WATCH: Dan Dickerson and Christopher Ilitch Talk Tigers Baseball – Part 1
April 3, 2022
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 first of a three-part video series, below.
With fans welcomed back, Tigers reveal “What’s New” at Comerica Park
March 31, 2022
The Detroit Tigers will welcome back the best fans in baseball for Detroit’s Biggest Party on Opening Day, Presented by Rocket Mortgage. In conjunction with the annual “What’s New” media event at Comerica Park, the Tigers today rolled out new food and beverage menu items, in addition to fan giveaway items for the 2022 season, merchandise in The D Shop, Tigers Authentics items, corporate partner integration and much more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tigers fans back to Comerica Park, both on Opening Day and throughout the upcoming season,” said Ellen Hill-Zeringue, Vice President of Marketing. “We have some amazing experiences planned for our fans, including Pink Out the Park, the jersey retirement of Tigers legend Lou Whitaker, our second annual Summer Bash, Negro Leagues Weekend, ¡Fiesta Tigres! and much more.
“It’s going to be a very exciting summer at the ballpark, and we can’t wait to celebrate the start of baseball season with Tigers fans on Opening Day next week!”
Limited tickets for Opening Day – on Friday, April 8 against the Chicago White Sox at 1:05 p.m. – remain available at tigers.com/tickets, in addition to individual games for the 2022 season. For the first time, the Tigers are excited to host the Miller Lite Opening Day Tailgate in the McLaren Garage Plaza and along Witherell Street.
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.
THEME NIGHTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Tigers fans will have the opportunity to attend and engage with several theme nights and special events throughout the 2022 season. Fan-favorite events returning to Comerica Park include:
FAN GIVEAWAY ITEMS
Tigers fans visiting Comerica Park this season will once again have the opportunity to walk away with tremendous giveaway items. The first 10,000 guests in attendance will receive that day’s giveaway item.
“SWEET LOU” JERSEY RETIREMENT, PRESENTED BY BALLY SPORTS DETROIT
On Saturday, August 6 against Tampa Bay, the Tigers will retire the jersey of No. 1 Lou Whitaker, one of the greatest position players to ever wear the Olde English ‘D.’ Tigers fans – no matter the age – hold a special place in their hearts for Lou Whitaker. He is a World Series Champion, five-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and the 1978 American League Rookie of the Year.
Whitaker’s number retirement will feature renowned Tigers players and coaches speaking during a pregame ceremony, a video tribute and the unveiling of a new wall rendering that will signify Whitaker joining an elusive club that includes the likes of Al Kaline and Ty Cobb, Trammell and Jack Morris. The first 10,000 fans in attendance on August 6 will receive a Lou Whitaker Replica Jersey, Presented by Bally Sports Detroit.
NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS
The Tigers, in partnership with Delaware North Sportservice, are thrilled to announce additions to the Comerica Park food and beverage menu at various concessions locations for the 2022 season. Over the years, fans have come to appreciate new and traditional food offerings as a part of their ballpark experience. There will also be additional healthy items located throughout the ballpark. New additions include:
NEW AND UPGRADED CHEVROLET PAVILION
The Chevrolet Pavilion – located in left field – has been reimagined with a new bar that now faces the Comerica Park field, and a rebranded canopy and signage that is visible both from the concourse and the field side. Detroit-based Atwater Brewery branding is now also featured.
THE D SHOP: YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TIGERS MERCHANDISE
The D Shop at Comerica Park, open during Tigers games and non-event hours, is your one-stop shop for new Tigers merchandise. Here’s a few items you’ll want to check out before, during or after a Tigers game.
AUTHENTICATED TIGERS ITEMS AVAILABLE ON COMERICA PARK CONCOURSE
Check out the newest Tigers Authentics items for the 2022 season, including Riley Greene Autographed Bats, baseballs, jerseys and photos, Spencer Torkelson autographed baseballs, Spencer Turnbull Autographed No-Hitter items, Miguel Cabrera Autographed items with “500 Home Run Club” inscription and much more.
The Detroit Tigers Authentics Shop is open to ticketed customers on game days behind Section 133 at Comerica Park. All Detroit Tigers memorabilia items are 100 percent authentic. Each item is marked with a numbered tamper-proof hologram by Major League Baseball.
NEWLY-BRANDED ENTRANCES
Three entrances at Comerica Park have been rebranded due to new and long-standing relationships with loyal corporate partners. Gate A is now the Comerica Entry, while the former Gate B is now the Rocket Entry. Gate C has been re-branded the Gallagher Entry.
COMERICA BANK CUSTOMER AND CARD HOLDER PERKS
The Tigers are proud to announce additional benefits at the ballpark for Comerica Bank customers and card holders. Customers who show their card at the VIP Gate located at the Comerica Entry will be able to skip the line. In addition, a $25 credit will be added for Comerica Bank customers that upload their card to the Comerica Bank Mobile Wallet located in the MLB Ballpark App. The mobile wallet can be used to order and pick up concessions, and for in-seat ordering at select seat locations.
CHEVY SUNDAY KIDS DAYS RETURN
Every Sunday at Comerica Park is a Chevy Sunday Kids Day, featuring the opportunity for kids in attendance – ages 12 and under – to run the bases after the game. In addition, free Carousel and Ferris Wheel rides on the Comerica Park concourse will return on Sundays for kids of the same age group. Sunday Kids Days will also feature face painting and a personalized baseball card station.
Additionally, the Sunday Family Value deal includes four lower-level seats, four hot dogs and four soft drinks for just $99.
NEW KIDS CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
Get your child excited about baseball and softball and save money on tickets with the Detroit Tigers Kids Club, Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Kroger and Bally Sports Detroit. For only $16, Kids Club members enjoy special insider access and exclusive perks, awesome Tigers gear, and much more. Visit tigers.com/kidsclub, or sign up at the ballpark in the Comerica Park concourse.
DETROIT TIGERS FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE
The Detroit Tigers Foundation is proud to announce the fan-favorite 50/50 raffle at Comerica Park will return this season on all Friday, Saturday and Sunday games. Beginning on Opening Day, fans can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets from dedicated kiosks located throughout the ballpark prior to the seventh inning. Proceeds from each 50/50 raffle benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation, which supports the growth of youth baseball and softball in Detroit and across the state of Michigan.
1901 SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM – JOIN TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $6 PER GAME!
The Detroit Tigers 1901 Society is the club’s Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with your unique needs and interests in mind, the 1901 Society offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for our most loyal fans, on a year-round basis. Visit tigers.com/1901, and join today for as little as $6 per game.
ENJOY TIGERS BASEBALL FOR YOUR GROUP OUTING! For groups of 10 or more, the Tigers offer expanded discounts, which include better seat locations and increased ticket discounts. Visit tigers.com/groups for all the details.
Bagley Development Group Begins Work on Historic Residences@150 Bagley
March 30, 2022
Work that will redevelop Detroit’s historic former United Artists Building into the Residences @ 150 Bagley is now underway in The District Detroit. The African American-led development team at Bagley Development Group, LLC is transforming the nearly 100-year-old building at 150 Bagley St. into 148 apartments, 20 percent of which will be designated as affordable housing.
“On behalf of the Bagley Development Group partners Scott Allen, Larry Brinker, Sr., Tom Goss, Richard Hosey, Roy Roberts, Jim Thrower and me, we are honored to develop Residences@150 Bagley in such a vibrant community,” said Emmett Moten, managing partner. “Residences@150 Bagley represents the perfect model for urban development, with the public and private sectors working collectively to benefit the community.”
The Residences @ 150 Bagley is a distinctive project that will bring hundreds of construction and permanent jobs to Detroit, as well as new residents and businesses to the vibrant neighborhood around Grand Circus Park. The building is within the Grand Circus Park Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The 18-story building was designed by C. Howard Crane opened in 1928. In addition to 1- and 2-bedroom units up to 1,300 square feet, the restoration will also activate approximately 10,000 square feet of retail and dining space. HPM is Owner’s Representative for the project and Detroit-based Brinker/Christman is construction manager. Michigan-based Hobbs + Black is the architect.
Olympia Development of Michigan’s Keith Bradford recognized Bagley Development Group’s dedication to this project and the city.
“The Bagley Development Group team has done great work to begin bringing our community new market-rate and affordable housing, historic renovation and the associated jobs in The District Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, Senior Vice President of Olympia Development. “The Residences@150 Bagley, the Eddystone Residences and the Henry Street redevelopment proposal are key examples of our steady and balanced progress on residential development in The District Detroit. This only builds on the exciting momentum from our recent announcement with Related Companies and The University of Michigan that the Detroit Center for Innovation will be built nearby.”
The Residences @ 150 Bagley will be close to several public transit options and a wealth of work, live and play options in The District Detroit, including Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, the historic Fox Theatre and the pedestrian-friendly Columbia Street.
“”We are truly appreciative of the cooperation and trust of HUD, DDA, MEDC, Mayor Duggan and the city’s administration, Detroit City Council and others for believing in our vision,” continued Moten. “Kudos to our stellar financial team consisting of AFL-CIO Housing Trust, Gershman Mortgage, Bernard Financial, Stonehenge Capital, Capital Impact, and Liberty Bank for managing our mortgage, tax credit and other finance requirements. More importantly, we applaud Olympia Development of Michigan for their unwavering support and this great opportunity. Upon completion, Residences@150 Bagley, will become a flagship, residential development in The District Detroit. Residences@150 Bagley located in the heartbeat of downtown Detroit, will enhance the existing historic appointments, while augmenting the future for the next generation.”
Rocket Mortgage Steps Up to the Plate as Exclusive Mortgage Partner of Detroit Tigers and Presenting Sponsor of Opening Day
March 21, 2022
Rocket Mortgage, part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), along with the Detroit Tigers, today announced a robust, multi-year partnership – making the nation’s largest home lender the Exclusive Mortgage Partner of the Tigers. As part of the collaboration, Rocket Mortgage will also be the Presenting Sponsor of Detroit Tigers Opening Day at Comerica Park on April 8. Fans will participate in unique onsite activities and visit the ballpark for the first Opening Day at full capacity in two years.
This partnership, Rocket Mortgage’s first with a Major League Baseball team, includes signage throughout Comerica Park, including one-of-a-kind branding on both foul poles. The “Rocket” foul poles in left and right field will feature the company’s iconic branding and Gate B, located at the corner of Witherell Street and East Adams Avenue, will be rebranded the “Rocket Mortgage Entry.”
“As a company with deep Detroit roots, Rocket Mortgage is honored to partner with the Tigers, a team synonymous with the city we love. The Tigers’ rich heritage is a source of pride for Detroiters the world over, and we are excited to now be a small part of the ballclub’s legacy,” said Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer of Rocket Mortgage. “Together, we will use our partnership to shine a spotlight on our hometown by creating a vibrant environment for fans to cheer on the Tigers and help drive meaningful change to eliminate the digital divide in Detroit.”
To help end the digital divide in Detroit, Rocket Mortgage announced a new promotion in conjunction with its Tigers Partnership. Each time a Tigers player hits a home run off the “Rocket” foul poles, Rocket Mortgage will contribute $5,000 to the Connect 313 Fund. If the home run results in a grand slam, the company will contribute $20,000 to bring digital connectivity and literacy to Detroiters.
The Connect 313 Fund was established in 2020. It is the coordinating body for the citywide effort dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring all Detroiters have equitable access to the internet and technology. The fund is a collaboration between the City of Detroit, the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Rocket Companies, Microsoft and the United Way of Southeastern Michigan.
“We are proud to partner with Rocket Mortgage, another Detroit-based company that is incredibly dedicated to our community,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We look forward to working together to create special moments and memories for Tigers fans for years to come.”
The partnership also includes branding opportunities for Rocket Pro TPO, the division of Rocket Mortgage that works with independent mortgage brokers; and Rocket Homes, the technology-driven real estate service provider. Both brands are part of the Rocket Companies platform.
Fans can purchase individual game tickets for the 2022 season, including for Opening Day, at Tigers.com.
Detroit Red Wings’ Daniella Bruce Makes History and Inspires the Next Generation of Female Broadcasters
March 20, 2022
Earlier this year, Daniella Bruce made history when she became the first female announcer on a Detroit Red Wings radio broadcast. She did analysis during a game at Los Angeles with long-time play-by-play announcer Ken Kal.
Daniella, a Michigan State University graduate, has worked as a digital reporter for the Red Wings for nearly five seasons.
Hear more from Daniella about her career and what inspires her in this video.
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Celebrates Women’s History this March through Game Changers Program, Hockey is for Everyone: Women’s History Night and More
March 14, 2022
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will proudly commemorate Women’s History Month all month, with initiatives to recognize the incredible achievements of past and present women across the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan.
On March 8, International Women’s Day was celebrated throughout Little Caesars Arena with activities all evening, including honoring Women’s History Month Game Changers in a pregame ceremony, a Women’s History Concourse Exhibit, the sale of a limited-edition Women’s History Month T-shirt, in-game video profiles, and features of incredible women in Detroit and much more.
The ongoing Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Comerica Bank’s Game Changers program highlights individuals who provide access, opportunity and year-round support to young people in the Detroit community through education, wellness and/or sport programming. Before the Red Wings game on March 8, four amazing local Women’s History Month Game Changers were honored with a $1,000 donation to their charity of choice, as well as a commemorative plaque and Game Changer jersey.
Watch a video recap of the special event below:
To learn more about the individual Hockey Is For Everyone: Women’s History Month Game Changers Honorees, click on the links below.
Little Caesars AAA Hockey Provides Life Lessons and Opportunity to Girls Both On and Off the Ice
March 13, 2022
Manon Rhéaume, Little Caesars AAA Hockey girls program director, believes that playing youth hockey can instill amazing life lessons and give girls the chance to dream of playing professional hockey.
“It’s so important for young girls to participate in team sports. A lot of successful women played sports when they were younger because you learn so much, like leadership and confidence,” Rhéaume said in an interview when she was named a “Game Changer” by the Detroit Red Wings.
Rhéaume, “The First Woman of Hockey,” knows firsthand the impact that hockey can have on one’s life. In 1992 at the age of 20, Rhéaume made history when she played goalie in an exhibition game for the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first woman to ever play in the NHL and the first woman to compete in any major North American professional sports league. Today, her story continues to inspire girls to not only play the sport but see a future for themselves in it.
Recently, players from the Little Caesars AAA Hockey girls 19U team gathered at their practice facility, the state-of-the-art BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena, for a ceremony to mark their individual commitment to play college hockey at the school of their choice. Hear from the players themselves about what playing hockey has taught them both on and off the ice.
Through hard work, skill and tenacity, the Little Caesars AAA Hockey girls teams succeeded on the ice as well. Just last week, the 12U, 14U, and 19U girls teams took home state championship titles. The 14U and 19U teams are both headed to play in the USA Hockey National Championship Tournament March 31 – April 4 in Pittsburgh, PA.
More information on Little Caesars Hockey can be found here.
Tigers Announce 2022 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule
March 10, 2022
The Tigers announced their broadcast schedule for 2022 Spring Training, which for the first time includes two games live streamed on Tigers.com as well as games being broadcast by our partners at Bally Sports Detroit and WXYT Radio.
For the first time, Tigers fans will be able to watch non-televised home games as part of a live stream on Tigers.com. The games on Wednesday, March 23 vs. Pittsburgh and Saturday, March 26 vs. Philadelphia will be live streamed. Dan Dickerson and Matt Shepard will call the action against the Pirates, while Dickerson and Jim Price will announce the game against the Phillies.
Bally Sports Detroit will televise five Grapefruit League games, beginning with the opener on Friday against Philadelphia. Matt Shepard will serve as the play-by-play voice for all games while Dan Petry, Craig Monroe, Jack Morris and Kirk Gibson will rotate as analysts. The veteran radio team of Dan Dickerson and Jim Price will call all 11 games that are being aired on WXYT.
The 2022 spring season marks the club’s 86th at the TigerTown complex in Lakeland, FL, extending the longest-standing relationship between a Major League team and current Spring Training host city. This spring also marks the franchise’s 57th consecutive season of exhibition play at the state-of-the-art Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Season tickets, flex plans and individual game tickets are on sale now for fans who want to enjoy Grapefruit League action at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. For more information or to purchase season tickets, call at (863) 686-8075 or by visiting tigers.com.
DETROIT TIGERS SPRING TRAINING BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Day Date Opponent Site Time Radio TV/Streaming
Fri. Mar. 18 Philadelphia Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM BSDET
Sat. Mar. 19 Pittsburgh Bradenton 1:05
Sun. Mar. 20 New York Yankees Tampa 1:05 97.1 FM
Mon. Mar. 21 Toronto Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM BSDET
Tue. Mar. 22 Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05
Wed. Mar. 23 Pittsburgh Lakeland 1:05 Tigers.com
Thu. Mar. 24 New York Yankees Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM BSDET
Fri. Mar. 25 Toronto Dunedin 1:07 1270 AM
Sat. Mar. 26 Philadelphia Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM Tigers.com
Sun. Mar. 27 Baltimore Sarasota 1:05 97.1 FM
Mon. Mar. 28 New York Yankees Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM BSDET
Tue. Mar. 29 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – O P E N D A T E – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Wed. Mar. 30 Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05
Thu. Mar. 31 Toronto Dunedin 1:07
Fri. Apr. 1 New York Yankees Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM
Sat. Apr. 2 Baltimore Lakeland 1:05 97.1 FM or 1270 AM
Sun. Apr. 3 Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05
Mon. Apr. 4 Toronto Lakeland 1:05 1270 AM BSDET
Tue. Apr. 5 New York Yankees Tampa 1:05
Wed. Apr. 6 Baltimore Lakeland 1:05
Radio:
97.1 FM – WXYT
1270 AM – WXYT
TV:
Bally Sports Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation Unveiled an Esports Lounge for Youth Members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) at the Lloyd H. Diehl Club
March 8, 2022
The Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation unveiled an Esports Lounge for youth members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) at the Lloyd H. Diehl Club on Wednesday, March 9 as part of a $300,000 investment between the Red Wings Foundation and Children’s Foundation to strengthen the career and entrepreneur pipeline for youth in the sports and Esports industries. Kids were joined by Red Wings players Alex Nedeljkovic, Givani Smith, Troy Stecher and Vladislav Namestnikov.