Detroit Red Wings Arena

The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1926, they are one of the oldest and most successful teams in the NHL. Originally part of the Western Conference, they moved to the Eastern Conference in 2013. As one of the NHL's "Original Six" teams, the Red Wings were one of just six sides that competed between 1942 and 1967.

The team found early success in the 1930s, winning their first Stanley Cup in 1936. Their best years came in the 1950s, led by stars like Gordie Howe, winning four championships. In the 1990s, the "Russian Five" helped them win back-to-back Stanley Cups. The Red Wings won two more championships in 2002 and 2008, but after 2013, they entered a rebuilding phase. Steve Yzerman returned as general manager in 2019 to lead the team to success again.

What is the name of the Detroit Red Wings Arena?

The Detroit Red Wings play at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Opened in 2017, it is also home to the NBA's Detroit Pistons. The arena features a central concourse called the "Via," with restaurants, shops, and public spaces. It seats 18,500 people and is part of The District Detroit, a large mixed-use development.

Little Caesars Arena features a unique layout with separate buildings for retail, restaurants, and offices connected by a glass roof. This roof forms an indoor concourse that stays open year-round, even when no events are happening. The arena also has an outdoor plaza with a large video display.

The eight-story arena is built in a bowl shape, with seating for 19,515 for hockey and 20,332 for basketball. It includes a "gondola" seating level and a 37,300-square-foot practice rink. The arena also has a center-hung scoreboard and many LED displays. A new goal horn, using compressed air, was added in 2023 to improve sound.

Detroit Red Wings Arena History/Detroit Red Wings Arena Construction and Cost

The history of Little Caesars Arena dates back to 2012 when plans for a new arena to replace Joe Louis Arena were first reported. Olympia Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Red Wings' parent company, led the project, and construction began in 2014. The arena is part of a larger development known as "The District Detroit," aimed at revitalizing downtown with new residential, retail, and entertainment options. It also includes iconic venues like Comerica Park and Ford Field. The arena was built with public funding covering about 58% of its $650 million cost, and Olympia retains operational control.

Little Caesars Arena officially opened in September 2017, serving as the home for the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons. This marked the first time since 1978 that the Pistons played within the Detroit city limits. The arena's design includes a unique concourse area that remains open year-round as well as a seating bowl 40 feet below street level. Since opening, the arena has hosted various sports and entertainment events, though concerns about attendance have been raised, leading to some adjustments, like replacing the red seats with black ones.

Where is the Little Caesars Arena

Little Caesars Arena is in Detroit, Michigan, at 2645 Woodward Avenue. It is part of The District Detroit, a mixed-use development connecting downtown and midtown areas of the city.

Detroit Red Wings Arena Capacity

The capacity of Little Caesars Arena is 19,515 for ice hockey, 20,332 for basketball, and between 15,000 and 22,000 for concerts, depending on the event layout.

What is the parking cost at Detroit Red Wings Arena?

Parking at Little Caesars Arena for Detroit Red Wings games is quite affordable, with options ranging from $8 to $40. The arena's garage charges $40, while other nearby garages like the UWM Garage and West Temple Garage also have similar rates. If you prefer parking lots, they usually cost between $8 and $35. Free street parking can sometimes be found, but it may be hard to come by, and you should keep safety in mind.

Detroit Red Wings Arena Notable Events

Little Caesars Arena has hosted several significant ice hockey events, including the 2017–18 Great Lakes Invitational. It was set to host the 2020 NCAA Men's Frozen Four but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 16, 2024, the arena hosted a Professional Women’s Hockey League game, which drew a record crowd of 13,736, marking the largest attendance for a professional women’s hockey game in the U.S.

The arena held its first regular-season college basketball games on December 16, 2017, featuring Michigan teams. It hosted the Horizon League basketball tournaments from 2016 to 2019 and NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament games in 2018 and 2024. UFC 218 took place at the arena on December 2, 2017. It also hosted the 2022 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Little Caesars Arena welcomed WWE for its first event, Hell in a Cell, on October 8, 2017. It has since hosted various events, including AEW’s first event in June 2022. The arena hosted the 2019 League of Legends Championship Series Summer Finals, featuring a performance by Jax Anderson. It has also become a popular venue for various concerts and entertainment events, earning the "Sports Facility of the Year" award in 2018.