CaptainCaveMan 4 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 Going to be at the Joe for the april 9th wings/preds game. I have never been there before and it's been a long time since I have been to detroit so i don't have any knowledge of downtown. A few questions I have... What time does it start getting real crowded downtown and hard to find a parking space? Is the shuttle from the hockeytown cafe free and does it take forever to get a ride back from the game on it? How far away is it? Can you walk it? What I had thought of doing is going downtown pretty early and parking by hockeytown cafe, see what I can of comerica park and go back to hockeytown cafe and get some food and catch the shuttle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casey 145 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 The shuttle from the Hockeytown Cafe is free, though parking in their garage is five bucks. What my wife and I did last time instead of wait for the shuttle was drop a buck for People Mover tokens, ride it as far North as it goes, and walk the last couple blocks to the Cafe. Faster that way, and even in the rain at 11pm it was a nice walk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nicholonio 9 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 Aye, I'm going to the same game dude. 8) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedWingfaninCO 43 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 I was just in town last week. I'd recommend the People Mover also. We saw the HC Shuttle after the game and it looked pretty full. I don't know how many runs they make. The People Mover is quick and reliable. Also, we found out where you can go for autographs after the game. If you exit the building at the Gordie Howe entrance, then go down the stairs, you will see an area where people will be waiting. There will be yellow tape and a security guard standing in the area. We had to wait a while, but we got Datsyuk's and Draper's signatures. No one else stopped to sign. Have fun at the game! (We drove from Colorado for the Islanders game and never even got to see them score ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoalieManPat 1,007 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 Parking really isn't an issue. What I always do is get off the highway and go directly into the Greektown Casino parking garage and take the people mover. After the game it clears out on the mover pretty quickly and once you get back to your vehicle its cake to be back on the highway. That all depends on where your coming from though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 I like to park at Cobo roof... quick and easy to get to. Usually arrive about 1hour before puck drops to take in the sights and sounds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 I too am one for the People Mover. We have a parking garage across from the RenCen (east of the center) where it costs $6 to park, and there is a level right by the walkway to the building. We take the people mover from there to the Joe. For the 50 cents per person one way it's a good way to go. Parking at the Greektown is free, but we don't like the noise level at the casino - the Ren Cen is open to get to the parking garage and it's a lot quieter. Glad you told me about the place where the guys can come out and sign autographs. Next time we go I'm going to try and talk my other half into letting me go down there! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xBrave_Heartx 0 Report post Posted April 1, 2009 When the game ends, dont go out with all the people in the main walk area when your trying to go to your exit. Walk through the seating area to the side with your exit. Youll save yourself a long slow awkward walk to the exit by doing this. and you'llbe shocked by how much beer people waste.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 119 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 I like to park at Cobo roof... quick and easy to get to. Usually arrive about 1hour before puck drops to take in the sights and sounds. Damn You stole my reply Thats where I park when I am fortunate enough to go to a game...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwingsgirl 0 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 We used to park at Cobo roof as others have said because it's reasonable and convenient, but then we just parked, went to game, and went home. I woudl recommend parking at greektown casino and using hte ppl mover if you plan to make it an all day outing. we hang in greektown before games. we like the casino and the food in greektown (astoria bakery is THE BEST!). have never been too impressed with hockeytown cafe. greektown free parking at the casino and ppl mover is cheap, fast and convenient. Ppl mover will also get you close to hockeytown cafe and comerica park if you still want to see the sites. we always find the ppl mover the easiest to get around when going to games/parades ect enjoy the game! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mariah 0 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 We went to Sundays game and parked on cobo's roof for the first time and I really liked it. If you park by the elevators to the left ,you walk a very short way to the Joe and it is along the river, Very petty. We did not have to fight traffic and it took no time at all to be on our way home.We parked a couple of hours before the game and took the people mover to cheli's chili had lunch and rode the people mover back to cobo center and made the short walk to the Joe, Stopping to take pictures of the river. I hope they win when you go ! no such luck for us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ComradeWasabi 109 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 (edited) Note: if you're gonna eat spicy food that wreak havoc on your digestive tract, be aware of the nearest bathroom before the doors to the Joe open. I had to make a lengthy trip from the Gordie Howe entrance all the way around the building to the front entrance at Cobo, walk around until I found someone, go upstairs and use the washroom. There was a large party of US Marines there in full dress for some event. Sorry about that guys. Edited April 2, 2009 by ComradeWasabi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mariah 0 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 We went to Sundays game and parked on cobo's roof for the first time and I really liked it. If you park by the elevators to the left ,you walk a very short way to the Joe and it is along the river, Very petty. We did not have to fight traffic and it took no time at all to be on our way home.We parked a couple of hours before the game and took the people mover to cheli's chili had lunch and rode the people mover back to cobo center and made the short walk to the Joe, Stopping to take pictures of the river. I hope they win when you go ! no such luck for us. [ Edit-- I meant elevators to the right sorry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainCaveMan 4 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm thinking I might go park by the RenCen and go the people mover route. I wanted to go to the top of the RenCen anyway on my trip. I think my 7 year old might get a kick out of the people-mover too. I was doing some checking and it looks like I might skip the hockeytown cafe and go eat at hard rock. Apparently it's on one of the stops and I can always use a new t-shirt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveyzerman 0 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 (edited) TAKE THE STAIRS & THE HABITRAIL! Even if you take the people mover, you HAVE to walk up & down the Joes stairs. They're a staple. Edited April 2, 2009 by steveyzerman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveyzerman 0 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm thinking I might go park by the RenCen and go the people mover route. I wanted to go to the top of the RenCen anyway on my trip. I think my 7 year old might get a kick out of the people-mover too. I was doing some checking and it looks like I might skip the hockeytown cafe and go eat at hard rock. Apparently it's on one of the stops and I can always use a new t-shirt. GO TO HOCKEYTOWN CAFE! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 Damn You stole my reply Thats where I park when I am fortunate enough to go to a game...... although i recently found there is parking under cobo... same price but your car is protected from the elements. The entrance is on the side of the building that faces i believe Jefferson (the street at the end of woodward by hart plaza). It pretty easy to get out of also. I think tonight since it should be nice out i will go up top tho Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Secret 304 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 Make sure to stop and get a few dogs after the game at Lafeyette Coney Island! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rikadyn 16 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 TAKE THE STAIRS & THE HABITRAIL! Even if you take the people mover, you HAVE to walk up & down the Joes stairs. They're a staple. I despise those stairs...with a passion. Here is a question for ya'll. I've been to two games, but never brought my camera, how closely do they enforce the 80mm limit on lenses? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 I despise those stairs...with a passion. Here is a question for ya'll. I've been to two games, but never brought my camera, how closely do they enforce the 80mm limit on lenses? as long as you don't have those additional screw on type lenses you will be fine. I used to bring my moms camera to the games and get amazing shots with her 10x optical zoom.... just play it cool and you will be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rikadyn 16 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 as long as you don't have those additional screw on type lenses you will be fine. I used to bring my moms camera to the games and get amazing shots with her 10x optical zoom.... just play it cool and you will be fine. I have a DSLR, So, I'd want to try to sneak in with my 70-300mm (it's about the size of a coke can at 70) but even my 28-100mm would be questionable with their rules... Not like I'm going to try to get in with a pro size lens Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dimaline312000 51 Report post Posted April 2, 2009 I haven't read all the responses to this thread but if you plan on eating at Hockeytown Cafe I'd suggest getting reservations because Hockeytown Cafe on game day for just walk in's you'll be getting your food by the 2nd period of the game if you're lucky. Unless you get there early and eat early and just get like a small snack or something at the game. Enjoy the Joe it is an awesome arena, walk around it a couple of times and check out the stautues and unique stuff at the Joe. Enjoy the game hopefully they will win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
auxlepli 17 Report post Posted April 3, 2009 I wouldn't go CaptainCaveMan. The Joe is so run down it's not worth attending a game there. Show your disapproval to the Illitch's and the Red Wings organization by not attending a game. Then maybe they will get another arena built. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted April 3, 2009 I have a DSLR, So, I'd want to try to sneak in with my 70-300mm (it's about the size of a coke can at 70) but even my 28-100mm would be questionable with their rules... Not like I'm going to try to get in with a pro size lens well what i would do is allow enough time to run it back to your car if needed. The have been checking cameras out more and more as you walk through the metal detectors. Just allow enough time if they say no Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
