Are the Wings going to get a new arena?

[pidge 0]

Hi im just curious if the wings management are likely to want to move to a new arena in the near future as the Joe is one of the older arenas in the league now and i read about the lease about up for renewal soon.

Thoughts

Ian

[WhiteLightning91 105]

At this point, they are going to have to renew the lease for the Joe no matter what their intentions are. The lease is up after next season and there is no way they will be able to finish a new building by then. I haven't seen anything that suggest Mr. I is leaning towards a new arena or not so your guess is as good as anyone's at this point. They've been pretty hush hush about the whole thing.

[Nev 1,085]

You gotta think its gunna happen at some point - especially with the attendances the last 2 years (yes, I know - ticket prices, poor economy yadda yadda yadda).

Fact is, new arenas boost attendance, and revenue soars due to executive boxes and the like.

And the name? Little Caesars Arena anyone?

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Yes there has been alot of discussion about this - even last year on Detroit radio. I think it will be delayed because of the poor economy - which is kind of silly because it would bring in alot of constructions jobs, and Ilitch isn't hurting for cash. Although it would probably require some kind of vote from the tax payers too I assume.

I think it would be great for Detroit and the Wings to get a new state of the art arena - it's just time. My only worry is that the "Joe Louis" arena name is one a kind in sports, and I loathe the new corporate naming schemes....Comerica Park, Pepsi Center where I live.... :puke:

[JayUp88 1]

what about the Belle Tire arena

[dallas27 7]

They need to if they [Detroit] want to keep the NAIAS. Don't see it happening though. If the economy wasn't so bad they could have an arena up in no time, along with the renovations and expansion of Cobo. But right now with this economy it would take them at least 2-3 years to finish all that.

Edited March 7, 2008 by dallas27

[sinbin 3]

Mr. I just dumped a bunch of moola into the lounge/resturant into the Joe last year......I don't see the Wings getting a new home for a while.....

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Simplicity in the name is the key. No one wants a corporate name. Keep t simple.

The Detroit Center, Red Wings Arena ala Yankee Stadium, or Steve Yzerman Arena

[sinbin 3]

or Captain Hockey Arena ......The Stage!

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

I think we should use the name:

The Bell Tire Guy Cruisin' in his Chevy, drinking a Coke and Munchin' on some Little Ceasars Pizza Arena

Of course that's just a thought. It might be a little long, but we can always take Arena off the end, I think people will know what it is.

In all seriousness though, I kind of hope they don't build a new arena. Not for nostalgia or anything, but simply because if Mr. I builds a new arena the cost will ultimately come down to us. I think we already pay enough as it is, I do not want to see higher ticket prices just for a new arena. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Mr. I providing us with such a great team and all, but let's be honest, he's kind of cheap and doesn't have any problem with charging us out the teeth for everything. He will not pay for the new arena, we will, mark my words.

[hockey&beer 16]

The biggest obstacle I can see in renovating the Joe is that the building itself prevents some of the neccesary upgrades. The 2 biggest upgrades the Joe needs is restrooms and parking. There is NO WAY to make these improvments to the current building. The third, and less important in my eyes, is the need for suites that aren't in the stratosphere.

[auxlepli 17]

The third, and less important in my eyes, is the need for suites that aren't in the stratosphere.

That's exactly where they need to stay in my opinion.

People who don't give a rat's booty about hockey shouldn't be allowed to have the best seats.

[Jwo 7]

A survey in the Detroit News online found that nearly 80% would rather see the Joe renovated @ Ilitch's expense versus a new arena built with taxpayer $$$...1 major consideration must be taken if the Joe were renovated, & that's the N.American Auto Show being held @ the old/cramped Cobo hall/arena which could be lost to a rival city with a newer/flashier building...It'll be interesting what decision is made.

Cobo needs to be rebuilt for a modern feel and look. I hear stories on how people say it's a dump compared to other convention centers.

Both places need to be built brand new.

Edited March 7, 2008 by Jwo

[tiff_luvs_homer 5]

we're so lucky here in Denver because we have all newer arenas... the oldest being Coors Field and it's still a beautiful baseball field.

The re-naming of Mile High Stadium was a very big problem for a lot of people, and even though it's now called Invesco Field at Mile High everyone still calls it Mile High Stadium

[Echolalia 2,961]

I really hope a new arena is built, as I honestly think that would be in the best interest of everyone. The thing is, as stated earlier, Illitch and Kilpatrick are probably waiting each other out to get the better deal on their behalf concerning the revenues the new arena would bring in. Illitch can't hold out forever because he needs to decide whether to resign a new lease on the Joe or not, and the city of Detroit needs to do some much needed work on Cobo Hall.

Anyway, if the new arena gets a corporate name, I don't think it would be Little Caesars arena, because it would kill any point of selling the name out to a corporation to lower costs, as Little Caesars belongs to Illitch anyway. But I could be wrong.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Off the topic of hockey (sorry!) I heard that the Palace is one of the oldest basketball arenas in the NBA... and I remember it getting built... lol

I think the Joe is gonna stay... at least for another 5 years, and there will be upgrades. Illitch is a smart guy... if he has been buying land behind the Fox it's at no major loss to him. It allows him a backup plan incase the Joe doesn't work out, and he practially owns that area of town as it is... he could use the land for lots of things otherwise.

[WhiteLightning91 105]

Hate to burst everyone's bubble but Illitch has stated that the land behind the Fox was not purchased with the intention of building a new arena on it. I guess he could be keeping it on the down low though...

[eva unit zero 271]

I really hope a new arena is built, as I honestly think that would be in the best interest of everyone. The thing is, as stated earlier, Illitch and Kilpatrick are probably waiting each other out to get the better deal on their behalf concerning the revenues the new arena would bring in. Illitch can't hold out forever because he needs to decide whether to resign a new lease on the Joe or not, and the city of Detroit needs to do some much needed work on Cobo Hall.

Anyway, if the new arena gets a corporate name, I don't think it would be Little Caesars arena, because it would kill any point of selling the name out to a corporation to lower costs, as Little Caesars belongs to Illitch anyway. But I could be wrong.

Yes and no. Naming it Little Caesars Arena allows some of the money to come from the corporation rather than Ilitch's personal fortune. Plus, it gives us a great nickname for the arena...the Pizzeria.

[umredwing11 2]

Everything to this point is speculation, but I remember a while ago reading an article in which the name of the arena would be the "New Olympia Stadium."

Here is the proposal for this arena if anyone wants to take a look: New Olympia I think I'd be pretty cool.

Edited March 8, 2008 by umredwing11

[FunkedUp 29]

Red Wings need a new arena. The fans, the organization, the players, and the city all deserve it. This would also free up room which COBO desperately needs. If its built nearby Comerica Park and Ford Field it will do wonders for Detroit. There would be no other city in the US with Hockey, Baseball, and Football stadiums on the same block. This could be an incentive for restaraunts, hotels, bars, and other business to set-up there.

I believe a new rink should be built ASAP nearby the stadium area, as it will do nothing but help the city and provide an additional incentive to clean up and start business around the area.

but i guess we will have to wait and see...

[Shaman 713]

I say if they build a new one it should be Steve Yzerman Arena.

[Marck13 3]

Steve Y Arena ..man that would rock!! I have to come over some day !!!

[Louisville 112]

That's exactly where they need to stay in my opinion.

People who don't give a rat's booty about hockey shouldn't be allowed to have the best seats.

Someone with a much bigger pocketbook would disagree.

[VM1138 1,921]

I like the Joe, but the location is terrible. It would be better for Detroit if it was moved to the other stadiums, it'd provide a nice boost to the economy and would help rejuvinate the district.

But if we get a new arena you just know it'll be something like the Comerica-Ford-Little Caesar's Arena instead of somethign with character, and it would have levels which would eliminate good sightlines. I can only afford the 40 dollar tickets, and at the Joe we have the benefit of still having a good, relatively close view of the ice from there. I don't see that happening in a new arena aimed at making money.

So I'm mixed on it. They should just move the JLA .

[cirov19 1]

Ilitch wants a new arena (has been for quite a few years now), & it's no surprise it'll probably be located behind the FOX Theatre where Ilitch has purchased many empty lots/vacant buildings...After initiially thinking the current lease ended last August 2007 - it was found that there were a few years left under the current contract/lease agreement which was signed by both then Red Wings owner Bruce Norris, & Detroit Mayor Coleman Young.

This 30 year lease heavily favors current Wings owner Ilitch (high % of parking revenue, all concessions, low taxes, low lease payments, city provides police officers free of charge, etc, etc), & the current croonie - I mean Mayor Kilpatrick knows that's it's a great deal for Ilitch, & wants a much larger piece of the "pie" if a new arena were built. Needless to say Ilitch, & Kilpatrick aren't seeing eye-to-eye on who gets what if a new arena were to be built; with 1 stroke of the pen Ilitch can re-new the lease of the Joe for another 20 years - only it'll cost him less (in lease costs/taxes), & be much more profitable. Ilitch would then be responsible for the much needed "upgrades" to the Joe; costs could be as high as $100 million, but costs for a new arena behind the FOX Theatre could hit the $300 million mark.

A survey in the Detroit News online found that nearly 80% would rather see the Joe renovated @ Ilitch's expense versus a new arena built with taxpayer $$$...1 major consideration must be taken if the Joe were renovated, & that's the N.American Auto Show being held @ the old/cramped Cobo hall/arena which could be lost to a rival city with a newer/flashier building...It'll be interesting what decision is made.

I :

A) Don't want a corporate name - Joe Louis Arena is a beautiful name.

B) Don't think Kwame Kilpatrick is worthy of a penny off of the new building.

C) Conclude that we keep the Joe.

There is no point in a new building - although it would be insanely nice. We, as fans, get everything we need out of the Joe. The city of Detroit along with the owners may not but the Ilitch is rich enough as it is and the city shouldn't depend on this to improve. Kilpatrick, of course, would want stuff out of building a new arena so that is a reason right there NOT to do it. Let the man figure something out on his own for once.

I prefer 'Joe Louis Arena' over every other name. When Tiger Stadium changed to Comerica Park I wasn't happy at all, and I'm sure a lot of you weren't either.

Also, think of what they could do to the Joe with 1 mil. It wouldn't look anything like the new Islander's arena they're building, but it would still be awesome, and even more, it would still be Joe Louis Arena.

Trust me though, I would want to see a new building just as much as all of you, ESPECIALLY if it was on the same street as Comerica Park/ Ford Field. I just don't think it's going to happen, and we already know Ilitch is going to renew the lease on the Joe after this year.. who knows how long that will be for.

Edited March 8, 2008 by cirov19