A New Rink (And More!) For The Wings
Well it’s officially official. The Wings are going to get a new rink – and it sounds like not just that either. They’ll be getting an entire district centered around the new rink in Downtown Detroit.
After years of hints and speculation, the Ilitch family took the first steps Tuesday toward building a new entertainment district downtown anchored by a multipurpose arena that would be home to the Ilitch-owned Detroit Red Wings.
No site has been chosen, but the proposed $650-million district would offer much more than hockey. The multipurpose arena would host a range of shows, concerts and other events, and the broader district would include residential housing, retail shopping, office space and more.
You know, as much as I love the Joe, I’m good with this. Hopefully they make it modern, but with the blue collar feel as well, keeping as much as the tradition and history alive as they can. Maybe even the troughs too. You know, just because.
You gotta give Ilitch credit for his intense devotion to downtown Detroit. Here’s what he has to say about this all:
"It's always been my dream to once again see a vibrant downtown Detroit," Mike Ilitch, chairman of Ilitch Holdings, said in a written statement. "From the time we bought the Fox Theatre, I could envision a downtown where the streets were bustling and people were energized. It's been a slow process at times, but we're getting there now, and a lot of great people are coming together to make it happen. It's going to happen, and I want to keep us moving toward that vision."
The site hasn’t been determined yet, but the Free Press guesses either right behind Fox Theatre, opposite MotorCity Casino, or west of Woodward Avenue and north of I-75. Here's a map of those possible locations. The ability to really wander around and enjoy the area around the rink will be a huge bonus as compared to the Joe.
Hit the jump for more:
Timeline looks to be around 4 years, but of course, that’s also TBD.
Thanks Mr. Ilitch for some news related to the Wings that doesn’t make me want to bang my head against the wall in frustration. Though, don’t forget, the longer this goes on, the less chance you’ll have fans to fill up this new place.
Hate to burst everyone's bubble but isn't this just a proposal? It still has to be approved and payed for. I don't think the 4 year timeline is correct. If anything it will be 4 years until it is approved.
@JOHNxJOHN PAID for god sakes, PAID. Ever since I found Reddit I realized how many people screw up that word. I'm never a grammar nazi, but this one drives me nuts!!!!It's not official no, but it is in the works for the first time officially.
I really love the idea that Illitch is doing an entire district, though I'm really curious as to where they place it. I'm really hoping they plan on placing it north of I-75 where the empty parking lots are. It would be close enough to Comerica and Ford Field to be considered the entertainment district, while being on the other side of I-75 would help tie Downtown with Wayne State/Midtown. Put in a massive parking structure and retail frontage on Woodward and I'm sold.
My favorite sports team other than the Wings, Arsenal FC moved to a new ground in '06 and hasn't won a single thing since. I know, Soccer. Just sayin'.
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@Twig Exactly what I'm worried about. Spending millions of public money on yet another sports stadium is the last thing the city of Detroit needs right now. Ilitch should pay for the whole thing himself.
@MonkeyWrench32 @Twig It sounds like Ilitch is putting a ton of money towards it. At the same time though, realistically there will be some public money involved these days. The return though should be more than there.
