The MLB ID Tour, a grassroots initiative to identify high school talent for baseball development programming, recently stopped in metro Detroit for the first time in two years. Athletes graduating high school in 2028 and 2029 had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the MLB ID Tour Staff for the chance to be invited to participate in MLB Player Development programs.

“We’re very grateful to the Detroit Tigers’ baseball growth initiatives team for making this happen,” said Kindu Jones, the senior coordinator of baseball development for the MLB. “We loved having the opportunity to return to the Motor City and evaluate, motivate and provide hope for the next generation of athletes. Teaching them how to fall in love with the process of honing their baseball skills and doing everything in their life with a ‘big league mindset’ might be almost as great of a day for us as it is an opportunity for them.”

Seventy-three athletes participated in the showcase at Detroit Country Day School, some coming from as far away as Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Athletes were also encouraged to join the Detroit Tigers youth initiative programs, such as the Tigers’ RBI teams.

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Motte surprises local 11-year-old hockey player and his family with tickets to Saturday’s game

Holding their first practice since the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Detroit Red Wings invited a very special guest to Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center on Tuesday afternoon.

Scott Hart, an 11-year-old who currently plays youth hockey in the metro Detroit area, watched the Red Wings run through drills before meeting Tyler Motte after practice.

“Giving back to the community is important to me being from Michigan and playing for the youth hockey programs around Detroit,” Motte said. “It means a lot. As kids watch practices and games, they look up to not just players like me but our leadership. [Captain Dylan Larkin] is his favorite player. It goes a long way, giving back to our community.”

In addition to receiving a new Red Wings jersey from Motte, Hart and his family were gifted tickets to Saturday’s matinee against the Minnesota Wild, which coincides with Kids Day at Little Caesars Arena.

“I’m so happy to go to the game,” said Hart, who also thanked Motte for helping make what was surely an unforgettable afternoon.

A native of Detroit’s westside, Hart started playing hockey roughly six years ago. Hart’s love for the game has only grown since then, prompting his parents to build him a backyard rink that the family has maintained for the past four winters.

For Motte, who was born in St. Clair, Mich., hockey also was a big part of his childhood.

“The few Red Wings games that we got down to in Detroit were always important and awesome,” Motte said. “Growing up, watching great teams but getting into other hockey like college hockey and the [Port Huron Prowlers]. Going to those games and getting signed sticks, pucks and all that goes a long way. I remember being [Hart’s] age and what it meant to me and is part of my hockey career.”

Before wrapping up their combined post-practice media session, Hart told Motte that he hopes “you guys can make it to the playoffs.”

The 29-year-old forward smiled.

“We’ll do our best for you, buddy,” Motte said. “We look forward to seeing you at the game.”

By Jonathan Mills for detroitredwings.com

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Thousands of families in southeast Michigan are served by Gleaners Community Food Bank, a non-profit organization that provides access to sufficient, nutritious food and other related resources. Recently, colleagues from Ilitch Companies volunteered at the group’s Taylor, Mich. warehouse, packing food boxes and bagging fruits and vegetables.

“We need volunteers all the time. We have volunteers coming in Monday through Friday, morning shift and afternoon. We rely on volunteers one hundred percent,” said Alma Perez, a volunteer coordinator at Gleaners. “Our volunteers are doing something for the community. They're giving back. It brings us together, like a team effort.”

“These opportunities give our colleagues an opportunity to connect with each other and the community,” said Jon Perry, Community Impact Manager at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Organizations such as Gleaners provide critical services for people, and we are privileged to help with their efforts.”

Through community engagement programs, Ilitch Companies colleagues are mobilized to volunteer thousands of hours annually for key charitable causes.

To learn more about Gleaners and other volunteer opportunities there, visit www.gcfb.org.

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Aiming to be a space that captures the community and culture of Detroit, Little Caesars Arena food service partner, Delaware North, and its passionate chefs work to ensure the food and beverage selections at the venue reflect the city’s flavor.

Troy Michalkiewicz, Delaware North's Executive Chef at Little Caesars Arena and a native of Metro Detroit, is committed to making sure that both Detroit’s distinctive flavors and its people are well represented. To him, food service is a means to opportunity—for students, for adults with disabilities and for independent businesses.

Internship Opportunities

Michalkiewicz helped launch a successful internship program for Detroit Public Schools Community District high school students enrolled in the district’s culinary arts program. Fourteen high schoolers have had the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals at Little Caesars Arena, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

“Internships are incredibly important to me as a chef,” Michalkiewicz explained. “I’m passionate about continued learning. As a mentor, sharing my knowledge and experience gives me the opportunity to help guide and inspire the next generation of culinarians.”

The internship program offers students valuable experience in the hospitality industry, even if they ultimately decide on a different career path. Working with the Delaware North team equips them with confidence in multiple areas as they interact with hundreds of guests at each event, talk about the food they’re serving and hone their customer service and public speaking skills.

The partnership has been as rewarding for the students as it has for the culinary team. Troy was so impressed by one of those interns, Alexa Torres, that she has since been hired. Guests can now enjoy several of Alexa’s menu items, including a family recipe for tres leches cake, at the arena.

Meaningful Skills

Michalkiewicz, alongside Christian Borden, Chef of Restaurants, has also been an integral part of an impactful partnership between Little Caesars Arena and Rising Stars Academy, a post-secondary public academy that empowers adults with disabilities. With a six-acre urban farm, an aquaponics system and a bakery, Rising Stars is an arena vendor with purpose. Micro-greens grown in their aquaponics farm are used at Little Caesars Arena, along with pie crusts and focaccia made at the academy.

Additionally, these adult students have an opportunity to gain critical career skills by training under Delaware North chefs at the arena. By learning the ins and outs of fast-paced, fresh food production, they can acquire skills that help them reach their full potential within the community, which sometimes translates to full-time employment with Delaware North.

“Little Caesars Arena, Chef Troy and Chef Christian have been so important in the success of this partnership,” said Mark Prentiss, co-founder of and chef/educator at Rising Stars Academy. “The amount of time they spend making sure students learn the necessary skills is nothing short of amazing. The entire organization has taken the students under their wing, not only to learn these tasks, but also the importance of family.”

A Platform for Small Businesses

For the individuals already excelling in their craft, Delaware North and Little Caesars Arena have created an opportunity to help them reach a wider audience. Since 2022, the arena has hosted Detroit-based small businesses as pop-up food vendors, enabling guests to enjoy local flavors while providing local businesses with more exposure.

“These pop-up vendors have poured their blood, sweat and tears into building their businesses, and our partnership gives them the chance to showcase what Detroit is all about to guests from across Michigan,” Michalkiewicz said. “You can see the excitement on their faces when they arrive—they know they’re part of something special.”

Nine local businesses have participated in the program to date, with potentially more to come in the future.

Through the small business program, as well as the internships and partnerships, Michalkiewicz, Borden and the Delaware North team have redefined expectations for the arena. Using the power of food, they have elevated a hub for sports and entertainment into a destination that captures the best of the city while also giving back to it.

• Opening Day – Detroit’s Biggest Party, presented by Rocket – set for Friday, April 4 at Comerica Park vs. Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. as part of Opening Weekend with block parties to kick off 2025 season

• Fans entering Comerica Park on Saturdays will enjoy new and unique giveaway items

• Comerica Park’s 25th Anniversary celebrated July 11-13

• Friday Night Party in the Park, presented by Casamigos, returns with themed parties featuring fireworks, live music and pregame food and beverage specials on the Comerica Landing

• Tigers wearing their City Connect jerseys on Friday home games following Opening Day

Single-game tickets for the highly anticipated 2025 Detroit Tigers season will go on sale to the best fans in baseball this Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at Tigers.com/Tickets.

Opening Day – Detroit’s Biggest Party, presented by Rocket – is scheduled for Friday, April 4 at Comerica Park against the Chicago White Sox with first pitch set for 1:10 p.m. Opening Day tickets are expected to sell out fast, but fans can guarantee a seat for Opening Day by securing a Tigers 1901 Society membership.

"We’re excited to welcome the best fans in baseball back to Comerica Park," said Ryan Gustafson, President & CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We continue to make investments to enhance the ballpark experience for all fans, and after an incredible 2024 season, there’s never been a better time to be part of Detroit Tigers baseball."

Detroit opens the regular season home slate against the White Sox from April 4-6 and hosts the 2024 American League-champion New York Yankees from April 7-9. The Tigers will host the Kansas City Royals (April 17-20), San Diego Padres (April 21-23) and Baltimore Orioles (April 25-27) for fans to enjoy at Comerica Park.

Fans can catch the Tigers as they face the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park from June 17-19, and the Toronto Blue Jays will visit for a four-game set from July 24-27. The Tigers will host the Houston Astros for a three-game series Aug. 18-20 and will begin September hosting the New York Mets from Sept. 1-3. Comerica Park will host its final regular season homestand from Sept. 19-21 as the Tigers face the Atlanta Braves before closing the regular season with two road series.  

Fan-Favorite Special Events and Saturday Fan Giveaway Items

Returning for 2025, fans in attendance for every Saturday home game will receive special giveaway items. Quantities are limited, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Every Friday will again be a themed “Friday Night Party in the Park” presented by Casamigos, featuring fireworks, live music and entertainment and pregame food and beverage specials on the Comerica Landing. Chevy Sunday Kids Days are also back, in which young fans can secure player autographs on the concourse, run the bases after the game and enjoy free rides on the Hi-Chew Ferris Wheel and Carousel.

Longstanding fan-favorite special events like Polish American Night (April 25) and Pink Out the Park (May 24), along with the 23rd annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, presented by Comerica Bank (June 14), and the 20th annual ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration (Sept. 19) will return to Comerica Park.

The Tigers are excited to introduce several new giveaway items this season, including a retro Tigers windbreaker on April 15, a Comerica Park stadium replica on July 12, a Hawaiian shirt and shorts set on July 26, a jersey designed by Tigers players on Aug. 23 and many more. There will also be four different bobblehead giveaways this season for fans to add to their collections. Tigers bobblehead giveaways include Kerry Carpenter (April 26), Tarik Skubal (May 10), Tyler Holton (June 7) and a mystery bobblehead (Sept. 6).

The complete promotional item schedule is below. Details are subject to change.  

Friday, April 4 vs. Chicago White Sox: Tigers Rally Towel, presented by Meijer

Saturday, April 5 vs. Chicago White Sox: Tigers Flannel Shirt, presented by Comerica Bank

Saturday, April 19 vs. Kansas City Royals: Tigers Retro Windbreaker, presented by Pepsi

Saturday, April 26 vs. Baltimore Orioles: Kerry Carpenter Bobblehead, presented by McLaren Health Care

Saturday, May 10 vs. Texas Rangers: Tarik Skubal Mystery Bobblehead, presented by Meijer

Saturday, May 24 vs. Cleveland Guardians: Pink Seersucker Hat (Pink Out the Park), presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute

Saturday, June 7 vs. Chicago Cubs: Tyler Holton Bobblehead, presented by Fieger Law

Saturday, June 14 vs. Cincinnati Reds: Artist Designed Apparel, presented by Comerica Bank

Saturday, June 28 vs. Minnesota Twins: Baseball Bat Sling Cooler, presented by Miller Lite (21+)

Saturday, July 12 vs. Seattle Mariners: Comerica Park Replica, presented by Comerica Bank

Saturday, July 26 vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Hawaiian Shirt and Shorts Set, presented by Visit Florida

Saturday, Aug. 9 vs. Los Angeles Angels: Tigers Floppy Hat, presented by National Coney Island

Saturday, Aug. 23 vs. Kansas City Royals: Tigers Players Designed Jersey

Saturday, Sept. 6 vs. Chicago White Sox: Mystery Bobblehead

Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Atlanta Braves: Rope Hat (iFiesta Tigres!), presented by Miller Lite (21+)

Theme games and special ticket packages

Several theme games with special ticket packages that include an exclusive giveaway item are also returning, including “University Games” featuring colleges and universities throughout Michigan and the fan-favorite “Bark in the Park” games. Other special ticket packages will include Star Wars (May 9), Peanuts 75th Anniversary (June 8), Juneteenth (June 19), Educator Appreciation (June 24), Beerfest (June 28), Christmas in July (July 27), Grateful Dead (July 29) and much more. Fans interested in special ticket packages can find them here.

Family Deals

The Meijer Sunday Family Value Deal starts 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 for a family of four, including four fountain drinks, four chips and four hot dogs. Tickets will go on sale in March.  

1901 Society Memberships Now Available

The Detroit Tigers 1901 Society is the club’s Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with fans’ unique needs and interests in mind, the 1901 Society offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for Detroit’s most loyal fans on a year-round basis.

All members receive year-round invitations to exclusive events, including a merchandise and concessions discount, along with guaranteed Opening Day tickets and access to a complimentary Ticket Exchange program. Membership packages start at just $17 per game. Learn more about becoming a member at Tigers.com/1901Society.

Home Plate Club Memberships Now Available

As part of ongoing enhancements to Comerica Park and the overall Tigers fan experience, the Home Plate Club at Comerica Park will open this season. The new premium club behind home plate will feature all-season seats with heating and cooling capabilities. Home Plate Club memberships include VIP parking, a private ballpark entrance and an all-inclusive food and beverage experience. Learn more about the Home Plate Club and becoming a member at Tigers.com/HomePlateClub.

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Young Forward Serves as Guest Reader, Helps Second Graders Choose New Books

Marco Kasper’s smile was one of the widest in a library full of them on Friday afternoon, when the Detroit Red Wings forward visited second graders at New Glazer Academy in Detroit for the second stop of the 2025 Red Wings for Reading Program.

Presented by the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, Red Wings for Reading is a no-cost literacy program that encourages students in K-5 classrooms across the state of Michigan to increase the time they spend reading both in school and at home.

“Reading is really important,” Kasper told DetroitRedWings.com on Friday. “It develops your language and social skills.”

With that message in mind, Kasper enthusiastically read “Dino-Hockey” – a book by Michigan-based author Lisa Wheeler – to the students before answering their questions and helping them select new books during the charter school’s book fair.

“It’s awesome coming here,” Kasper said. “All the kids asking fun questions, teaching them about hockey in a fun way and thinking about how dinosaurs play hockey. It’s a great way of getting kids involved with hockey and great to give back to the community. It’s always fun to come to schools and read to kids.”

As part of the Red Wings for Reading Program, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation has teamed up with United Way for Southeastern Michigan to support their “My Home Library” program, which provides a set of five complimentary books to each student at schools in Southeast Michigan communities that face a lack of adequate access to reading materials.

Approximately 200 students at New Paradigm Glazer will benefit from 1,000 books on Friday. In all, this year’s program will benefit 600 total students, providing 3,000 books over three school visits.  

Kasper also helped kick off this year’s Red Wings for Reading Program at Madison Elementary School in Madison Heights, Mich. on Nov. 26. For Kasper, aside from spreading the good word about reading, a highlight of his school visits is the Q&A session with the kids.

“You can give better answers to the kids because the media always gets the same answers from us hockey players,” Kasper said. “There’s a lot of fun, different questions and it’s always cool.”

To learn more about the Red Wings for Reading Program, click here.

By Jonathan Mills for DetroitRedWings.com

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Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) is proud to announce the integration of innovative location technology what3words to IS+E-operated venues – including Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and the Fox Theatre – enhancing guest experiences and making game days and concert experiences safer and more convenient. 

what3words provides a simple way to communicate precise locations. It has divided the world into a grid of 10-foot x 10-foot squares and given each square a unique three-word identifier: a what3words address. Now, every specific gate, parking garage entrance and box office has its ownwhat3words address at all IS+E venues. For example, ///dogs.spin.policy marks the precise entrance of the Little Caesars Arena Box Office. what3words is available in more than 60 languages to date, and is free to use via the app for iOS and Android or the online map at what3words.com.

The technology ensures guests can navigate IS+E venues with ease – from finding parking lots and garages to electing venue entries, locating box offices and all other navigational aspects of Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons games, as well as concerts and shows at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre.

It is also illustrative of IS+E’s commitment to innovating and promoting an easier, safer and better event experience for everyone. While precise what3words addresses can be useful for all fans, the biggest impact is often felt by individuals with accessibility challenges. For those experiencing sight loss and specific accessibility requirements, finding precise locations is crucial, whether accessing a lift or ramp, or simply avoiding walking too far.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is constantly looking to enhance the guest experience at all of its venues. Integrating what3words into its navigation tools ensures fans can easily find their way to parking, venue entrances and box offices with pinpoint accuracy. By simplifying the navigational process, guests can have peace of mind and focus on enjoying the event. Implementing what3words is another step towards the organization’s mission to create seamless and inclusive experiences for all visitors.

Guests can continue using ParkWhiz for prepaid parking in The District Detroit and use the what3words address for a chosen parking structure. For example, if guests pay for parking in the Comerica Garage, they can enter from W.Fisher Service Dr. using ///cooks.closer.violin or Montcalm St. with ///tens.words.tribe.

For more information, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Arena/what3words.

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Detroit Places Patrick Kane on Injured Reserve Retroactive to Jan. 21

The Detroit Red Wings today signed right wing Dominik Shine to a two-year contract for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Shine will report to the Red Wings. Additionally, the Red Wings have placed right wing Patrick Kane on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 21.

Shine, 31, has played in 40 games with the Griffins during the 2024-25 season and ranks among the team leaders with 11 goals (T3rd), 21 assists (1st), 32 points (1st), 36 penalty minutes (3rd), four power play goals (3rd), nine power play points (T1st), one shorthanded goal (T3rd), three game-winning goals (3rd) and 89 shots (T1st). The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Griffins, recording 33 points (10-23-33), a plus-eight rating and 73 penalty minutes in 65 regular-season games. Shine also tallied five points (2-3-5) and eight penalty minutes in nine Calder Cup Playoff games, helping the Griffins reach the Central Division Finals. Originally signed by Grand Rapids as an undrafted free agent on March 14, 2017, Shine has compiled 170 points (72-98-170) and 513 penalty minutes in 462 AHL games with the Griffins since 2016-17.

Prior to turning professional, Shine collected 97 points (48-49-97) and 185 penalty minutes in 131 games at Northern Michigan University from 2013-17, serving as an alternate captain during his junior and senior seasons. Shine was named to the All-WCHA Third Team as a senior after leading the conference with 20 goals in 33 contests. He also earned All-WCHA Second Team honors as a junior after leading the Wildcats with 15 goals in 34 games. Before his collegiate career, Shine racked up 134 points (64-70-134) and 503 penalty minutes in 188 games with the Lincoln Stars in the United States Hockey League from 2009-13, serving as team captain in his final two seasons. A native of Pinckney, Mich., Shine played with the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey program while growing up in Metro Detroit.

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Select Stadium Series Merchandise Available at The Team Store as Early as February; Tickets For Outdoor Game Available Online

The Detroit Red Wings players work hard to stay focused on the present moment, but they’re certainly excited for the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on March 1, which will see the club face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium.

Another level of anticipation for the marquee event was added last Thursday, when the NHL and Fanatics unveiled the uniforms for both the Red Wings and Blue Jackets.

“I think it gets a little bit more real when those jerseys do come out,” Detroit head coach Todd McLellan recently told DetroitRedWings.com. “I know some of our guys were modeling. There’s a little buzz about it, a little excitement. Some of the helmets have been lying around. That just means it’s getting closer."

“It’s a real honor to play in those games. It’s special, different and unique. So many others participate in it. Family members come in and are a part of it, they get to skate on the ice. It’s such a welcome break, yet it’s a competitive night during the season. Teams that get to play in those games are really fortunate.”

Dylan Larkin was one of the players who modeled the Red Wings’ uniforms, and the captain had nothing but good things to say about Detroit’s new look.

“I think the jersey is beautiful,” Larkin said. “It’s classic. [The front crest with the ‘Detroit’ script wordmark] and the helmet are really cool. They did a great job designing them, and I’m just really excited to play at the Horseshoe in front of that many fans. It’s going to be a special night.”

Designed by Fanatics with input and alignment from both teams and the NHL, the uniforms highlight the cultural and historical identities of both Midwest cities. The automotive industry and rich hockey culture of Detroit drove the design of the Red Wings’ sweaters.

More information about the creativity that went into the Stadium Series jerseys is available here. Stadium Series jerseys will be available for purchase at the Red Wings Team Store, with select Stadium Series merchandise becoming available as early as February.

“They look good,” Andrew Copp said. “I think the game is going to be really exciting…Just a storied venue. You only get a couple of these outdoor games in your career, so you’ve got to enjoy it.”

J.T. Compher likes the look of what he’ll be wearing during the NHL’s 43rd regular-season outdoor game, too.

“It looks really clean altogether,” Compher said. “The game will be super fun when we get there. It’s always hard – we have a lot in front of us until we get to that point, but I’ve played in a couple outdoor games, and they’re fun for the family and people that can come. Just a good bonding experience for the team.”

There will also be some familiarity on both sides of the ice, as the Red Wings (Larkin, Copp, Compher and Tyler Motte) and Blue Jackets (Adam Fantilli, Jack Johnson, Kent Johnson and Zach Werenski) both have four Michigan alumni on their active rosters. Notably, Compher, Copp, Larkin, Motte and Werenski were Wolverines teammates in 2014-15.

“Some of those guys train in Plymouth in the summer with us, too,” Copp said. “It’ll be a fun game. It’s always added intensity when you’re playing against your buddies, so it’ll be a really cool atmosphere. Really looking forward to it.”

Red Wings fans can secure their tickets to this year’s Stadium Series here.

“It’ll be cool,” Compher said. “One hundred thousand people, I’m sure it’ll be rocking.”

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By Jonathan Mills for DetroitRedWings.com