throughout September and prior to the Detroit Tigers’ regular season finale on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Miguel Cabrera’s Favorite El Rey de las Arepas to Serve as Pop-Up Experience on Columbia Street in The District Detroit
September 13, 2023
As Miguel Cabrera’s legendary and lengthy Major League career comes to an end, the Detroit Tigers are welcoming one of Miggy’s favorite local restaurants to Columbia Street in the heart of The District Detroit.
The Tigers, Pepsi and El Rey de las Arepas will host a pop-up experience at 44 W. Columbia Street on select days throughout September and prior to the Detroit Tigers’ regular season finale on Sunday, Oct. 1.
“As we continue to celebrate the legendary career of Miguel Cabrera, we are thrilled to partner with El Rey de las Arepas to unveil this unique experience on Columbia Street,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Miguel’s impact has meant so much to our city, and we look forward to introducing Tigers fans to one of the places he’s come to love during his time in Detroit.”
The El Rey de las Arepas pop-up will be open to the public on the following dates and times:
When guests enter the space, they will be greeted with Cabrera-themed décor and a summary of his Hall-of-Fame worthy career accomplishments. Festive music will be played, and outdoor seating will be available.
For $15, guests will receive a sampler ticket, which they can redeem for a “Miggy Sampler” that includes a mini arepa (corn pancake filled with shredded beef and cheese), a mini cachapa (sweet corn pancake filled with cheese), three plantains fried to perfection, and an 8-oz. “passion fruit” juice. Cash or credit will be accepted and a portion of each purchase will be donated to the Miguel Cabrera Foundation.
Delicious food offerings from El Rey las Arepas will also be available inside Comerica Park, near section 116, throughout “Miggy Celebration Weekend,” presented by Bally Sports Plus, from Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.
The District Detroit is a premier urban live, work, play destination featuring professional sports, entertainment, residential, retail, and office space in Detroit. Columbia Street is The District Detroit’s pedestrian-friendly street located between the historic Fox Theatre and the Little Caesars World Headquarters, and across Woodward Avenue from Comerica Park. The street is also home to Frita Batidos, JoJo’s ShakeBAR, Sahara Restaurant and Grill, Union Assembly, Mom’s Spaghetti and Good Cakes and Bakes.
Detroit Red Wings, Bally Sports Detroit and Audacy Announce Broadcast Schedule for 2023-24 Season
September 11, 2023
The Detroit Red Wings, in conjunction with Bally Sports Detroit and Audacy, today announced the Red Wings local television and radio schedules for the 2023-24 season.
Bally Sports Detroit (BSD) continues its award-winning production and carriage of Red Wings games by airing a total of 69 regular-season contests with 58 games slated for BSD, 10 on Bally Sports Detroit Extra (BSD EXTRA) and one (Monday, April 1 at Tampa Bay) to be determined.
The popular announcer team of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond return to call the action, while Bally Sports Detroit’s comprehensive coverage also includes pregame and postgame editions of RED WINGS LIVE. In addition to live reports from Little Caesars Arena, studio portions of RED WINGS LIVE will originate from Bally Sports Detroit’s studios at its Southfield headquarters.
A total of 13 Red Wings regular-season games will be nationally exclusive broadcasts on TNT, ABC, ESPN and ESPN+/Hulu.
Additionally, 97.1 FM continues as the radio flagship home of the Red Wings, voiced by the longtime team of Ken Kal and Paul Woods. This season, Kal and Woods will be joined by reporter Daniella Bruce throughout broadcasts, including in pre- and post-game segments along with in-game updates about the team. Games with programming conflicts will air on 950 AM.
*2023 NHL Global Series - Sweden
Detroit Tigers and Belfor to Recognize Local First Responders on September 12 at Comerica Park
September 7, 2023
First responders are known for helping others; for coming to the rescue in some of the darkest and most dangerous moments to keep others safe. They put their lives on the line for members of our community, and dedicate themselves to ensuring everyone is safe.
First responders across metro Detroit deserve a regular show of gratitude, and the Detroit Tigers alongside BELFOR Property Restoration (BELFOR) are proud to recognize how important they are to our communities. To express gratitude and show appreciation, the Tigers and BELFOR will be honoring these heroes at Comerica Park on Tuesday, September 12 in a pregame ceremony.
The program is part of BELFOR’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and showing gratitude for first responders in the community. The Tigers take on the Cincinnati Reds at 6:40 p.m.
Prior to the on-field ceremony, two first pitches will be thrown by local first responders, including Chief Bob Phillips from the Macomb Township Fire Department and Chief Chris Stoecklein from the Canton Fire Department. BELFOR CEO Sheldon Yellen will catch each of the first pitches.
“First responders put the safety of their communities first, day in and day out,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “On this day each year, our BELFOR family expresses its solidarity for the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001. It’s an honor to participate in this annual First Responder game as a small token of our gratitude for their heroic efforts.”
“We are honored and privileged to recognize the importance of first responders as we remember 9/11, and to celebrate the incredible, lifesaving work they do every day,” said Chris Coffman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “They serve our communities day in and day out and continue to show us what bravery means.”
BELFOR Property Restoration is the world’s largest disaster recovery and property restoration company headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan. BELFOR is proud to offer 24/7/365 residential, commercial, and industrial customers the service needed to help return to normalcy following fire, water, wind, and other natural disasters. Visit belfor.com for more information.
Miguel Cabrera Named Detroit Tigers Nominee for the 2023 Roberto Clemente Award Presented by Capital One
September 7, 2023
Major League Baseball announced that Miguel Cabrera was named the Detroit Tigers 2023 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers.
The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.
Beginning his charitable efforts for the city in 2008, Cabrera played a pivotal role in the launch of Play Baseball Detroit, a transformative youth baseball outreach program aimed at bolstering youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit region that reaches over 10,000 children annually.
In 2010, Cabrera’s generosity extended globally, with substantial donations to Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc., providing critical medical relief to those affected by the earthquake in January of that year. He also demonstrated a deep commitment to the local community by supporting youth baseball programming through contributions to the Clark Park Coalition in a predominantly Hispanic community. Furthermore, Cabrera’s efforts reached the Miracle League of Michigan, providing invaluable support to children with special needs.
In 2011, Cabrera purchased jerseys for the Detroit RBI team, allowing them to participate in the regional tournament. Additionally, he assumed the role of host for the annual Keeping Kids in the Game event, solidifying his commitment to fostering youth development through sports.
In 2012, Miguel’s dream of becoming an accomplished baseball player inspired him and his wife, Rosangel, to establish the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, a charitable organization founded on belief that we can achieve great things when we work hard, dream big and help others. Through a collaborative effort with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, the foundation launched “Cabrera’s Chamitos,” a program providing Tigers game tickets and t-shirts to charitable organizations for children that could otherwise not afford to see the Tigers play at Comerica Park.
In 2015, Cabrera hosted a series of free youth baseball events called “Miggy Ball” in his native Venezuela, providing hundreds of boys and girls between the ages of 8-10 the chance to learn from a baseball icon and play on a professional ball field.
In 2017, Cabrera established the Cabrera Family Scholarship endowment, awarding two annual renewable college scholarships to first-generation college students in Michigan and South Florida, underscoring his dedication to educational empowerment.
Responding to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, Cabrera and his wife, Rosangel, donated $250,000 to provide crucial resources such as meals for children, technology for students, daycare for families and high-quality face masks for Detroiters.
In 2021, Cabrera joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a co-chair for the Protect Michigan Commission, promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in the State of Michigan, recording PSAs in English and Spanish to motivate residents to get vaccinated, wear masks and socially distance to reduce the spread of the virus.
Cabrera will be recognized as the Tigers nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in a pre-game ceremony on Friday, September 29, prior to Detroit’s game against the Cleveland Guardians.
Friday, September 15th marks the 22nd annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a customized tribute video to Roberto will be shown in all MLB ballparks on Roberto Clemente Day as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com, Club sites and MLB Social Media Platforms.
The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2023 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via MLBTogether.com/clemente21 (in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, October 1st. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.
The concept of honoring Major League players for their philanthropic work was created in 1971 as the “Commissioner’s Award.” The recognition was renamed to the “Roberto Clemente Award” in 1973 tribute to Clemente following his passing.
Detroit Tigers and Nike to Celebrate “Play Ball Detroit” Success
September 7, 2023
On September 9, the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s Play Ball Detroit initiative – powered by Nike – will officially conclude its first year of programming efforts during a youth-focused End of Year Celebration at William Clay Ford Baseball Field in Detroit.
In June, the Detroit Tigers launched Play Ball Detroit with the support of Nike. The grassroots initiative aims to provide equitable access to baseball and softball for thousands of children across the city of Detroit.
Saturday’s celebratory event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the impact of Play Ball Detroit, and for approximately 60 youth participants from neighborhoods across Detroit the chance to interact with current Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo. Renovated in 2015, William Clay Ford Baseball Field is built on the grounds where Willie Horton played baseball as a child.
“We are thrilled to gather with youth and community members from neighborhoods across Detroit to celebrate the success of this incredible initiative on Saturday,” said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “In its first year, Play Ball Detroit delivered big on a central tenet of our mission to inspire children through access and opportunity in the game, and we are looking forward to the continual growth of this grassroots initiative.”
About Play Ball Detroit
Through Play Ball Detroit, the Tigers and Nike spearheaded support for hyper-local and low-cost programs engaging nearly 3,000 young Detroiters in baseball or softball. Engagements with teams included a citywide Tiny Tigers program and Tigers Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) – a collective of travel baseball and softball teams from the city.
In totality, Play Ball Detroit invested more than $250,000 from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike, which covered the costs for uniforms and equipment, field clean-up efforts, clinics and tournament travel, local Opening Day ceremonies and more.
This year Play Ball Detroit inspired nearly 3,000 children from six partner organizations across Detroit to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball. To learn more about Play Ball Detroit, visit www.PlayBallDetroit.com.
Eat Like A Champion with Little Caesars New 4-Quarter Calzony
September 5, 2023
As the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, Little Caesars is giving pizza eaters and football fans the opportunity to draft the ultimate gametime meal that satisfies the entire team and their appetites. Little Caesars is putting its signature Crazy Calzony®, a pizza-calzone combo, back in the lineup and amping it up with a variety of toppings to create a product that has something for everyone – the 4-Quarter Calzony.
Fans can get their hands on the 4-Quarter Calzony for $8.99* as early as September 4 by ordering online or using the Little Caesars app. Then, starting September 11, guests can simply walk in and pick it up HOT-N-READY® from 4-8 P.M. at participating locations nationwide. Don’t wait to call an audible. This meaty, cheesy, crowd pleaser is only available for a limited time.
This product features four different meats: pepperoni, bacon, ham, and Italian sausage. Its calzone-like crust is topped with a buttery flavored spread and is filled with mozzarella and one meat from the center. To round it all out, the 4-Quarter Calzony is served with Crazy Sauce™ for dipping.
“The 4-Quarter Calzony ensures everyone at the pregame or watch party has something to eat,” said Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars. “You can satisfy cravings with just one product instead of getting four different pizzas. Combined with the calzone crust, this innovative menu item is a victory for any get-together.”
*Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, and third-party online sites. Delivery available from participating locations with online orders only. Delivery fees apply. Small order fee for delivery orders less than $12.
For more information about Little Caesars, visit LittleCaesars.com and follow @LittleCaesars on Instagram and Facebook.
Ilitch Charities Continues Tradition of Giving Back to Impactful Community Organizations
September 2, 2023
As part of the Ilitch organization’s long-standing dedication of giving back to communities in which it serves around the world, Ilitch Charities and its affiliated charitable foundations recently hosted a weekend of events benefiting organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of many.
On August 24, the Detroit Tigers Foundation held its Keeping Kids in the Game fundraising event at Comerica Park. Focusing on youth health, sports and education, the event benefited Make-A-Wish, providing positive life-changing experiences to local 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.
A celebration to thank the individuals and organizations who donate their time and efforts to continue moving the community forward took place on Saturday, August 26. Guests mingled throughout the pedestrian-friendly Columbia Street and the historic Fox Theatre, sampling food from area restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, participating in a silent auction benefitting Ilitch Charities, and more. The weekend’s activities wrapped up on August 28, with the 15th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic, Ilitch Charities’ largest annual fundraiser at Oakland Hills Country Club – which, founded in 1916, has played a significant role in the history of golf in the United States.
These annual events raise funds for vital community programs. This year’s charitable gift recipients were announced during a community celebration in the Grand Lobby of the Fox Theatre. Ilitch Charities donated $100,000 each to three organizations making a positive difference.
This year’s awardees were:
“We remain dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies and Chairman, Ilitch Charities. “Through our charities, foundations, volunteerism and impactful programs, we are honored to support hundreds of organizations working to make our cities and towns stronger.”
Over the years, more than $250 million and thousands of volunteer hours have been donated to worthy causes by the Ilitch Companies, Ilitch Charites, and its affiliates and owners.
Ilitch Charities Gives Back Through 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic and Community Celebration
August 28, 2023
The 14th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic took place on Monday, August 22 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills. The outing is the organization’s largest charitable event, raising funds for vital community programs. This year’s donations were revealed on Saturday, August 20 at the first-ever Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration, held in The District Detroit on Columbia Street and at the historic Fox Theatre.
Ilitch Charities invests in our community’s future by working to make it a better place for all, which is made possible by support from generous sponsors, celebrity guests, partners and contributions from Ilitch companies and colleagues. The Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration was a chance to honor and thank all of those who have donated their time and efforts throughout the year to move our community forward.
During the event at the Fox Theatre, Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., presented Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Downtown Boxing Gym with a donation of $100,000 each. Ilitch Charities is proud to have longstanding relationships with these worthy charitable organizations that each make a significant and lasting impact on the community.
“We cannot run this program without the help of our philanthropic investors.” said Terri Weems, President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, the non-profit fiduciary for Detroit at Work, which hosts Grow Detroit’s Young Talent. This signature program employees over 8,000 Detroit youth between the ages of 18-24 for a six-week summer employment opportunity each year. “The overwhelming majority of donations end up with the youth to pay wages for the six weeks they are employed. This donation from Ilitch Charities will go to support at least 50 Detroit youth in the summer of 2023.”
For over half a century, the Wright Museum has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. The Ilitch companies have maintained a longstanding relationship with the Wright Museum through support of programs that celebrate this history in Detroit. “This contribution is significant to us because it shows that Ilitch Charities appreciates the work that we do, and they understand the asset we are to Detroit. It’s an important gift that they have made to us, and we are deeply appreciative, particularly from a company that is also such a vital part of what Detroit is.” said Neil Barclay, President and CEO of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
With a mission to “train kids for life,” the Downtown Boxing Gym provides a free after-school academic and athletic program to students ages 8-18, with continuing mentorship and support through age 25. “This program is a launching pad for the future. These kids are truly our future and will be the next rocket scientists and engineers.” said Khali Sweeney, Founder and President of Detroit Boxing Gym. “It is incredible to have corporate sponsors like Ilitch Charities supportive of our mission, and we are forever grateful for that.”
