Future of The Joe uncertain...

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

I have the biggest soft spot for the Joe, and am going to be one sad individual when it closes. All I ask is that the new arena keeps the Joe's goal horn, the Hockeytown logo, and good lighting. (Yes, good lighting. Other NHL arena's look dark on the inside, I've always noticed the Joe to be very bright on the inside.)

[DYags 0]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/06/th...arding_the.html

Apparently, the Wings might be playing in the Palace after 2010. Atleast they're considering it.

June 25, Detroit Athletic Company: The rumor mill is churning like crazy in the Detroit sports world. The latest talk is that the Detroit Red Wings are going to play one more season at Joe Louis Arena and then join forces with the Detroit Pistons as a tenant at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Palace of Auburn HillsMy first reaction when I heard the news was that the Red Wings are going to use a possible move out of the city as a negotiating chip with government officials. Blackmail is a favorite weapon of team owners looking to bilk taxpayers.

The Ilitches did the same thing when they were trying to get a new baseball stadium built. Threats to leave the city -- and even the state -- forced local politicians to fork over $185 million (plus indirect subsidies) to help build Comerica Park, lest the Tigers move to St. Petersburg, Florida on their watch. The Ilitches were able to secure taxpayer money from the city of Detroit, Wayne County and the state of Michigan.

But I have it from several reliable sources that the move to Auburn Hills is a serious consideration. Apparently, The Palace was recently configured for hockey at a private viewing for representatives of the Red Wings organization. Hockey was played at The Palace for years when the now-defunct Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League called it home. Despite the Vipor's shortcomings, The Palace proved to be a great venue for hockey. Word has it that the Red Wings brass liked what they saw.

The Red Wings' first choice would be to build their own arena behind the Fox Theatre. The Ilitches have been accumulating property in that area for over a decade. The problem is one of timing. The Wings have to make a decision regarding their lease agreement with the city of Detroit for The Joe in short order. And government coffers are empty at the moment. Bilking taxpayers may not be an option this time around.

Olympia Entertainment (owned by the Ilitches) and Palace Sports & Entertainment (owned by the Pistons) compete head to head for concerts and other traveling exhibitions. Olympia operates at a severe disadvantage because they are in an aging facility with very few of the amentities found at The Palace. Time after time, they lose out on big events to their northern rivals. This could very easily be a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

It is also being reported that when the two teams make a joint announcement concerning the consolidation, they are also going to announce their intentions to build an arena together in Detroit and move back to the city in the year 2020. The Pistons claim they are at a disadvantage by not being in the Motor City. Of course, it really doesn't matter what they say now because there will be no way to force them to move again or build in Detroit. If the city of Detroit continues to deteriorate at the rate it has been, there may be no legitimate reason for either team to move back ten years from now.

[Gizmo 21]

This guy here has the right idea for a new Olympia Arena

Hey, if they can make "retro" work for ballparks, then why not hockey barns?!?!?

[OsGOD 3]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/06/th...arding_the.html

Apparently, the Wings might be playing in the Palace after 2010. Atleast they're considering it.

June 25, Detroit Athletic Company: The rumor mill is churning like crazy in the Detroit sports world. The latest talk is that the Detroit Red Wings are going to play one more season at Joe Louis Arena and then join forces with the Detroit Pistons as a tenant at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Palace of Auburn HillsMy first reaction when I heard the news was that the Red Wings are going to use a possible move out of the city as a negotiating chip with government officials. Blackmail is a favorite weapon of team owners looking to bilk taxpayers.

The Ilitches did the same thing when they were trying to get a new baseball stadium built. Threats to leave the city -- and even the state -- forced local politicians to fork over $185 million (plus indirect subsidies) to help build Comerica Park, lest the Tigers move to St. Petersburg, Florida on their watch. The Ilitches were able to secure taxpayer money from the city of Detroit, Wayne County and the state of Michigan.

But I have it from several reliable sources that the move to Auburn Hills is a serious consideration. Apparently, The Palace was recently configured for hockey at a private viewing for representatives of the Red Wings organization. Hockey was played at The Palace for years when the now-defunct Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League called it home. Despite the Vipor's shortcomings, The Palace proved to be a great venue for hockey. Word has it that the Red Wings brass liked what they saw.

The Red Wings' first choice would be to build their own arena behind the Fox Theatre. The Ilitches have been accumulating property in that area for over a decade. The problem is one of timing. The Wings have to make a decision regarding their lease agreement with the city of Detroit for The Joe in short order. And government coffers are empty at the moment. Bilking taxpayers may not be an option this time around.

Olympia Entertainment (owned by the Ilitches) and Palace Sports & Entertainment (owned by the Pistons) compete head to head for concerts and other traveling exhibitions. Olympia operates at a severe disadvantage because they are in an aging facility with very few of the amentities found at The Palace. Time after time, they lose out on big events to their northern rivals. This could very easily be a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

It is also being reported that when the two teams make a joint announcement concerning the consolidation, they are also going to announce their intentions to build an arena together in Detroit and move back to the city in the year 2020. The Pistons claim they are at a disadvantage by not being in the Motor City. Of course, it really doesn't matter what they say now because there will be no way to force them to move again or build in Detroit. If the city of Detroit continues to deteriorate at the rate it has been, there may be no legitimate reason for either team to move back ten years from now.

YAY hockey back at the palace... i would be all for that living right off of Rochester and I-75... Bring it on Mr. Moneybags!!!

I loved going to games there, had season tickets for every year the vipers were around

[C20lw 0]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/06/th...arding_the.html

Apparently, the Wings might be playing in the Palace after 2010. Atleast they're considering it.

June 25, Detroit Athletic Company: The rumor mill is churning like crazy in the Detroit sports world. The latest talk is that the Detroit Red Wings are going to play one more season at Joe Louis Arena and then join forces with the Detroit Pistons as a tenant at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Palace of Auburn HillsMy first reaction when I heard the news was that the Red Wings are going to use a possible move out of the city as a negotiating chip with government officials. Blackmail is a favorite weapon of team owners looking to bilk taxpayers.

The Ilitches did the same thing when they were trying to get a new baseball stadium built. Threats to leave the city -- and even the state -- forced local politicians to fork over $185 million (plus indirect subsidies) to help build Comerica Park, lest the Tigers move to St. Petersburg, Florida on their watch. The Ilitches were able to secure taxpayer money from the city of Detroit, Wayne County and the state of Michigan.

But I have it from several reliable sources that the move to Auburn Hills is a serious consideration. Apparently, The Palace was recently configured for hockey at a private viewing for representatives of the Red Wings organization. Hockey was played at The Palace for years when the now-defunct Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League called it home. Despite the Vipor's shortcomings, The Palace proved to be a great venue for hockey. Word has it that the Red Wings brass liked what they saw.

The Red Wings' first choice would be to build their own arena behind the Fox Theatre. The Ilitches have been accumulating property in that area for over a decade. The problem is one of timing. The Wings have to make a decision regarding their lease agreement with the city of Detroit for The Joe in short order. And government coffers are empty at the moment. Bilking taxpayers may not be an option this time around.

Olympia Entertainment (owned by the Ilitches) and Palace Sports & Entertainment (owned by the Pistons) compete head to head for concerts and other traveling exhibitions. Olympia operates at a severe disadvantage because they are in an aging facility with very few of the amentities found at The Palace. Time after time, they lose out on big events to their northern rivals. This could very easily be a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

It is also being reported that when the two teams make a joint announcement concerning the consolidation, they are also going to announce their intentions to build an arena together in Detroit and move back to the city in the year 2020. The Pistons claim they are at a disadvantage by not being in the Motor City. Of course, it really doesn't matter what they say now because there will be no way to force them to move again or build in Detroit. If the city of Detroit continues to deteriorate at the rate it has been, there may be no legitimate reason for either team to move back ten years from now.

If that were to occur I don't think I could ever get to a game. Id have to take time off of work or leave really early to make it on time. Not that the drive would be far, but the horrible traffic congestion in that area. Maybe I just have bad luck and get stuck in traffic at the absolute worst times. But I dont recall ever having a succesful voyage through the are during a Pistons game. Some people may have better access to the Palace and thats great for them, if we do go to the Palace I hope some fans can benefit.

It is a nice venue I give em that, but location should play a huge part in the decision. Keep it downtown. Renovate the Joe if its cheaper, or move it closer to Comerica/Ford Field. Even having multiple games in a day wouldn't be terrible. If anything pedestrain traffic would be the worst thing. And there aren't a lot of days where multiple games occur on the same day. So going to the wings wouldn't be much more difficult if the Joe gets moved. A lot of people park all over Detroit and either walk or ride the people mover over.

Hire some people, stimulate the economy in the area, and renovate or build a new venue.

[BlakKy 58]

I don't want to be one more Hockey team sharing an arena with a basketball team. Hockey's history is disappearing.

Edited June 26, 2009 by BlakKy

[Holmstrom96 347]

Don't do it!

I love our boards!

*sproing*

Yes, they're so active!

[evilmrt 636]

The Palace of Auburn HillsMy first reaction when I heard the news was that the Red Wings are going to use a possible move out of the city as a negotiating chip with government officials. Blackmail is a favorite weapon of team owners looking to bilk taxpayers.

The Ilitches did the same thing when they were trying to get a new baseball stadium built. Threats to leave the city -- and even the state -- forced local politicians to fork over $185 million (plus indirect subsidies) to help build Comerica Park, lest the Tigers move to St. Petersburg, Florida on their watch. The Ilitches were able to secure taxpayer money from the city of Detroit, Wayne County and the state of Michigan.

But I have it from several reliable sources that the move to Auburn Hills is a serious consideration. Apparently, The Palace was recently configured for hockey at a private viewing for representatives of the Red Wings organization. Hockey was played at The Palace for years when the now-defunct Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League called it home. Despite the Viper's shortcomings, The Palace proved to be a great venue for hockey. Word has it that the Red Wings brass liked what they saw.

Yeah, its a business move and Mr. I is putting himself in a better position for a new arena. If worse comes to worse (and it could in this economic climate), the Wings can play 1-3 seasons in the Palace and by that time, the city, county, and state will be begging them to come back to downtown Detroit. And it works, the Palace is actually a nicer venue than the Joe...as much as that pains me to say.

Heres a shot of the Palace in hockey mode:

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

I think it's called MSG3, they keep renovating it or something? Idk, too lazy to look it up right now

From wikipedia dot com:

There have been four incarnations of the arena. The first two were located at the northeast corner of Madison Square (Madison Avenue and 26th Street) from which the arena derived its name. Subsequently a new 17,000-seat Garden (opened December 15, 1925) was built at 50th Street and 8th Avenue, and the current Garden (opened February 14, 1968) is at 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.

1879

The first Madison Square Garden was a 10,000 seat arena that was mainly used as a velodrome. It closed in 1890

1890–1925

The second Madison Square Garden (now known as Madison Square Garden II), was an 8,000 seat indoor arena that hosted the 1924 Democratic National Convention. It closed in 1924.

1925–1968

The third Madison Square Garden was a 18,000 seat indoor arena that hosted the Knicks, Rangers, and Americans. It closed in 1967.

1968–present

[evilmrt 636]

Well, its official. They won't be staying at the Joe long-term.

The Detroit Red Wings have opted not to renew the hockey team’s lease at Joe Louis Arena — its longtime but aging downtown home — in hopes of working out a better deal with the city.

Olympia Entertainment informed the city today that it would allow the current lease to lapse next June.

Freep

So, the Palace for 2010-2011?

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

Looks to me as though folks sitting in the upper bowl are quite a ways away from the action.

Mhm but i ain't going to lie, it looks sweet.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

So, the Palace for 2010-2011?

Never. Ilitch won't move into Bill Davidson's arena. Plus, everyone already hates having to drive all the way out to the Palace for a game, what are all the Windsor/downriver people going to do? The idea of the Wings at the Palace makes me sick.

Ilitch and city officials confirmed that they still are negotiating an agreement to keep the Red Wings at Joe Louis.

“Detroit is our hometown, and we have a strong desire to stay here,” Ilitch said. “As it relates to Joe Louis, we have really taken a lot of care and concern and tried to think of our fans and our community.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Hockeytown0001

[Bad Vlad Forever 1]

if the wings end up at the palace. i'm moving back to lake orion from cali and getting season tickets

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

This would be better then the Joe though. The Joe is old and a dump, Palace would be better as of right now. If we have to leave the Joe, is there even a hockey rink that we could use that is in the area?

[Trapt1307 81]

The Palace for a year or two wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but it won't happen.

The Palace for 10 years, as stated in the rumor, would suck.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I'd like to see them remain at JLA, in a remodeled sense in some fashion.

I go to sporting events to watch games on the playing surface first, not marvel at neat amenities (even though they are nice). Just give me a building where the air temperature is managable and a place to use the restroom, and I'm happy (these are the few times where being a male over a woman has its advantages ). I went to a few Dallas Stars games here/there when I lived there for college and they used to play at Reunion Arena. Similar to JLA in that is was just a simple basic bowl shape with one concourse and two levels. That place could get loud QUICK. I liked it.

Does JLA need a facelift? Without question. I hope they remain in it though.

[VM1138 1,921]

Yeah, its a business move and Mr. I is putting himself in a better position for a new arena. If worse comes to worse (and it could in this economic climate), the Wings can play 1-3 seasons in the Palace and by that time, the city, county, and state will be begging them to come back to downtown Detroit. And it works, the Palace is actually a nicer venue than the Joe...as much as that pains me to say.

Heres a shot of the Palace in hockey mode:

I can't even imagine watching a basketball game there. It's going to suck getting a new arena because it's going to be built to satisfy the business interests and thus be too big. At least at the Joe there are no bad seats and everyone gets their money's worth.

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

If we have to leave I will be crushed, I will miss the Joe sooooo much.

[OsGOD 3]

Mhm but i ain't going to lie, it looks sweet.

I had season tickets for the Vipers at the palace... hockey is awesome out there.

We went to DTE on Saturday night... it only took 15mins to get to the palace... this would be awesome to move them out there!!!

albeit its only 20mins to the joe, but still the palace is great for hockey

At least at the Joe there are no bad seats and everyone gets their money's worth.

False, the joe has horrible site lines up top in the corners.... i don't recall the palace having such issues... and they have the mid level suits which are perfect location.

Edited June 29, 2009 by OsGOD

[StormJH1 231]

I am so desperate for a new arena. All the Joe is good for is memories. Other than that, its a dump.

This team hasn't missed the Playoffs since I was in early grade school. It's easy to make excuses for JLA but it's a sub-par arena in a sub-par urban area. There will come a day when fans won't want to make excuses for it anymore.

I'm all for keeping the Wings downtown, but if you're going to charge what they charge for tickets, you have to have a better facility than that. Otherwise, there's going to be fewer and fewer seats filled up that are visible on television (i.e. the lower bowl)

[HenryMalredo 2]

The Palace for 10 years, as stated in the rumor, would suck.

Thankfully, that would never happen. The most stable sports teams are the ones that control their own arena. Hockey itself is not very profitable, but concessions, events, concerts, etc., are, and all of that would be going to Bill Davidson instead of Mike Illitch.

[redwingfan5 0]

The Joe desperately needs to be remodeled, or possibly even rebuilt. In the meantime, Ilitch could possibly work out a deal with the Palace for a temporary home. I don't know if the owners would fly for that, but it doesn't seem like a bad idea.