To celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, the Detroit Tigers hosted a "Breaking Barriers" educational panel at Comerica Park for local teenage athletes. The educational panel featured a diverse group of Detroit sports professionals from the Lions, Pistons, Motor City Cruise and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, providing background on their careers and the path they took to become successful.

This season, the Tigers were on the road on Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), so the team celebrated when it returned to Detroit on April 17. As part of the activation, 42 Detroit high school athletes – many of them baseball and softball players – were invited to Comerica Park to attend a panel discussion. In the spirit of educating youth on Jackie Robinson’s nine values (courage, determination, commitment, persistence, integrity, justice, teamwork, citizenship, and excellence), panelists discussed their careers and the influence Jackie – and other individuals that they know – have had on their development personally and professionally.

The panel took place at Comerica Park and featured the following panelists: China Jude – President, Business Operations, Motor City Cruise; Danard LeNoir – Manager, Video Content Production, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment; Elandra McConney – Director of Retail, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment; Darren Johnson – Senior Director, Safety & Security, Detroit Lions; Stefen Welch – Vice President, Public Affairs, Detroit Pistons; and Donte Rolley Williams – Partnership Engagement Coordinator, Detroit Pistons.

Prior to the panel, attendees were invited to watch batting practice, and following the panel, several former Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars– Shani Allison, Alexis Dishman, Terrell Hemphill, Tolulope Sonuyi, and Lauren Sinclair – were recognized during a pregame ceremony.

View a recap video here:

• Black in Baseball Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, will feature activations from June 13-15, including pre-game and in-game tributes, specialty retail available for purchase, community impact events and more

• “Friday Night Party in the Park: Hip-Hop Night,” presented by Casamigos, on June 13 features pregame entertainment, specialty cocktails and postgame concert by internationally acclaimed hip-hop icon Ludacris

• Giveaways on Saturdays include a Detroit Stars Jersey, presented by Comerica Bank, on June 14

• Homestand also features Father’s Day (June 15), Filipino Heritage Night (June 17), Military Appreciation Night, presented by Chevrolet (June 18) Juneteenth Celebration (June 19)

The Detroit Tigers will return to Comerica Park for Black in Baseball Weekend, presented Comerica Bank, as part of a six-game homestand against the Cincinnati Reds (June 13-15) and Pittsburgh Pirates (June 17-19).

Baseball in Detroit holds a rich and storied history, thanks in large part to the Black baseball trailblazers who helped pave the way for future generations. During Black in Baseball Weekend, the Tigers are proud to partner with Comerica Bank to honor those whose contributions have built the foundation of Tigers baseball and continue to inspire generations to shape the game’s future.

More than 1,300 tickets were donated to kids and local organizations to attend games throughout the weekend. The Wayne State University National Panhellenic Council and the Black Sports Business Academy will be the beneficiaries of the weekend’s 50/50 Raffles, also receiving an additional match from Comerica Bank. Black-owned Lobster Food Truck will offer signature menu items all weekend outside Section 101.

Fans will have many opportunities to learn about and honor the Detroit Stars, the Negro Leagues and the contributions of Black baseball players throughout the weekend with photo opportunities, special merchandise and retail items, museum displays and more.

Standing-room-only tickets are available for Black in Baseball Weekend. For more information, fans can visit Tigers.com/BlackinBaseball.

Limited single-game tickets for the upcoming homestand are available at Tigers.com/Tickets and special ticket packages are available at Tigers.com/SpecialTicket.

Friday, June 13 at 7:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati Reds

“For the Culture” Friday, Friday Night Party in the Park: Hip-Hop Night, presented by Casamigos, and City Connect Friday

June 13 is the first night of Black in Baseball Weekend and is also “For the Culture” Friday, highlighting food, arts, fashion, religion and engagement with local HBCU/Divine 9 organizations.

• “For the Culture” Friday begins with a vibrant Block Party outside the Comerica Entry starting at 4:30 p.m., in which fans can enjoy Wayne State University’s Divine 9 step show, music from DJ Ro Spit, a Black-owned local business market, food trucks and drink carts, photo opportunities and more. Detroit artist Allison Sims, whose work is featured in the most recent edition of the Tigers Design Series, will attend the Block Party and will sign copies of her Black in Baseball design.

• The Tigers will host youth camp participants for a VIP Day in the morning, host members of Black Sports Professionals for a career mixer pre-game and host youth softball players and participants from the Black Baseball Motor City Classic for the block party and the game.

• The annual “Passing of the Bat” on-field ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. The 2025 recipient is Kole Waterman, who is a pitcher for the Detroit Edison High School baseball team, a Tigers Nike RBI representative and a scholar athlete.

• The National Anthem will be performed by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, daughters of Detroit Stars legend Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, and Detroit native and platinum-selling rapper Tee Grizzley will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

• “For the Culture” Friday concludes with a post-game concert from three-time Grammy winner Ludacris. Fans with game tickets can stay in their seat for the concert — or upgrade with a limited number of VIP passes available for purchase. VIP packages offer premium field access for the concert and a game ticket. For more information, fans can visit Tigers.com/Ludacris.

Every Friday home game is a “Friday Night Party in the Park,” presented by Casamigos, featuring live music and entertainment and pregame food and beverage specials on the Comerica Landing. The Hip-Hop Night specialty cocktail is a “Peaches and Cream,” served with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Peach Schnapps, Lime Juice and Coconut Cream. Fans who purchased the sold-out special ticket package receive a custom Tigers-branded oversized chain.

June 13 is also City Connect Friday, featuring the Tigers’ “Motor City” uniforms. Fans can purchase City Connect merchandise at The D Shop, presented by Meijer, and online. On Fridays, all City Connect merchandise is 30% off at The D Shop. On non-game days, free 30-minute parking for The D Shop is available in the Tiger Garage, at 128 Fisher Service Drive, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Comerica Park gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 14 at 1:10 p.m. vs. Cincinnati Reds

29th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Day and Detroit Stars Jersey Giveaway, presented by Comerica Bank

June 14 is Negro Leagues Tribute Day as the Tigers honor the Detroit Stars and other Negro Leagues teams throughout the country.

• As part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend, the Tigers will host a youth clinic from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Detroit Riverfront (1440 E. Atwater St.). The clinic is complimentary and open to the public. Fans can register here.

• Negro Leagues representatives Minnie Forbes, Johnny Walker, Ron Teasley, Pedro Sierra and more will engage with fans in a pre-game Q&A at 11:30 a.m. in the Comerica Bank Big Cat Court.

• The pre-game on-field ceremony will feature a performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown.

• Fans who purchased the sold-out Black in Baseball special ticket package receive a limited-edition 1919 Black in Baseball Jersey, presented by Comerica Bank.

Every Saturday home game includes an exciting giveaway for early arriving fans at Comerica Park. The June 14 giveaway is a Detroit Stars Jersey, presented by Comerica Bank. The giveaway jersey and the 1919 Black in Baseball jersey above were designed by Detroit native and Joyshed Creative Director Randall Yarborough.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 15 at 12:05 p.m. vs. Cincinnati Reds

Black in Baseball Weekend Finale, Father’s Day and Chevy Sunday Kids Day

The Black in Baseball theme for June 15 is “For Today and Tomorrow,” as the Tigers celebrate current and future stars of the game.

• The Detroit Youth Choir will perform the National Anthem.

• High school athletes who participated in the Black Baseball Motor City Classic will be recognized during the game. The two MVPs from the tournament will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

June 15 is also Father’s Day, and the Tigers are celebrating all the incredible dads in our community and beyond. Kids Club members can pick up a Father’s Day card at the Kids Club Kiosk and enter a Father’s Day raffle.

Fans who purchased the sold-out special ticket package receive a matching father and child Tigers-branded polo set.

Every Sunday home game is a Chevy Sunday Kids Day, where young fans can run the bases after the game and enjoy free rides on the Hi-Chew Ferris Wheel and Carousel.

The Meijer Sunday Family Value Deal is available, starting at $79, including four upper-level tickets, four hot dogs, four bags of chips and four fountain drinks. The lower-level ticket package starts at $99. Fans can also upgrade either package with four slices of pizza and four fountain drinks for just $10 more.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 17 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

313 Value Game, presented by Pepsi, and Filipino Heritage Night

Every Tuesday home game is a “313 Value Game,” presented by Pepsi, with $19 lower-level tickets available, as well as $3 bottled water and fountain drinks, $1 chips and $3 hot dogs.

June 17 is also Filipino Heritage Night, and fans who purchased the sold-out special ticket package receive a special Filipino-themed Tigers jersey. During Filipino Night, all fans can enjoy a Filipino Feast Slider (Fried Pork Belly, Pickled Carrots and Cilantro Aioli) outside Section 143.

Gates open at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 18 at 6:40 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Military Appreciation Night, presented by Chevrolet

The Tigers are showing appreciation for the brave active-duty military members and veterans in Detroit and throughout the country during Military Appreciation Night, presented by Chevrolet, on June 18.

During a special pre-game ceremony, active-duty military members and veterans will be recognized on the field for their service to the United States Armed Forces and will hold large flags reflecting the six U.S. Armed Forces Branches in the outfield during the National Anthem.

The National Anthem will be performed by buglers from the Michigan Army National Guard representing the 126th Army Band.

Fans who purchased the sold-out special ticket package receive a custom Tigers-themed jersey, presented by Chevrolet.

Gates open at 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 19 at 1:10 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Juneteenth Celebration

On June 19, the Tigers are joining the celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States as the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on June 19, 1865. Fans who purchased the sold-out special ticket package receive a limited-edition Juneteenth Tigers jersey.

Fans can enjoy pre-game performances by DJ Hi-Def Stef, Urban Wordsmiths and DrumKINGZ Drumline from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. in the Comerica Bank Big Cat Court

Vocalist Angela Davis will perform ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ President of the NAACP Detroit Branch, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and saxophonist Daryl Beebe will perform the National Anthem.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Group Ticket Options

Fans interested in purchasing 10 or more tickets during the upcoming homestand can visit Tigers.com/Groups or email Groups@Tigers.com.

Another Friday Night Party in the Park, presented by Casamigos, is getting a musical upgrade on July 11 when award-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jordan Davis performs postgame at Comerica Park.

First pitch for the game between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners is set for 7:10 p.m. Following the game, the night will conclude with a performance by Davis, kicking off the weekend-long celebration of 25 years at Comerica Park (July 11-13).

“At Comerica Park, our fans make every game unforgettable, and adding a postgame performance by Jordan Davis gives them another reason to stay - and celebrate - long after the final out,” said Asia Gholston, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Vice President of Brand Marketing. “We’re committed to creating experiences that go beyond baseball, making Comerica Park the place to be for great music, community, and memories fans won’t want to miss.”

Fans who have tickets to the game can stay in their seat for the concert, or upgrade with a limited number of VIP passes available for purchase. Fans who don’t have tickets to the game yet can also purchase a VIP package, which offers premium field access for the concert and a game ticket.

Friday will be the first night of the 25th Anniversary Celebration Weekend at Comerica Park (July 11-13) and will feature special menu items including a signature cocktail, the Silver Slugger Spritz, with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, sparkling wine, topped with club soda.

Fans can grab their tickets for this unforgettable night at the ballpark at Tigers.com/JordanDavis.

Little Caesars, the world’s third-largest pizza chain, is officially expanding to India, marking its 30th country of operation. With its first location set to open in a premium location in Delhi NCR in the month of June, 2025, Indian pizza lovers will now get to experience the brand’s iconic HOT-N-READY® pizza, known for its high quality, affordability, and convenience.

Little Caesars entry into India reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to global growth, bringing its signature menu and exceptional value to a new market of pizza enthusiasts. The brand’s first restaurant in Delhi NCR is just the beginning, with plans for additional locations to follow.

"Launching in India marks an exciting milestone for Little Caesars as we expand into our 30th country. With our delicious pizzas and unbeatable value, we're eagerly anticipating introducing a unique menu that we believe will captivate India," said Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail. "Our mission has always been to offer delicious, high-quality food at exceptional prices, and we can't wait to introduce Little Caesars to families, students, and busy professionals throughout India."

Little Caesars is bringing their iconic pizza to India, offering an exciting new take on high-quality, affordable pizza. The brand has created an entirely new and unique menu exclusively for guests in India, blending its signature quality and value with bold, local flavors. With this innovative menu, affordable pricing, and a focus on convenience, Little Caesars is ready to become a go-to dining destination for pizza lovers across the country. By embracing the rich culinary heritage of India while staying true to its commitment to great taste and incredible value, Little Caesars is set to make a lasting impact in this dynamic market.

Little Caesars expansion into India is led by Harnessing Harvest— a franchisee powered by nearly nine decades of legacy in the Indian food and hospitality industry. Backed by an enterprise highly valued and respected for generations of consumer trust, Harnessing Harvest brings unmatched understanding of the Indian market, evolving palates, and local consumer behavior. With deep industry roots and a proven track record, Harnessing Harvest ensures that Little Caesars global promise of quality, value, speed, and family orientation is thoughtfully adapted to India’s dynamic culinary landscape. As rising incomes and global tastes reshape dining habits, consumers seek out international brands. This relationship marks the beginning of a consumer experience that is both iconic and locally irresistible.

Little Caesars arrival in India continues the brand’s impressive international growth, with recent launches in markets such as Cambodia and Kuwait. As it establishes itself in India, Little Caesars aims to become an integral part of the community, offering a delicious and affordable dining option for all.

Postava Led HC Kometa Brno to Czech Extraliga Championship in 2025

The Detroit Red Wings today signed goaltender Michal Postava to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Postava, 23, spent the 2024-25 season with HC Kometa Brno in the Czech Extraliga, posting a 23-18-0 record with a 2.39 goals-against average, a 0.921 save percentage and three shutouts in 42 regular-season appearances. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound netminder also led HC Kometa Brno to a Czech Extraliga championship in 2025, logging a 10-7 record with a 1.97 goals-against average, a 0.940 save percentage and three shutouts in 17 postseason contests. His playoff save percentage of 0.940 was the best among all goaltenders in Czechia’s top professional league. Postava stopped all 21 shots he faced in Game 7 of the Czech Extraliga Final against HC Dynamo Pardubice.

A native of Valasske Mezirici, Czechia, Postava spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with HC Přerov in Czechia’s second-highest professional league, earning Best Goaltender honors after showing a 23-20-0 record with a 1.84 goals-against average, a 0.943 save percentage and six shutouts in 44 regular-season games. He also posted a 3-4 record with a 2.93 goals-against average and a 0.914 save percentage in seven playoff matchups. Postava played the 2022-23 season with HC Přerov, logging a 16-22-0 record with a 2.07 goals-against average, a 0.932 save percentage and two shutouts in 39 regular-season appearances, in addition to a 3-3 record with a 1.56 goals-against average, a 0.950 save percentage and one shutout in six postseason games. In all, Postava compiled a 46-46-0 record with a 2.01 goals-against average, a 0.936 save percentage and nine shutouts in 96 appearances during parts of five seasons with HC Přerov from 2019-24. Postava also notched a 15-6-0 record with a 2.45 goals-against average, a 0.928 save percentage and two shutouts in 21 appearances with HC Kometa Brno’s under-20 squad from 2020-22.

Ilitch Companies volunteers partnered with Playworks Michigan in early June to lead a Recess Play Day at Durfee Elementary-Middle School. Volunteers facilitated games and activities for the students that fostered collaboration, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Activities included freeze tag, soccer, dodgeball, chalk time, bubbles, and football. Playworks, a national non-profit organization, works to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

“We are providing an opportunity for kids to see adults showing positive behavior through play. Kids learn by example, and they need to see the joy that comes from playing, to see how adults are working together, laughing, celebrating positively, and even managing disappointments in a way that is not disruptive,” said Judy Tipton, executive director of Playworks Michigan. “These are all things that we think are very important to learn for our kids to be successful in life and in work.”

‍

Forward Recorded 44 Points in 46 Games with HPK in Finland’s SM-Liiga in 2024-25

The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Jesse Kiiskinen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Kiiskinen, 19, spent the entire 2024-25 season with HPK in Finland’s SM-Liiga and ranked among the team leaders with 14 goals (T3rd), 30 assists (1st), 44 points (1st), a plus-six rating (T1st), 30 penalty minutes (6th), seven power play goals (2nd), 19 power play points (1st), three game-winning goals (T2nd) and 160 shots (1st) in 46 games. His 44 points were the most of any under-20 skater in Finland’s top professional league. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward played the majority of the 2023-24 season with the Lahti Pelicans in Finland’s SM-Liiga, recording 10 points (4-6-10) and eight penalty minutes in 38 regular-season games. He also played in six postseason contests with the Pelicans, helping the team reach the championship round for the second-consecutive season. Additionally, Kiiskinen tallied one goal in six Champions Hockey League games with the Pelicans. Kiiskinen also spent time with the Pelicans’ under-20 squad in 2023-24, logging 21 points (14-7-21), a plus-13 rating and six penalty minutes in eight regular-season games, along with three assists in three playoff matchups in Finland’s top junior league.

Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round (68th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Kiiskinen made his professional debut with the Pelicans in 2022-23, tallying one assist, a plus-two rating and two penalty minutes in seven games. He also skated in one game with Heinolan Peliitat in Finland’s second-highest professional league during the 2022-23 campaign. In total, Kiiskinen compiled 89 points (47-42-89) and 14 penalty minutes in 79 games with the Pelicans’ under-20 team, in addition to 38 points (19-19-38) and 10 penalty minutes in 31 games with the under-18 squad and 30 points (15-15-30) and 18 penalty minutes in 28 games at the under-16 level. On the international stage, the Hollola, Finland, native helped his country win a silver medal at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording seven points (6-1-7) in seven games. Kiiskinen also competed at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging five points (3-2-5) in five games. He also captured a bronze medal with Finland at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, collecting four points (2-2-4) in five appearances.

Complimentary six-week program provides social and emotional skill building for teenagers from underserved communities while introducing basics of umpiring and employment opportunities

The youth sports industry across the country is experiencing significant growth, with thousands more young athletes each year competing in sports they love. This growth also creates an increased need for qualified sports officials.

Through their Official Leadership Program, UMPS CARE Charities is creating a solution for the need for youth baseball and softball umpires by teaching crucial skills and umpiring mechanics while providing mentorship and a direct line to employment to young people in underserved communities.

‍

On March 2, UMPS CARE Charities, in partnership with the Detroit Tigers, completed a free six-week junior umpire training clinic at Wayne State University, where male and female participants ages 13-18 learned the fundamentals of umpiring to prepare them to work as officials in their communities. Participants then attended the May 27 Tigers game to attend batting practice, meet the game umpires and be recognized pre-game.

“The Tigers are extremely excited to partner with UMPS CARE to host this incredible Official Leadership Program clinic at Wayne State,” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment baseball growth initiatives coordinator Jess Mehr. “UMPS CARE is a phenomenal organization that helps young people become leaders. The skills these local boys and girls learned during this clinic will help shape their future and become a résumé builder while strengthening the youth sports community in metro Detroit.”

UMPS CARE Charities was founded by a group of MLB umpires in 2006 and provides financial and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. The organization also provides VIP experiences to participants from youth-based organizations and military families, visits to pediatric hospitals and college scholarships.

The final clinic on March 2 featured classroom work and a game of umpire jeopardy to test the aspiring umpires on everything they’ve learned throughout the six-week program. The participants then conducted a simulated baseball game and took turns putting their skills and umpire knowledge to the test with real-life situations they’ll face as on-field officials.

The clinic concluded with participants receiving personalized certificates of completion, indicating they’ve learned the necessary skills to become a youth umpire. Each program graduate also received a Tigers gift bag and a $150 gift card to purchase their own umpire equipment.

Program graduates were invited to the Tigers game on May 27, where they enjoyed a meet and greet with MLB umpires and were recognized on the Comerica Park videoboard.

UMPS CARE Official Leadership Program instructor Ian Land led the six-week clinic at Wayne State University and said programs like these are fundamental to help kids become officials while strengthening their confidence, leadership abilities and sense of responsibility.

“It takes a village to raise a child. This program and programs like this are greatly important,” Land said. “It is all our responsibilities to help younger generations mature into productive members of society. This program allows children to be part of a team, part of something larger than themselves and gives them an opportunity to see themselves as more than just a kid.”

Land said this clinic and many similar programs wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the Tigers.

“I'd like to thank the Detroit Tigers for partnering with UMPS CARE,” Land said. “I do not believe we would have this program without the involvement of the Tigers. The Tigers moved mountains and made the planning of the program so much easier.”

One of the Official Leadership Program graduates on March 2 was Cass Tech High School sophomore Emmet Mitchell, who plays shortstop, outfield and pitcher for Cass Tech’s varsity baseball team.

Mitchell, who has big dreams for his baseball career, including being selected in the 2027 MLB Draft out of high school and eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, said being part of this program and becoming an umpire will help him become a better leader on and off the field.

“Baseball is my passion, and I really want to be involved in the game, outside of just being a player,” Mitchell said. “The last six weeks, I’ve learned so much, like how to always keep my composure and always stay prepared.”

For more information on UMPS CARE Charities, visit UmpsCare.com.

Baseball and music fans alike are in for an unforgettable night on Friday, June 13, when the Detroit Tigers take on the Cincinnati Reds at Comerica Park — followed by a high-energy postgame concert by three-time Grammy Award winner Ludacris.

The evening kicks off with first pitch at 7:10 p.m. and concludes with a performance by the internationally acclaimed hip-hop icon Ludacris, all part of Black in Baseball Weekend (June 13–15).

Friday night’s game will feature a special hip-hop edition of “Friday Night Party in the Park,” presented by Casamigos.

“There’s nothing like the energy of a Friday night at the ballpark, and the added excitement of a major artist like Ludacris takes that experience to the next level,” said Asia Gholston, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Vice President of Brand Marketing. “We’re thrilled to combine Tigers baseball at Comerica Park with a show-stopping performance for the best fans in baseball.”

Fans who have tickets to the game can stay in their seat for the concert — or upgrade with a limited number of VIP passes available for purchase. VIP packages offer premium field access for the concert and a game ticket.

Hip-Hop Night will feature special menu items including a signature cocktail, Peaches and Cream, a refreshing blend of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Peach Schnapps, lime juice, and coconut cream.

Tickets for this night of baseball and beats are on sale now at Tigers.com/Ludacris.