In February, March and April of this year, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen rolled through the company’s hometown of Detroit to provide fresh meals for thousands of people in need.

The Love Kitchen visited more than 15 community organizations throughout the city of Detroit and its suburbs. Meals were served at multiple Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries locations, the Salvation Army, Central United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Center, the Barack Obama Leadership Academy, SAY Detroit, Boys & Girls Club, Michigan Veterans Foundation, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Covenant House, and Renaissance High School.

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has served more than 3.7 million people in the 48 contiguous states and four Canadian provinces. It has responded to natural disasters such as the Western Kentucky tornado in 2021, as well as provided meals in national times of need, such as Sept. 11, 2001. Established by Little Caesars in 1985, the Love Kitchen exemplifies Little Caesars strong tradition of giving back to America’s communities.

“We were proud to partner with our franchisees and corporate colleagues to make a difference here in our hometown,” said David Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars. “Giving back is a huge part of our company culture and it was a joy to be able to build on our legacy of community service right here in Detroit.”

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush awarded The President’s Volunteer Action Award Citation to Little Caesars for its volunteers’ contributions to the Love Kitchen. Little Caesars also received a Presidential Citation for Private Sector Initiatives for the Love Kitchen program under the Reagan administration. The Love Kitchen has received a certificate of appreciation from the State of Michigan and was recognized by the Detroit City Council for its efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

Local Little Caesars franchise owners and company regional offices donate all food and labor costs for the Love Kitchen servings. An estimated 50,000 Little Caesars franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time over the years to support the program in their local communities.  

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Teams across Major League Baseball celebrated the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball on April 15. While in Kansas City that day, Detroit Tigers Center Fielder Akil Baddoo visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and sported a pair of custom Jackie Robinson-themed cleats during the Tigers-Royals game. Baddoo, along with the rest of the team also wore Robinson’s number – 42 – on their jerseys and socks. Upon returning home to Detroit, the Tigers honored Jackie Robinson Day on April 19 at Comerica Park.

Beyond paying homage during the game, the Tigers honored Robinson off the field.

Engaging young fans in the celebration, the Tigers hosted the annual Jackie Robinson Art Challenge. The contest encouraged Metro Detroit youth 18 and under to create a piece of art incorporating one or more of Robinson’s nine values: citizenship, commitment, courage, determination, excellence, integrity, justice, persistence and teamwork.

The winners include:

• 1st place – $1,500: 12-year-old Javier Espino, a student at Power Middle School in Farmington Hills
• 2nd place – $750: 14-year-old Asia Parnell, a student at Farmington High School in Farmington
• 3rd place – $250: 15-year-old Delaney Parker, a student at Dexter High School in Dexter

The top three finalists were acknowledged before the Tigers game on April 19.

Also before the game, the team hosted 42 area high school baseball and softball players for a panel discussion focusing on diversity in sports featuring members of the Tigers’ front office.

With Jackie Robinson breaking color barriers on the baseball field, he also opened doors for opportunities for diversity in the sport’s front office. As Devin Gardner of Bally Sports Detroit moderated the panel, he discussed the variety of career opportunities in professional sports, many of which the student attendees weren’t aware of.

“None of these opportunities would be possible, had it not been for Jackie Robinson and his courage,” said Gardner, who encouraged students to look beyond the field, signaling to the panel. “There are a lot of athletes in here. You can do whatever you want to do: you can be a professional athlete; you can not become a professional athlete. You can become a coach; you can work in the finance office; you can be around sports, and there’s a job for you, if you really want to.”

Describing their roles with the Tigers, the panelists discussed the fun that’s in working in professional sports. “Having the opportunity to talk to players and coaches on a daily basis – I see them as my little brothers, they see me like [their] big brother. It’s a blessing,” said Carlos Guillen, Bilingual Media Relations Coordinator.

Getting to work behind-the-scenes of the sport and with the players on the team is an added perk, added panelist Ashley Robinson. “I love that I have a job where I connect with them and get to understand who they are, and then convey that story to you all so you all can see the person, not just their [jersey] number.” said Robinson, who is Manager of Fantasy Camp and Player and Alumni Relations. “You’re rooting for them that much more, because you know who they are, you know how much work they put in, you know that they care about the ‘D’ that they wear.”

As someone who grew up watching baseball with his father, Manager of Community Impact, Matthew Williams explained that he often seeks baseball and softball players to potentially work with him. “[Baseball and softball players] know how to deal with failure, and with baseball, you have to deal with eight other personalities on the field, not including the bench or your coaches,” said Williams, who compared baseball to real life when working with others.

As students asked question after question, the final one proved to be the greatest lesson for all in attendance: “Have you ever failed?” The panelists agreed: too many times to count, but it’s how you handle it that defines you, because there’s always someone watching you.

“Think about how you want to carry yourself,” said Corey Bell, Buyers, Purchasing and Supplier Diversity. “…because you’re Jackie Robinson.”

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The Detroit Tigers welcomed a sold-out crowd on Opening Day at Comerica Park, and throughout The District Detroit, fans celebrated the return of baseball and their hometown team. Area restaurants and retail stores like Union Assembly, Frita Batidos, M Den, Tin Roof, Hockeytown Café and others joined in on the fun of the day.

In this video, hear from representatives of Union Assembly — a relative newcomer to Columbia Street – and fan-favorite Frita Batidos, about what Opening Day and an exciting Tigers baseball season means to them.

Momentum continues in The District Detroit, with additional retail tenants slated to open soon, including Detroit House of Comedy, JoJo’s Shake Bar, Sahara Restaurant, Basan at the Eddystone, and more.

Statement from Christopher Ilitch, Chairman and CEO – Detroit Tigers on Miguel Cabrera reaching 3,000 career hits:

“Congratulations to Miguel Cabrera on his 3,000^th career hit! Like Tigers fans, I’ve been proud to witness Miggy’s amazing and historic 3,000 hit and 500 home run milestones, putting him among a select few MLB legends. I thank Miguel for a career of exciting, Hall of Fame caliber play towards our objective of championship baseball for Tigers fans. Miggy has and continues to build his status as one of the greatest Tigers of all-time.”

Statement from Al Avila, Executive Vice President and General Manager – Detroit Tigers on Miguel Cabrera reaching 3,000 career hits:

“Seeing Miguel grow from a teenager taking batting practice on neighborhood fields in Venezuela to becoming one of the best players in baseball history has been one of the great joys of my life. His humility, passion for having fun, and genuine love of the city of Detroit are completely unmatched and joining the 3,000 hit club only strengthens his standing as one of the game’s all-time greats. This is a tremendous  accomplishment, and we know there are many more exciting times on the horizon.”

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Ally joins United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as proud partners

313 Presents announced today they have entered into a multi-year corporate partnership agreement with Ally Financial, expanding the Proud Partnership umbrella of Pine Knob Music Theatre. Per the agreement, Ally joins United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as the official Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are elated to welcome Ally and have them join United Wholesale Mortgage and Trinity Health as Proud Partners of Pine Knob Music Theatre,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “Like UWM and Trinity Health, Ally shares our passion for amazing entertainment, alive moments and providing unparalleled customer service. 313 Presents and our family of Proud Partners are excited to help bring the Pine Knob brand back to life in a new and exciting way as we look to our 50th anniversary and beyond.”

“Our mission to Do It Right extends to our work in our communities and helping to restore the Pine Knob brand is very worthy of Ally’s support,” said Ally Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer Andrea Brimmer. “We’ve been a part of this community for more than 100 years and are happy to help continue the tradition of some of the nation’s best concerts and activations at this local institution.”

Ally becomes the exclusive financial partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The digital financial services company will have exclusive naming rights to Pine Knob Music Theatre’s Ally East Entrance/Exit, Ally East Village, Ally East Parking Lot and Ally East Box Office.

As previously announced, United Wholesale Mortgage – the No. 1 wholesale mortgage lender in the country for seven consecutive years, and recognized as a best place to work in metro Detroit – is the exclusive mortgage partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre, and will have exclusive naming rights to Pine Knob Music Theatre’s UWM West Entrance/Exit, UWM West Parking Lot and UWM West Box Office.

Trinity Health is the official and exclusive health care partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The VIP area of Pine Knob Music Theatre will be branded as the Trinity Health VIP Entrance/Exit, Trinity Health VIP Parking Lot, Trinity Health VIP Box Office and Trinity Health Ivy Lounge.

313 Presents will incorporate its Proud Partners throughout its updated branding components.

Pine Knob Music Theatre is continually ranked among the top amphitheaters in the world and is a preferred venue for many of the nation’s top touring acts. Ranked #1 in the world in Pollstar’s 2019 Year-End Rankings, the venue plays host to world-class entertainment events, concerts, comedy, family shows and community functions.

Pine Knob Music Theatre’s 2022 summer concert season will mark its 50th anniversary, as the iconic venue opened its doors on June 25, 1972 with a matinee performance by David Cassidy. At the time of its opening, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheater in the U.S., becoming one of the most active and successful outdoor venues in the country. Through hosting acts ranging from rock, pop, country and contemporary, Pine Knob became a template for other outdoor venues to follow.

Follow Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally on Twitter at @PineKnobMusic, Facebook at Pine Knob Music Theatre and Instagram at @PineKnobMusic.

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to announce the promotion of Michele Bartos to senior vice president of Human Resources. During her 20+ year tenure with the Ilitch organization, Michele has remained dedicated to supporting the most important asset of the organization: its people.

“Our people are the backbone of our organization, and I am grateful for the opportunity to ensure our businesses continue to attract and retain the best and brightest talent,” said Michele. “One of my greatest professional joys has been to help people join our organization and then see them thrive and   grow in their careers.”

Michele began her Ilitch career in 1997 as a recruiter for Olympia Entertainment. Her keen ability to identify and engage skilled, diverse talent as well as help on policies, benefits matters, and other employment related issues was recognized, and she was soon promoted to director of Human Resources. Michele’s scope of responsibility continued to expand, and she was again promoted to vice president of Human Resources, supporting not only Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, but also Ilitch Holdings and Olympia Development of Michigan.

“Michele is an invaluable member of our team and a tireless advocate for our colleagues,” said Chris McGowan, president and CEO of Ilitch + Sports and Entertainment. “We are thrilled to promote Michele to senior vice president and look forward to her continued leadership on important issues impacting our people and organization.”

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Over the past two decades, Michele has played a pivotal role in some the most transformational sports and entertainment milestones across the Ilitch organization, including the recruitment and training of event staff when both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena opened in The District Detroit. Leading up to the opening of Little Caesars Arena and the creation of 313 Presents, Michele led the complex organizational restructuring and transition, helping to ensure that new and existing colleagues were set up for success.

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“I’ve greatly enjoyed being a part of the Ilitch companies and am excited for the opportunity to lead the human resource function at the next level, nurturing the culture and spearheading our people-focused initiatives to support strategic business priorities,” Michele said.

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Baseball is back! Recently president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – and chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers – Christopher Ilitch visited Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, meeting with players and club leadership, as well as taking in team workouts and a game. Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson caught up with Chris during his Tigertown trip to discuss exciting off-season moves, optimism for this season and more. Check out their conversation in the third of a three-part video series, below.

Baseball is back! Recently president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. – and chairman and CEO of the Detroit Tigers – Christopher Ilitch visited Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, meeting with players and club leadership, as well as taking in team workouts and a game. Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson caught up with Chris during his Tigertown trip to discuss exciting off-season moves, optimism for this season and more. Check out their conversation in the second of a three-part video series, below.

• Detroit native and 12-time Grammy winner Jack White to perform National Anthem before flyover
• Tigers to celebrate the life of Kimera Bartee; son Amari Bartee to throw out ceremonial first pitch
• Taylor North Little League World Series championship team to be recognized
• Miller Lite Tailgate to be hosted in McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street outside Comerica Park

For the first time since 2019, the Detroit Tigers will welcome a capacity crowd to Comerica Park for Opening Day, Presented by Rocket Mortgage, this Friday, April 8 against the Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. The club today announced several ways to celebrate the start of baseball for fans heading to The District Detroit, both on the exterior of Comerica Park for Detroit’s Biggest Party, and inside the ballpark leading up to first pitch.

Tigers fans have shown their excitement and anticipation for the 2022 Tigers season, with just standing room only tickets remaining for Opening Day. Great seats for the remainder of Opening Week, featuring home games against the White Sox on Saturday, April 9 and for Chevy Sunday Kids Day on April 10, are available at tigers.com/tickets. The Boston Red Sox will also visit Comerica Park for a three-game series that begins on Monday, April 11.

ARRIVE EARLY!

Gates to Comerica Park will open early for Opening Day, promptly at 10:30 a.m. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2022 Season Magnet Schedule, Presented by Rocket Mortgage. Live music, photo opportunities, the Detroit Tigers Foundation 50/50 Raffle and much more will greet Tigers fans as they enter the concourse area.

Fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Home Run Happy Hour – located on the Pepsi Porch – from 10:30 a.m. until Noon. Select concession items will cost just $5, including 16 oz. domestic beers, Pepsi products, hot dogs, and more.

At the Chevrolet Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. until noon, fans can also purchase $5 16 oz. domestic beer, in addition to a signature cocktail.

Tigers fans are reminded that all tickets at Comerica Park are now digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted. Parking can be reserved in advance on ParkWhiz.com.  

INTRODUCTIONS OF 2022 DETROIT TIGERS GET PREGAME FESTIVITIES STARTED

One of the memorable traditions on Opening Day each season is the individual introductions of the Tigers players, coaches and support staff. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:40 p.m. to root on the team for the first time in 2022.

JACK WHITE TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AFTER FLYOVER

Singer/songwriter Jack White and his band will perform an instrumental version of the National Anthem on Opening Day, capping off what will be an unforgettable pregame ceremony. White’s performance will be followed by a flyover at Comerica Park featuring four A-10 Thunderbolt “Warthog” aircrafts from the 107th Fighter Squadron, and part of the 127th Wing located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

White is a Detroit native and a Cass Technical High School graduate who has won 12 Grammy Awards. It will mark his first time performing the National Anthem, and kick off a year of touring for White’s new album, “Fear of the Dawn.”

TIGERS TO HONOR KIMERA BARTEE’S FAMILY; AMARI BARTEE TO THROW OUT CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH

Prior to the National Anthem and flyover, Tigers fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the late Kimera Bartee and his family in a pregame tribute at approximately 12:50 p.m. Bartee, Detroit’s first base coach during the 2021 season and a former Tigers player, tragically passed away on Dec. 20, 2021. He was just 49 years old.

The Tigers will introduce Bartee’s family and hold a moment of silence. Amari Bartee, the son of Kimera, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Tigers and White Sox taking the field.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION TAYLOR NORTH BASEBALL TEAM TO BE RECOGNIZED

The Taylor North Little League team, which captured the hearts of Michiganders and won the Little League World Series last August, will once again be recognized at Comerica Park prior to Friday’s game. Cam Thorning, a standout slugger on the team, will deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound before both teams take the field. Taylor North is the first Michigan team to win the Little League World Series championship since Hamtramck accomplished the feat in 1959.

MILLER LITE OPENING DAY TAILGATE OUTSIDE COMERICA PARK

The Tigers are excited to host the first-ever Miller Lite Opening Day Tailgate from 9 a.m. until first pitch in the McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street outside Comerica Park. The event will feature a band, DJ, interactive games, $5 16 oz. domestic beer, photo stations and additional corporate partnership initiatives.

Fans are also encouraged to stop by Frita Batidos Detroit and Union Assembly on Columbia Street, Tin Roof across from Comerica Park, and Hockeytown Café for pregame food and beverage options in the heart of The District Detroit.

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