• Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays and Braves among teams scheduled to visit TigerTown in 2024
• Secure your Spring Training Season Tickets by visiting tigers.com/spring or by calling (863) 413-4140

In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers announced the club’s Grapefruit League game schedule for 2024 Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida. Spring of 2024 will mark Detroit’s 88^th season at TigerTown in Lakeland, extending the longest-standing relationship between a Major League team and a current Spring Training host city. The 2024 spring season will be the club’s 59^th consecutive season of playing at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Detroit begins its Grapefruit League schedule hosting the New York Yankees on Saturday, February 24, the first of three visits the Yankees will make to Lakeland during Spring Training (also, March 14 and March 23). The home schedule also features multiple visits from the Toronto Blue Jays (February 27 and March 7), the Philadelphia Phillies (March 1 and March 19) and Pittsburgh Pirates (March 2 and March 9). The schedule also includes games against the Houston Astros (February 26), Boston Red Sox (March 4), New York Mets (March 21), Minnesota Twins (March 12), Tampa Bay Rays (March 24), Atlanta Braves (March 15) and Baltimore Orioles (March 17).

The Tigers are now accepting deposits towards the purchase of new season tickets for the upcoming 2024 Spring Training season in sunny Lakeland, FL. Secure your spot with a $100 per seat deposit by visiting tigers.com/spring or by calling (863) 413-4140.

For fans looking to learn more about Lakeland and the attractions in the area, please visit VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Game times for 2024 Spring Training games and the Bally Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket/Audacy broadcast schedules will be announced at a future date.

• First 15,000 fans in attendance on Saturday, July 22 for 27th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game will receive Norman “Turkey” Stearnes Detroit Stars jersey, presented by Comerica Bank
• Curtis Granderson to return to Detroit; will participate in fan Q&A on Comerica Park concourse and be presented Willie Horton African American Legacy Award on Sunday, July 23
• Former Negro League players and influences to participate in conversation and Q&A at Comerica Big Cat Court on Saturday  
• Friday “Party in the Park” Presented by Casamigos will be R&B Night, including live music and entertainment on Comerica Landing; Tigers fans encouraged to stay in seats for Friday Night Fireworks at conclusion of game
• Fans can visit “Walk of Stars” on concourse; Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold by Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store

The Detroit Tigers are proud to host the 21st annual Negro Leagues Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, from July 21-23, when the San Diego Padres visit Comerica Park. This annual tradition marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball. Tickets for all three games during Negro Leagues Weekend are currently available at tigers.com/tickets.  

Negro Leagues Weekend will be highlighted by the 27th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game on Saturday, July 22. Prior to the game, the Tigers will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes’ debut with the Detroit Stars in 1923. Stearnes was a five-tool player and five time All-Star selection to the Negro Leagues East-West All-Star Classic. He passed away on Sept. 4, 1979, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Three-time MLB All-Star and 2002 Tigers draftee Curtis Granderson will be returning to Detroit for Negro Leagues Weekend, and interact with Tigers fans on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, when he will also be presented the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award. Granderson debuted for the Tigers in September 2004, and was the starting center fielder for the 2006 team that won the American League pennant and played in the World Series. He led the AL with 23 triples in the 2007 season, and represented the Tigers in the 2009 MLB All-Star Game.  

The Tigers will distribute more than 3,000 complimentary game tickets to local organizations as part of the Negro Leagues Weekend celebration. A portion of the 50/50 Raffle proceeds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will benefit The HBCU Foundation, and Comerica Bank will match those proceeds.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the incredible impact of former Negro Leagues players with Tigers fans, our players and the community at Comerica Park,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We’ll be honoring the late Norman “Turkey” Stearnes for the 100th anniversary of his debut for the Detroit Stars, and are excited to welcome Curtis Granderson back to Detroit, where he will be presented the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award. Negro Leagues Weekend is a fan-favorite event each and every year, and we’re thankful to Comerica Bank for their support.”    

“Few organizations honor the lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues and contributions of African Americans in baseball as well as the Detroit Tigers,” said Steve Davis, Michigan Market President of Comerica Bank. “The celebratory weekend is made possible by the community who, with profound pride, uplifts the importance of the past, present, and future. We join the city of Detroit, the Tigers and the fans with excitement to listen to the great stories and commemorate the legends who positively impacted the game and our communities.”

Fans are encouraged to arrive at Comerica Park early to enjoy the many activities that are planned throughout Negro Leagues Weekend. DJ Mo Beatz – Big Sean’s official DJ – will spin on the new Comerica Landing on Saturday and Sunday, while Dr. Darrius will perform for Friday’s series opener. The “Walk of Stars,” similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will highlight the historic achievements of former Detroit Stars players. Several Negro Leagues and Detroit Stars-themed photo opportunities will be available throughout the concourse.

Negro Leagues Weekend festivities will include:

Friday, July 21 (6:40 p.m. first pitch)

• The seventh annual Negro Leagues Legacy Luncheon, presented by Comerica Bank, will be hosted at the ballpark on Friday morning, a private event to welcome former Negro Leagues players back to Detroit and to honor Curtis Granderson.
• Prior to Friday’s series opener, the annual “Passing of the Bat” ceremony will be held on the field, celebrating African American baseball players and their contributions to baseball. The ceremony features a symbolic “torch passing” from a former Negro Leagues player to several generations of former and current African American Tigers players. The bat is then presented to a local youth player, with University Liggett student-athletes Jarren Purify and Oliver Service serving as this year’s recipients. Purify is committed to play college baseball at Clemson, while Service will play at Texas.
• The Tigers ticket sales & service team will host “HBCU & Divine 9 Night,” including a special ticket package with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the United Negro College Fund and the Detroit HBCU network.
• Friday’s “Party in the Park” presented by Casamigos will be “R&B Night,” including live music and entertainment and specialty food and beverage items on the Comerica Landing.
• Tigers fans are encouraged to remain in their seats after the conclusion of the game for the display of Friday Night Fireworks.

Saturday, July 22 (6:10 p.m. first pitch)

• The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Norman “Turkey” Stearnes Detroit Stars jersey, presented by Comerica Bank. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m.    
• Tigers fans are encouraged to attend a pregame Q&A with former Negro League players and influences from 4:45-5:15 p.m., in the Comerica Big Cat Court. The panel will be moderated by 910 AM radio host Mark Lee, who will be joined Sam Allen, former Detroit Stars owner Minnie Forbes, Foster Graham, Bill Hill, Enrique Maroto, Pedro Sierra, Ron Teasley, Johnny Walker and Charles Willis.
• The pregame on-field ceremony honoring former Negro Leaguers will also include a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the National Anthem by Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown and Joyce Stearnes Thompson, daughters of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes.

Sunday, July 23 (12:05 p.m. first pitch)

• Shortly after gates open, Granderson will participate in a fan Q&A in the Comerica Big Cat Court from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Granderson will then be recognized in a pregame ceremony for earning the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award, created in 2009 to honor African Americans who have strengthened the legacy of baseball in the African American community and have contributed to the rich history of the Tigers.  

The Tigers will honor the Detroit Stars teams of the Negro Leagues by once again wearing Detroit Stars throwback uniforms for Saturday’s Negro Leagues Tribute Game. Popular Negro Leagues merchandise will be sold on the Comerica Park concourse by Tony Dee’s Negro Leagues Baseball Store.

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Season opener scheduled for March 28 at Chicago White Sox;

Detroit’s Biggest Party, Opening Day, presented by Rocket Mortgage, on April 5 vs. Oakland; Dodgers, Cardinals and Phillies among NL opponents to visit Comerica Park

In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers today released their 2024 schedule, featuring 81 games at Comerica Park. A charter member of the American League, 2024 marks the 124th season of Tigers baseball and the club’s 25^th at Comerica Park.

Detroit opens the 2024 season on March 28 at the Chicago White Sox, marking the 21st time that the Tigers and White Sox have faced each other on Opening Day. Following the three games against the White Sox, the season-opening road trip continues with three games at the New York Mets from April 1-3. Detroit’s Biggest Party, Opening Day, presented by Rocket Mortgage, is slated for Friday, April 5 against the Oakland Athletics.

With the balanced schedule again in effect for 2024, the Tigers will face each team in the Majors again next season – including eight interleague series hosted at Comerica Park. The Los Angeles Dodgers (July 12-14), St. Louis Cardinals (April 29-May 1) and Philadelphia Phillies (June 24-26) are among the National League teams slated to visit Detroit next season. Road interleague series next season include the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.

Comerica Park is the place to be on summer weekends, featuring special theme nights, fireworks, great giveaways and special events. Home summer weekend series during the 2024 season include matchups against the Blue Jays (May 23-26), Dodgers, Yankees (August 16-18) and Red Sox (August 30-September 1).

Season membership packages with the 1901 Society are on sale now for the 2024 campaign. Secure the first right to choose your seats by visiting tigers.com/2024 and placing a deposit for as little as $50. Memberships start at just 28 games and guarantee Opening Day access, discounts on concessions and merchandise and access to exclusive team events.

*All game dates are subject to change. Game times will be announced at a later date*

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The Detroit Tigers today completed rounds 11 through 20 of the 2023 MLB Draft, bringing the total number of players selected to 21 across the three days that picks were made.

Players selected by Detroit include 10 pitchers (seven RHP and three LHP) and 11 position players (four SS, two 2B, two OF, one 3B and two C). 12 of the 21 picks played collegiately, while nine came from the high school ranks.

On day one of the draft, the Tigers selected OF Max Clark from Franklin Community High School (IN) with the third overall pick, SS Kevin McGonigle from Monsignor Bonner High School (PA) at No. 37 overall, and 2B Max Anderson from the University of Nebraska with the 45^th overall pick.

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The Detroit Red Wings today acquired right wing Alex DeBrincat from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for left wing Dominik Kubalik, defenseman Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round selection and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Additionally, the Red Wings have signed DeBrincat to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.875 million.

DeBrincat, 25, played the 2022-23 season with the Senators and ranked among the team leaders with 27 goals (4th), 39 assists (5th), 66 points (4th), 45 penalty minutes (7th), 11 power play goals (T2nd), 30 power play points (1st), two overtime goals (T1st), six game-winning goals (T1st) and 263 shots (2nd) in 82 games. The 5-foot-8, 178-pound forward was acquired by the Senators after spending five seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2017-22, representing the franchise at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game. DeBrincat tallied a career-high 78 points (41-37-78) in 82 games during the 2021-22 campaign, pacing the Blackhawks with 41 goals to match his personal best set in 2018-19. Originally selected by Chicago in the second round (39th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, DeBrincat has compiled 373 points (187-186-373) and 112 penalty minutes in 450 games with the Blackhawks and Senators since 2017-18, in addition to six points (2-4-6) and nine penalty minutes in nine postseason contests.

A native of Farmington Hills, Mich., DeBrincat notched three consecutive 100-point seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters from 2014-17 prior to turning professional. In total, DeBrincat accumulated 332 points (167-165-332), a plus-137 rating and 150 penalty minutes in 191 games for the Otters, along with 73 points (30-43-73) and 49 penalty minutes in 55 postseason matchups. He was honored as the Canadian Hockey League’s Player of the Year in 2016-17 after leading the OHL in goals (65) and points (127) in 73 games. DeBrincat also helped the Otters win an OHL championship in 2017 with a league-high 38 points (13-25-38) in 22 playoff games before earning a place on the Memorial Cup All-Star Team with 10 points (2-8-10) in five appearances. He was named the CHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2014-15 after pacing all OHL freshmen in goals (51), assists (53) and points (104) in 68 games.

Before starting his major junior career, DeBrincat attended Lake Forest (Ill.) Prep, racking up 111 points (54-57-111) in 50 games during the 2013-14 campaign. While growing up in Metro Detroit, DeBrincat skated with the Victory Honda AAA program from 2010-13. On the international stage, DeBrincat represented Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, recording nine points (7-2-9) and four penalty minutes in eight games. He captured a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, logging nine points (1-8-9) and a plus-three rating in 10 games. DeBrincat also won a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, netting one goal and 25 penalty minutes in five appearances.

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• Fanatics Can Now Enjoy the Tropical Fruit on Their Pizza and in Their Pepsi

This summer, Pepsi® and Little Caesars® are giving pineapple lovers more ways to enjoy the pizza topping. Together, the brands are bringing Pepsi Pineapple exclusively to Little Caesars.

Pizza has long been the center of the polarizing question, “does pineapple belong on pizza?” Now, Pepsi and Little Caesars are ensuring that no matter where fans stand on the answer, everyone can enjoy pineapple and their pizza.  Inspired by fans’ love of the fruit and its delicious flavor, Pepsi and Little Caesars are teaming up to give pineapple lovers a refreshing way to be enthusiastic about their favorite fruit.

Starting July 10, and for a limited time only, Little Caesars customers can get the Pineapple Pair-Up Combo, which includes a 16-ounce Pepsi Pineapple and a Large 2-Topping Thin Crust Pizza when purchased online for just $9.99.*

“There’s always a passionate discussion surrounding pineapple on pizza,” said Greg Hamilton, Chief Marketing Officer, Little Caesars. “Together with Pepsi, we’re satisfying ALL pineapple lovers, regardless of how they feel about it as a pizza topping. The Pineapple Pair-Up Combo gives our customers an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the tropical taste on their Thin Crust pizza, in their Pepsi or both.”’

The ideal light and crispy alternative for the warmer months, Little Caesars Thin Crust pizzas offer just the right amount of crispiness on the bottom and around the edges.

“Knowing how much Little Caesars fans enjoy pineapple on their pizza, we knew they were the perfect partner to help us celebrate this flavor,” said Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice. “Together, we’re proud to offer guests more ways to enjoy one of pizza’s most unapologetic toppings.”

Pepsi Pineapple made its original debut in 2020 for a limited time, and was instantly a summer hit, with fans clamoring over the refreshing combination of Pepsi cola and sweet, fruity notes of pineapple. Now available exclusively at Little Caesars, customers can get the summery flavor in a one-of-a-kind 16 ounce can, featuring a co-branded never-before-seen design.

* Offer good for a limited time at participating Little Caesars® stores on app and online orders (excluding third-party sites).  Cannot be combined with any other offers. Plus tax where applicable. Delivery available from participating locations with online orders only. Delivery fees apply. Small order fee for delivery orders less than $12. PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.

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The Detroit Branch NAACP recently held their “June Jubilee,” a four-day event during which attendees had the opportunity to participate in a special summit with workshops, the unveiling of a life-like statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Hart Plaza, a commemorative freedom walk through the city, and more. The long weekend of activities culminated with the 68^th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner, of which Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch served as Senior Corporate Chair.

With more than 4,000 guests at Detroit’s Huntington Place, the Detroit Branch NAACP’s Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner is considered the largest sit-down dinner in the world. This year’s event featured keynote speaker Sen. Raphael Warnock and awardee Ambassador Andrew Young. The event was followed by a President’s Reception held at the Fox Theatre.

Chris Ilitch’s role as Senior Corporate Chair continues a decades-long partnership between the NAACP and the Ilitch Companies. The late Mike Ilitch served in the position of Senior Corporate Chair in 1989, the same year he and his wife Marian Ilitch moved Little Caesars headquarters to the Fox Theatre Building. In 1990, Little Caesars Enterprises was named a lifetime member of the NAACP. Earlier this year, Chris Ilitch officially accepted the gavel from outgoing Senior Corporate Chair Gary Torgow, chairman of Huntington National Bank.

“A devotion to the city and to creating opportunity for Detroiters continues to guide me and our company’s mission,” said Chris Ilitch. “I am grateful to join the Detroit Branch NAACP in its important work to support our hometown and its residents.”

A highlight of this year’s “June Jubilee” weekend was the commemoration of the 60^th Anniversary of the Freedom Walk. In 1963, in a precursor to the March on Washington, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led more than 100,000 marchers down Woodward Avenue for a rally in Hart Plaza, where he delivered the first version of his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Chris Ilitch joined Detroit Branch NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other dignitaries to lead this year’s walk. Enthusiastic attendees, including Ilitch Companies colleagues, also participated.

“I’m grateful to our many colleagues who worked together to support this cause, including the Freedom Walk activities, placing Detroit Branch NAACP information on our venue marquees and on Little Caesars pizza box tops, and attending the Freedom Fund Dinner at Huntington Place,” Chris Ilitch said.

All guests at the Freedom Fund dinner were gifted a poster of a painting by Detroit artist Sydney James. The painting, commissioned by Ilitch Companies for the Detroit Branch NAACP, is called “Remember the Time,” and depicts the artist’s mother who took part in the 1963 march in Detroit. The original artwork was presented as a gift to the Detroit Branch NAACP at a dinner committee meeting held at Comerica Park prior to the weekend’s events. The artwork will be hung in the NAACP’s offices.

“We want to thank the Ilitch team, who has really stepped up to be a significant part of the 68^th annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner for the NAACP,” said Dr. Reverend Wendall Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP.

Throughout the year, Ilitch Companies have supported various NAACP events, including a Career Day and Youth Summit, which exemplifies their partnership rooted in the common belief of creating opportunities for Detroiters through employment, economic inclusion, and education.

To see highlights from the weekend, watch this video:

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• Tigers fans can sign up now for early access to tee times for exclusive three-day event

The Detroit Tigers and Upper Deck Golf today announced that tee times will be available for bookings to the public for a one-of-a-kind golf event inside Comerica Park. The event, which will take place this fall, gives fans an exclusive opportunity to play a round of golf inside the ballpark.

Participants will tee off from the upper level of Comerica Park, with custom greens on the field. Fans will enjoy live music and food and beverage specials, in addition to golf challenges at multiple locations throughout the ballpark.

The event will take place over three consecutive days this fall following the Tigers season. Upper Deck Golf will offer tee times as early as 7:00 a.m., and as late as 9:00 p.m., on those days, with booking required in advance.

VIP tee times, which include a more premium experience, will also be available. Those fans will enjoy free entry into driving, chipping, and putting challenges, in addition to complimentary food and beverage items.

Standard golf clubs will be available for players to use at each tee box. While guests are welcome to bring their own clubs, no drivers or fairway metals are allowed at Upper Deck Golf events, for safety purposes.

Registration for tee times will open in early-September, but fans can register now for Early Access to tee times at upperdeckgolfing.com/comericapark. Tee times are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

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• Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion Spent Last Four Seasons as Red Wings Director of Amateur Scouting

Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that Kris Draper has been named assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting.

Draper, 52, will work alongside Yzerman and Red Wings assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff on all hockey operations matters for the organization, in addition to continuing in his role as director of amateur scouting.

Draper spent the last four seasons as Red Wings director of amateur scouting, overseeing the franchise’s amateur scouting department, running the NHL Entry Draft and assisting the Red Wings’ management team in various hockey operations decisions. As director of amateur scouting, Draper presided over the selection of six first-round picks in the NHL Entry Draft, choosing Lucas Raymond (fourth overall in 2020), Simon Edvinsson (sixth overall in 2021), Sebastian Cossa (15th overall in 2021), Marco Kasper (eighth overall in 2022), Nate Danielson (ninth overall in 2023) and Axel Sandin Pellikka (17th overall in 2023). Draper was named Detroit’s director of amateur scouting prior to the 2019-20 campaign after working the previous eight seasons as assistant to the general manager, providing player evaluations at both the professional and amateur levels and input regarding potential trades and free agent signings.

Draper’s on-ice accomplishments are highlighted by four Stanley Cup titles in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, joining Nicklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty as the only players to hoist the Stanley Cup in each of Detroit’s last four championship seasons. Originally selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the third round (62nd overall) of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft,  Draper played 20 games over three seasons in Winnipeg before the Jets dealt him to Detroit in exchange for future considerations on June 30, 1993. Draper spent the next 17 seasons in the Motor City, becoming a fixture in Detroit’s lineup during the 1993-94 season and played center on what became known as the ‘Grind Line’ with Maltby, and at different times, McCarty and Joe Kocur. They formed one of the most revered lines in Red Wings history and played an integral role in helping Detroit end a 42-year drought by capturing the 1997 Stanley Cup.

The Toronto, Ontario, native was recognized throughout his career as one of the top penalty killers and face-off men in the NHL and was rewarded with the 2004 Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward. He became the fifth player in team history to play 1,000 games in a Red Wings uniform, joining Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Yzerman and Lidstrom. Draper never missed the playoffs during his 17 seasons in Detroit and appeared in 220 postseason games with the Red Wings, ranking second in club history behind Lidstrom (263). In total, Draper recorded 361 points (158-203-361), a plus-78 rating and 781 penalty minutes in 1,137 games with the Red Wings from 1993-11, in addition to 46 points (24-22-46) and 160 penalty minutes in 220 postseason contests.

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