Little Caesars^® and MTN DEW^® are always looking to keep their fans fueled up and ready to go. That’s why the brands are joining forces ahead of the release of the new Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II, helping fans across the U.S. elevate their gaming experiences and excite their taste buds.

Beginning Monday, October 17 through Saturday, December 31, gamers who order from Little Caesars can get their hands on unique codes that unlock Dual 2XP for Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II. They can also purchase the “Call of Duty^® Combo” which includes a Large Slices-N-Stix^® pizza featuring half a Classic pepperoni pizza and half Italian Cheese Bread, Crazy Sauce^® and a 20 oz. MTN DEW^®, all for $7.99**. Order online at littlecaesars.com or purchase in-store and save your receipt for a code to unlock Dual 2XP as well as access to other bonus in-game items including a player card, emblem, and weapon charm, and the chance to win free prizes such as customized PlayStation 5s, wireless controllers and other swag to take your game to the next level.

“We know that DEW Nation and the gaming community are on the edge of their seats with anticipation for the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,” said Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice. “Joining forces with our partners at Little Caesars gives us the opportunity to up the ante for fans by creating a meal combo that’s designed to elevate their gaming experience.”

To unlock Dual 2XP and in-game rewards for all consoles and PCs, gamers simply need to visit www.LittleCaesarsCallOfDuty.com  to upload their in-store receipt or enter the unique code on their digital receipt. The Dual 2XP and in-game rewards will be linked directly to the gamer’s Modern Warfare^® II account.

“Little Caesars pizza is a perfect enhancement to a night of gaming,” said Greg Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Little Caesars. “Our Slices-N-Stix and Crazy Sauce alongside a refreshing MTN DEW is a sure-fire way to fuel gamers while they unlock in-game features and swag with our exclusive offerings.”

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter the Sweepstakes. Program includes a gift with purchase offer and sweepstakes. Program begins at 12:00 PM ET on 10/17/22 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 12/31/22, however offer is only available while offer item supplies last. Sweepstakes includes 11 entry periods. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC who are 17 years or older. Complete a purchase at a participating Little Caesars location to get an offer code/register receipt and submit at www.LittleCaesarsCallOfDuty.comto claim an offer item, subject to verification. Activision account required to claim offer items. Limit 2 offer claims/day. Max. 40 total hours Dual 2XP play/person and max. 80 codes per person. Offer items must be redeemed by 3/28/23 and applies to all Dual 2XP redemptions for Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II and Call of Duty^®: Warzone™ 2.0 (not limited to this Program). Program is subject to Official Rules at: mtndewgaming.com/rules. See Official Rules for how to participate, entry period dates, odds, offer item & prize details and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsor reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. Sponsor: Pepsi-Cola Company, 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.

An entrant cannot participate solely by scanning the QR code.

**Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, and third-party online sites.

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The Detroit Red Wings’ home opener will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. The Red Wings announced special events surrounding Opening Night, in addition to new features at Little Caesars Arena for the 2023-24 season.

Arrive Early to See Special Opening Show

A special opening show will begin in the arena bowl at approximately 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 7:00 p.m. puck drop, so ticketed fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:20 p.m.

All fans in attendance will receive an Opening Night rally towel. The Via concourse will feature face painters, airbrush artists, photo opportunities and more.

What’s New at Little Caesars Arena?

The Red Wings enter their seventh season at the award-winning Little Caesars Arena with exciting new offerings available to fans:

New Concessions Items

• New concessions items available at Little Caesars Arena will include a rotation of wraps, chili cheese fries and loaded cheese fries and more.  
• Near portals 43 and 44 on the upper concourse, there will be a new baked potato bar.
• Grab N’ Go locations will now feature seven-layer dip with tortilla chips, pasta salad and chicken caesar pasta salad.

New Menu Items at Arena Restaurants

• Detroit staple Bert’s Marketplace will return to Little Caesars Arena, bringing Red Wings fans its signature barbeque flavors in the upper concourse.
• All desserts at Little Caesars Arena’s restaurants will be packaged “to go” for fans to take back to their seats.
• Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar have introduced new menu items for the Red Wings season.

Mike’s Pizza Bar

Chix-parm sandwich

Meatball skillet

Jumbo mozz sticks

The Mixing Board

Bacon-wrapped dates

Firehouse shrimp

PointsBet Sports Bar

Bacon bourbon peach cobbler

Buddha bowl

Caramel crunch chicken wings

Elote street wings

French onion dog

Grilled cheese and tomato

Mediterranean sampler board

Short rib pot Pie

Steak frites

Crème brulee

New Merchandise Items

In partnership with Delaware North, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to introduce several new Red Wings merchandise lines at the Little Caesars Arena Team Store:

• Mitchell & Ness “Blue Line” premium jerseys will be available, featuring Red Wings Hall of Famers.
• Pro Standard luxury sportwear will make its Red Wings debut.
• OVO (October’s Very Own), the limited-edition fashion line created by Drake, will be available.
• DKNY, Greyson Clothiers, Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, Travis Mathew, WEAR by Erin Andrews and Vineyard Vines will all have new items and styles available for the season.

5-Game Plans, Group Ticket Packages Currently Available

In addition to single-game tickets for the 2023-24 season, the Red Wings recently introduced a pair of 5-Game Plans, presented by Great Clips. Detroit’s 5-Game Plans feature savings off single-game ticket pricing and priority access to purchase a Winged Wheel Nation membership for the 2024-25 season.

Fans interested in group ticket packages can contact the Red Wings group sales team at 313-471-7575 or visit the Group Tickets page on DetroitRedWings.com.

The Red Wings will begin the 2023-24 season on the road, playing at New Jersey in the season opener on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and HULU.

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• Veteran of 307 NHL Games Signed One-Year Contract With Detroit on Oct. 8

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned center Zach Aston-Reese to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have reassigned left wing Alexandre Doucet from the Griffins to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Aston-Reese, 29, was signed by the Red Wings to a one-year, two-way contract on Oct. 8. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. Aston-Reese also tallied one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests with Toronto, helping the franchise clinch its first postseason series win since 2004. He split the 2021-22 campaign between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, logging 15 points (5-10-15), a plus-nine rating and 28 penalty minutes in 69 games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has compiled 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 307 games with the Penguins, Ducks and Maple Leafs since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese registered 46 points (18-28-46), a plus-26 rating and 74 penalty minutes in 62 appearances with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from 2016-19.

Prior to turning professional, Aston-Reese played four seasons at Northeastern University from 2013-17, racking up 148 points (66-82-148), a plus-48 rating and 182 penalty minutes in 145 games. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA First All-American Team and named Hockey East Player of the Year after leading the NCAA in goals (31) and points (63) in just 38 games during the 2016-17 season. Aston-Reese also guided the Huskies to a Hockey East Tournament championship as a junior in 2015-16. The Staten Island, N.Y., native added 50 points (16-34-50), a plus-12 rating and 188 penalty minutes in 140 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13.

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• Detroit to Begin 98th Season in Franchise History on Thursday, Oct. 12 With Road Game Against New Jersey Devils at 7:30 p.m. at Prudential Center

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forwards Jonatan Berggren, Cross Hanas and Elmer Soderblom and defenseman Simon Edvinsson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have assigned forward Nate Danielson to the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Detroit has also designated forwards Matt Luff and Carter Mazur as injured non-roster.

The roster moves bring the Red Wings to a 23-man roster, consisting of 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. The Red Wings will begin their 98th season in franchise history on Thursday, Oct. 12 with a road game against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 p.m. at Prudential Center.

The District Detroit and global pizza brand Little Caesars have teamed up to welcome football fans to tailgate on Columbia Street before Detroit Lions home games, beginning Sunday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m.

During tailgates, Columbia Street, a pedestrian-only street located in the heart of The District Detroit, will transform into the ultimate football fan zone. Little Caesars, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the Detroit Lions and the National Football League, will be serving up fan favorites and offering opportunities to meet the brand’s iconic mascot, Little Caesar. A “throw zone” will give fans a chance to show off their football skills, and a prize wheel will provide a range of giveaways.

Additionally, all Columbia Street restaurants and their outdoor patios will be open and ready to serve football fans with game day specials. This includes Union Assembly, Mom’s Spaghetti, JoJo’s SHAKEBar, Good Cakes & Bakes, Frita Batidos, Sahara Restaurant and Grill, and the Detroit Tigers, Pepsi and El Rey de las Arepas pop-up experience honoring Miguel Cabrera at 44 W. Columbia Street. Tin Roof and Basan, just blocks away, will also be open and ready to serve fans.

Tailgates will be hosted on Columbia Street starting at 10:00 a.m. before Lions home games on September 17, September 24, October 8, October 30, November 19 and November 23. Lions games will also be broadcast live throughout Columbia Street by 97.1 The Ticket.

The District Detroit is a premier urban live, work, play destination featuring professional sports teams, world class entertainment venues, residential living, retail, and commercial office space. For more information, visit TheDistrictDetroit.com.

Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. Following Sunday’s game, Miguel Cabrera’s next chapter will be in Detroit as a Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations.

Scott Harris, Detroit Tigers President of Baseball Operations:
“It’s been incredible to watch Miggy passing names on all-time leaderboards, but even more impressive to see how he’s handled the attention behind the scenes. It’s no secret that the personal spotlight isn’t super comfortable to Miggy, and there’s something to be said about the humility he carries each and every day even when fans across the league are chanting his name while wearing another team’s jersey on their backs. Lessons like how to deal with praise and pressure are exactly what we want him teaching players throughout our organization. I’m honored to have him as part of our staff, and know he will continue to make the Tigers better in his new role.”

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Former Detroit Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg, and Colleen Howe, the late wife of legendary Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe, were inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) at a ceremony on September 14.

The event, held at MotorCity Casino’s SoundBoard, also welcomed eight other inductees from the sports world into the Class of 2023, joining renowned athletes such as Ty Cobb, Ted Lindsay, Willie Horton, and Jordyn Wieber.

Zetterberg played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, including serving as captain for his final six seasons, and lead the team to the 2008 Stanley Cup, when he also won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance.

“Throughout my career, I was surrounded by amazing players,” Zetterberg said of his former Red Wings teammates during the ceremony.

Known as “Mrs. Hockey,” Colleen Howe was a pioneering sports agent and manager, representing her husband, the legendary Gordie Howe (MSHOF Class of 1957) and her sons Mark (MSHOF Class of 2013) and Marty in their hockey and business interests. She was also one of the founders of the Detroit Junior Red Wings, the first Junior A team in the United States. Mrs. Howe passed away in 2009; her son Mark accepted the award on her behalf.

Other inductees in the Class of 2023 were:

•                     Richard “Rip” Hamilton, former Detroit Piston

•                     Ryan Miller, former Michigan State University hockey player

•                     Sierra Romero, four-time All-American softball player at the University of Michigan

•                     Lorenzo White, all-time leading rusher in Michigan State University football history

•                     LaMarr Woodley, former University of Michigan football player

•                     Rick Comley, former NCAA hockey coach

•                     Mike “Doc” Emrick, NHL play-by-play announcer

•                     Dawn Riley, the most honored woman in the history of United States sailboat racing

The Class was voted on by the public and the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and representatives from smaller Sports Halls of Fame in Michigan.

Mike Ilitch was inducted into the MSHOF in 2004, followed by Marian Ilitch in 2008.

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• Detroit’s full 2023 NHL Prospect Tournament roster has ‘a great day’ holding hockey clinic for students

Students at Blair Elementary School spent their Monday morning with some special visitors.

All 24 members of the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023 NHL Prospect Tournament roster visited the Traverse City, Mich. Public school to run a hockey clinic in the gym, an experience that forward Amadeus Lombardi described as “really cool.”

“It’s fun to give back to the community and see how happy they were when we all came in,” said Lombardi, who was Detroit’s 113th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. “I remember being their age, and when an event like this happened, you’re all excited.”

Upon their arrival, the Red Wings prospects were greeted by students eagerly asking for high fives while chanting “Let’s Go Red Wings.” The players then went inside the gym, where they taught students the basics of hockey through multiple rotating stations.

Forward Marco Kasper said it was fun helping students learn skills like stickhandling, shooting and passing.  

“The stickhandling and passing part of it is hard for a lot of kids,” said Kasper, Detroit’s eighth overall draft pick in 2022. “But we’re just trying to have them work together, have fun and make a great day for them.”

After spending the past four days competing in the NHL Prospect Tournament, Monday’s event could not have come at a better time, according to Lombardi.

“It’s nice and needed to get away from the actual hockey a little bit,” Lombardi said. “Take down the stress and relax. Spending time with kids changes your mood and makes you a little bit happier. I’m very fortunate to be in this position.”

Lombardi was also part of the group that visited Traverse Heights Elementary School for a similar hockey clinic after the NHL Prospect Tournament last September. He said participating in these clinics has helped him recognize just how special the relationship is between the Traverse City community and the Red Wings.

“Traverse City helps out with the Wings a lot, so it’s important to give back as best we can,” Lombardi said. “It’s nice to see how excited everyone is and how welcoming they are to us.”

Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said the presence of Detroit’s prospects at the clinic sent an important message.

“Community impact is at the heart of what we do every single day,” Brown said. “On the ice, they are performing at peak levels. And off the ice, we’re inspiring kids to dream big through events and moments like this.”

One key aspect of the clinic is encouraging students to play hockey while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. So in addition to the interactive visit, the prospects gifted the school with several sets of Red Wings-branded equipment to help continue the advancement of the students’ life and hockey skills.

“The game of hockey is so special,” Brown said. “It gives kids opportunities to learn about teamwork and perseverance. For an event like this today, kids are getting a chance to have fun and hopefully, be inspired to continue playing the game.”

Overall, the clinic was a hit for everyone involved.

“It’s a lot of fun for us guys to come here,” Kasper said. “Especially for the young kids to meet us. I remember when I was as young as them. It would have been exciting to meet prospects and hockey players. We’re having fun and the kids are having fun. A great day for all of us.”

To learn more about the Red Wings’ dedication to providing unique opportunities that engage and develop youth throughout Michigan, click here.

This story was written by Jonathan Mills and originally posted on DetroitRedWings.com

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• Forward has recorded 80 points in 307 NHL games with Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs since 2017-18

The Detroit Red Wings today signed center Zach Aston-Reese to a one-year, two-way contract.

Aston-Reese, 29, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward also tallied one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests, helping the Maple Leafs clinch their first postseason series win since 2004. Aston-Reese split the 2021-22 campaign between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, logging 15 points (5-10-15), a plus-nine rating and 28 penalty minutes in 69 games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has compiled 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 307 games with the Penguins, Ducks and Maple Leafs since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese registered 46 points (18-28-46), a plus-26 rating and 74 penalty minutes in 62 appearances with the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from 2016-19.

Prior to turning professional, Aston-Reese played four seasons at Northeastern University from 2013-17, racking up 148 points (66-82-148), a plus-48 rating and 182 penalty minutes in 145 games. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA First All-American Team and named Hockey East Player of the Year after leading the NCAA in goals (31) and points (63) in just 38 games during the 2016-17 season. Aston-Reese also guided the Huskies to a Hockey East Tournament championship as a junior in 2015-16. The Staten Island, N.Y., native added 50 points (16-34-50), a plus-12 rating and 188 penalty minutes in 140 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13.

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