26 replies to this topic

[terri27]

I've never done this so I hopw this is right, if not my bad, sorry.
Anyway, I FINALLY am going to a game. The Dec 23 one against the Blackhawks. This may be the only chance I get to see the Wings in person and I want to make the most of it. So for all of those I've cursed because you got to go could you give me any helpful suggestions so everything is a smooth and as fun as possible.
Thanks for the help.

[stevkrause]

I've never done this so I hopw this is right, if not my bad, sorry.
Anyway, I FINALLY am going to a game. The Dec 23 one against the Blackhawks. This may be the only chance I get to see the Wings in person and I want to make the most of it. So for all of those I've cursed because you got to go could you give me any helpful suggestions so everything is a smooth and as fun as possible.
Thanks for the help.

Get there at least an hour early to get settled and watch warm-ups - park in the Cobo structure and go down to the street and cross the street to avoid the groups of people in the "tube" (you'll see what I mean when you get there)

Bathrooms are HORRENDOUS - try and pee it all out before you leave and try and drink as little as possible while you're there - go to the bathroom with 6 minutes left in any period if you're the type that would rather miss the crowds - go during intermission and you'll miss the first 4 mins of the following period, so it's really you're call (2 minutes from the 14-16min at the end of a period, or the first 4 of the new period) - Try to not go at all, so you don't miss any action (ie. drink as little as possible)

By the middle of the 2nd period, you can usually work your way into better seats, try sooner and they shoot you down, but after this, they usually stop checking tickets (especially if you go in a large group of people returning to seats)

Also, IGNORE THE BUMS - do not talk to them, do not make eye contact or they will follow you and continue to pester you.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, but these are key...

[Jaymz99]

Also, IGNORE THE BUMS - do not talk to them, do not make eye contact or they will follow you and continue to pester you.

I can't stand the beggars either. Drive me and my wife crazy. Sometimes they get in your face hoping to scare you into giving them money just so they will leave you alone. Some of them have no shame.

Edited by Jaymz99, 06 October 2009 - 12:53 PM.

[F.Michael]

1 of the concerns for many of us whom live outside the metro Detroit area is where to park (and of course where to go before/after the game).

A handful of times my wife, and I went we parked in the structure just behind the HockeyTown Cafe (both are next door to the wonderful FOX Theatre - which btw I'd highly reccommend seeing a show there - since it'll be Christmas there'll be something going on...Once again it's a must if you're planning on being in Detroit for a few days)...There's a free shuttle to/from the HockeyTown Cafe to the Joe; food/drinks are both good, and reasonably priced...Chelios' bar is a short walk away, and they too offer a shuttle bus.

The last time my wife, and I went to a game in Detroit we parked for free at the GreekTown Casino, and hopped on the People Mover ($0.50 each way per person/$1 round trip per person) which there is a station just 1 short block away from the casino...There's numerous Greek establishments, and sports bars to eat at, or to drop in for a drink before/after the game...The People Mover will drop you off right at the Joe.

Any questions - throw a pm my way.

[F.Michael]

I can't stand the beggars either. Drive me and my wife crazy. Sometimes they get in your face hoping to scare you into giving them money just so they will leave you alone. Some of them have no shame.

Some interesting characters they are; while making our way back to our car at the GreekTown Casino lot there's this small church with a small yawning covering the front entrance. Sure enough there's a homeless woman huddled-up, and asking for spare change. A couple 20 yards ahead of us walk by her, and ignore her request; she then says in a very loud voice "Merry Christmas & God Bless ya" followed by a muttered "you muthaf***az"...We chuckled as we walked by all the while ignoring her as well.

[terri27]

Wow, I have so much to learn! Parking and when to leave was at least on my mind. I wish we were staying overnight now. Just going for the game pretty much. I'm going with my sister and her 2 boys. We had a deal she drives and I buy the tickets. I may suggest going early to at least eat at Cheli's but I don't know if she'll go for it.

[F.Michael]

Wow, I have so much to learn! Parking and when to leave was at least on my mind. I wish we were staying overnight now. Just going for the game pretty much. I'm going with my sister and her 2 boys. We had a deal she drives and I buy the tickets. I may suggest going early to at least eat at Cheli's but I don't know if she'll go for it.

There are some nice hotels by the airport 20 minutes west just off of I-94...There's a few nice places downtown as well, but are pricey.

[terri27]

There are some nice hotels by the airport 20 minutes west just off of I-94...There's a few nice places downtown as well, but are pricey.

It's gonna be pricey now matter what. One of my nephews is 16!!!! He eats a ton of food. I plan on saving all my money up for the game and for christmas so hopefully we'll have a great time.

[E_S_A_D]

Here's suggestions for a good trip:

1. Stop for dinner at Detroit Brewing Company on Broadway for some good food and micro brew.

2. Get to the Joe an hour early to watch Warm-Up as Krause mentioned, feel free to walk up and chat with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond if their light is not on. That means they are ON THE AIR if the light is on. They are friendly, Mickey's a great guy.

3. I don't necessarily say ignore the people asking for money. If I have a little bit, I give it to them. I know they're likely buying more boo's, but oh well.

4. Park in the parking garage for the Joe by the Riverfront apartments, that way you stay in the tunnel.

5. Enjoy yourself and the Joe, I love Joe Louis Arena- it's one of the few hockey rinks left that don't look like Walt Disney World created it.

This post is E_S_A_D approved.

p.s. #6- recommend to Ken Holland in the press box to sign an enforcer... sorry, couldn't resist.

[terri27]

Here's suggestions for a good trip:

1. Stop for dinner at Detroit Brewing Company on Broadway for some good food and micro brew.

2. Get to the Joe an hour early to watch Warm-Up as Krause mentioned, feel free to walk up and chat with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond if their light is not on. That means they are ON THE AIR if the light is on. They are friendly, Mickey's a great guy.

3. I don't necessarily say ignore the people asking for money. If I have a little bit, I give it to them. I know they're likely buying more boo's, but oh well.

4. Park in the parking garage for the Joe by the Riverfront apartments, that way you stay in the tunnel.

5. Enjoy yourself and the Joe, I love Joe Louis Arena- it's one of the few hockey rinks left that don't look like Walt Disney World created it.

This post is E_S_A_D approved.

p.s. #6- recommend to Ken Holland in the press box to sign an enforcer... sorry, couldn't resist.

I'll make sure to tell him #6 was your idea Man if I could say hi to Mickey that'd be so cool he and I have the same birthday on the 27th of Dec.

[ManLuv4Clears]

I've got a good little parking secret for you. It's called Fort Street Garage and is on Washington just north of Congress (kiddy-corner from Cobo). It's $10 and every 5th time is free (at least they were giving away those coupons the last two years). It's a 5 min walk thru Cobo to the Joe and is nice in the winter when it's cold outside. It's also right by Cobo Joe's and a couple of other little bars. It's easy on and easy off from the Lodge and the most I've waited to get out after the game is about 5 cars in front of me paying. Don't tell anyone.

[Finnish Wing]

I've got a good little parking secret for you. It's called Fort Street Garage and is on Washington just north of Congress (kiddy-corner from Cobo). It's $10 and every 5th time is free (at least they were giving away those coupons the last two years). It's a 5 min walk thru Cobo to the Joe and is nice in the winter when it's cold outside. It's also right by Cobo Joe's and a couple of other little bars. It's easy on and easy off from the Lodge and the most I've waited to get out after the game is about 5 cars in front of me paying. Don't tell anyone.

Out of curiosity: just how cold does it get there in Detroit in the winter usually?

[ManLuv4Clears]

Out of curiosity: just how cold does it get there in Detroit in the winter usually?

Probably not as cold as Finland . In December you would look at anywhere from 25-35 degrees Fahrenheit on average, that will go down a little bit into January and February. Usually the coldest we get in the dead of winter is the single digits which will only last a few days.

[F.Michael]

It's gonna be pricey now matter what. One of my nephews is 16!!!! He eats a ton of food. I plan on saving all my money up for the game and for christmas so hopefully we'll have a great time.

LOL - feeding a 16 yr old boy = taking out a 2nd mortgage.

Staying by the airport also means you don't have to pay for parking, and there'll most likely be a free continental breakfast in the morning...Staying downtown means $15, or more per day to park at the hotel, and chances are no free breakfasts

[terri27]

Probably not as cold as Finland . In December you would look at anywhere from 25-35 degrees Fahrenheit on average, that will go down a little bit into January and February. Usually the coldest we get in the dead of winter is the single digits which will only last a few days.

Problem is is the temps feel colder than that.

[40#1Fan]

I've got a good little parking secret for you. It's called Fort Street Garage and is on Washington just north of Congress (kiddy-corner from Cobo). It's $10 and every 5th time is free (at least they were giving away those coupons the last two years). It's a 5 min walk thru Cobo to the Joe and is nice in the winter when it's cold outside. It's also right by Cobo Joe's and a couple of other little bars. It's easy on and easy off from the Lodge and the most I've waited to get out after the game is about 5 cars in front of me paying. Don't tell anyone.

I park at the Fort Street Garage daily - haven't seen any signs for the parking special yet. Also, be aware, that the parking garage is now parking cars for the new hotel across the street (Fort Shelby Doubletree) and it's getting crowded.

A good place for a drink and appetizer is the new Book Cadillac Hotel. They have a bar on the street level called 24 and they do happy hour specials. The building is awesome to walk around. Another good bar is the Round Bar at the Fort Shelby and they have someone making fresh sushi during happy hour.

[ManLuv4Clears]

Problem is is the temps feel colder than that.

Damned wind chill

[terri27]

I park at the Fort Street Garage daily - haven't seen any signs for the parking special yet. Also, be aware, that the parking garage is now parking cars for the new hotel across the street (Fort Shelby Doubletree) and it's getting crowded.

A good place for a drink and appetizer is the new Book Cadillac Hotel. They have a bar on the street level called 24 and they do happy hour specials. The building is awesome to walk around. Another good bar is the Round Bar at the Fort Shelby and they have someone making fresh sushi during happy hour.

OOOOOooo, 16 year old loves sushi. I'll keep that in mind.

[ManLuv4Clears]

I park at the Fort Street Garage daily - haven't seen any signs for the parking special yet. Also, be aware, that the parking garage is now parking cars for the new hotel across the street (Fort Shelby Doubletree) and it's getting crowded.

A good place for a drink and appetizer is the new Book Cadillac Hotel. They have a bar on the street level called 24 and they do happy hour specials. The building is awesome to walk around. Another good bar is the Round Bar at the Fort Shelby and they have someone making fresh sushi during happy hour.

Thanks for the heads up, even though you just ruined my day. I'm going on Thursday night so I think I'll try there first and if it's packed go elsewhere, what level are they filling up to? I think the highest I had to park last year was level 3.

[Finnish Wing]

Probably not as cold as Finland . In December you would look at anywhere from 25-35 degrees Fahrenheit on average, that will go down a little bit into January and February. Usually the coldest we get in the dead of winter is the single digits which will only last a few days.

Oh. It was about 28 Fahrenheit here this morning. Was kinda cold outside with only hoody on. : D

I live in southern Finland. Usually the coldest days of winter around here are usually 5 to -5 Fahrenheit (not as nearly as cold as the ones of Lappland though). It's an amazing feeling when you wake up in the morning (on winter holidays), go to the hockey rink outside, get on your skates, the sun is shining, the ice is like a mirror, temperature 5 Fahrenheit and you're totally alone there with the puck. Thank god the winter is coming again!1!

Edited by Finnish Wing, 06 October 2009 - 02:13 PM.