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Little Caesars Arena

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Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena
source
NameLittle Caesars Arena
LocationDetroit, Michigan, United States
Broke groundSeptember 25, 2014
OpenedSeptember 5, 2017
OwnerDetroit Downtown Development Authority
OperatorOlympia Entertainment
Construction cost$862.9 million
ArchitectHOK
Structural engineerWalter P Moore
General contractorHunt Construction Group
TenantsDetroit Red Wings (NHL) (2017–present), Detroit Pistons (NBA) (2017–present)
Seating capacityBasketball: 20,491, Ice hockey: 19,515, Concerts: 15,000–22,000

Little Caesars Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Detroit, Michigan. It serves as the home venue for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League and the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association, marking a rare instance of two major professional sports franchises sharing an arena. The facility anchors the larger The District Detroit development and officially opened on September 5, 2017, replacing Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills. Designed by HOK, the arena is noted for its distinctive glass and steel exterior and its integration into the urban fabric of Midtown Detroit.

History

The project was spearheaded by Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars and owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, with the goal of creating a new downtown home for his hockey team and catalyzing development in the area. Following approval from the Detroit City Council and the Detroit Downtown Development Authority, groundbreaking occurred on September 25, 2014. Construction was managed by a joint venture including Hunt Construction Group and Barton Malow. The arena's completion coincided with the Detroit Pistons' decision to relocate from The Palace of Auburn Hills in Oakland County, a move finalized by owner Tom Gores in 2016. The opening was celebrated with a series of concerts, including performances by Kid Rock and a sold-out show by The Weeknd.

Design and features

The architectural design by HOK features a sweeping, ovoid form clad in glass and stainless steel, intended to evoke motion and a sense of arrival. A key interior feature is the "Gordie Howe Entrance," a grand atrium named for the Hockey Hall of Fame legend. The bowl design prioritizes sightlines, with steep seating tiers bringing spectators closer to the action. The arena incorporates extensive art installations curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, featuring works by artists like Katherine Craig and McArthur Binion. Premium amenities include the exclusive MotorCity Casino Hotel Club and numerous Champions Club suites. The building is also LEED Gold certified, utilizing a sophisticated ice plant system and energy-efficient lighting.

Tenants and events

The primary tenants are the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons, making it one of the few venues to house both an NHL and NBA team full-time. It has hosted major sporting events such as the 2019 NHL All-Star Game and the 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The arena is a major concert venue, attracting top touring acts like Elton John, Taylor Swift, and Paul McCartney. It has also been the site for family shows like Disney on Ice, major awards ceremonies including the 2018 NFL Honors, and professional wrestling events from WWE. The adjacent Detroit Events Center supports larger conventions and gatherings.

Naming rights and sponsorship

The naming rights were secured in a landmark deal with Little Caesars, the pizza chain founded by the Ilitch family. The agreement, reported to be one of the most valuable in North America for an arena, was announced in 2016. Other significant corporate partners include Fox Sports Detroit, Comerica Bank, and Flagstar Bank. The playing surface for Red Wings games is named the "Fox Sports Detroit Ice," while the Pistons court carries the "Flagstar Bank Court" designation. These partnerships are managed by Olympia Entertainment, the subsidiary of Ilitch Holdings that operates the venue.

Transportation and accessibility

The arena is centrally located within The District Detroit, with direct pedestrian connections to the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park. It is served by the QLine streetcar, which runs along Woodward Avenue, and several Detroit Department of Transportation bus routes. The nearby Grand River Avenue and Interstate 75 provide major vehicular access, with multiple structured parking facilities operated by Olympia Development of Michigan. The venue is also accessible via the Detroit People Mover at the Grand Circus Park station. It was designed with full Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, including accessible seating throughout all levels.

Category:Sports venues in Detroit Category:National Hockey League venues Category:National Basketball Association venues