Any advice for a first timer

[DatsDatsyuk 0]

Hey everyone. I am going to my first Red Wings game next month and I am wondering if you guys have any advice in how to get around the Joe or any problems I might have there. I have been told to watch my step going up the stairs outside. On a side not what is the area of the town like where the Joe is? I have never been to Detroit or any real big city before. I know people always say Detroit is bad for crime but Im guessing that is just some bad areas of the city. Thanks go wings.

[HockeyTownHouligan 57]

The things you need watch out for... other team's fans, make sure to yell lots of swear words at them. No just kidding, just mainly be careful with traffic if your not used to it and watch for your exits because they come up kinda fast if you don't know where they are. As far as location, its in a pretty safe part of town, they're isn't much crime downtown just crazy hobos and drivers. Just stay with the wings fans and you'll be fine. HAVE FUN! GO WINGS!

[randomHomer 4]

inside one of the entrances, i believe it's one that you enter if you take the people mover, you can look up and see larry murphy doing the telecast post game. make sure to make an ass of yourself or start a "LARRY, LARRY, LARRY" chant on TV. a few 9 dollar beers will aid you in this process. have fun and hope the Wings can deliver for you.

[Redwingsfan18 1]

First of all, I applaud you for keeping an open mind about Detroit and realizing it's reputation isn't a true representation of the city.

Depending on where you're coming in from, as stated above, be wary of traffic and your exits. If you're coming from the West, as many of us do, and end up taking the Lodge Fwy, the exit for the Joe is very sudden and on the right hand side. If you're getting there an hour before the game or less, you'll see one lane of traffic stopped and the rest open. Don't be that person who tries to creep in - just get in line, it moves quicker without moron's trying to merge.

Secondly, if you don't feel like parking in the garage, here's my suggestion, and probably your best bet. Get directions to Greektown Casino and park in their structure, it's free! Hop on the People Mover for 50 cents (bring singles to get tokens) and ride it for about 5-10 min. The people mover makes a stop right at The Joe and it's literally a minute walk from the stop into the arena, no steep steps to worry about or crazy traffic before or after the game.

But if you want to be a part of the crowd and walk the steps in, etc - find some place downtown by the Ren Cen and park and walk. It's safe, I promise, I've walked through there dozens of times - and the waterfront is beautiful! You'll see hobo's and beggers, nothing to be scared of - just walk on by. Have fun!

[MCleveland89 122]

First of all, I applaud you for keeping an open mind about Detroit and realizing it's reputation isn't a true representation of the city.

I second that. I work as a security guard in a rough neighborhood of Detroit and I don't have any bullet holes in me. The only people who will tell you is an awful, terrible, hell-hole are the people who have never been there.

Parking at Greektown is a great idea, otherwise you'll end up paying the $15 JLA parking charges. You could also park at Cobo which I think is $5 and a little closer.

[mmamolo 287]

I live in Toronto but I go down to Detroit for games all the time. The Greek Town parking is definitely a good option but me, being the idiot that I am, rarely get there with enough time. I usually come out of the Windsor-Detroit tunnel, bust a quick left on Jefferson, Right on Washington and then super quick Left on W Congress. There's a small parkign lot on 1st st. It's $10 flat rate. It's literally 2 minutes fromthe Joe. Plus half the fun is walking up the steps and crusing through the sea of fans and yelling at the other teams fans in some predrink craziness.

Although, the skywalk is sweet too. Getting beers outside is rad. I say just get there as early as possible and go explore. Just don't get lost roaming through Cobo Hall....that's the worst.

[ztro4 0]

I agree with previous posters about the Greektown casinos...just beware sometimes they charge to park there depending on the day (if you don't have a club greektown card which I am assuming you don't) But the kicker is if you have to end up paying to park there they give you a voucher to turn in at the club greektown stand in the casino and it is worth the amount of money you pay to park you have to sign up for a card but then you get yor parking money to gamble wiht in the slots. Then from then on just bring your card everytime you go and you will get free parking no matter what. Also I suggest taking the people mover to the game and my favorite way back from the game is to take a drunk bus shuttle back to one of the greektown bars (fishbones, the detroiter, Greektown Casino, Etc...) Those are always fun the drivers are kind of crazy but they get you where you need to be fast and will pull all the stops to get through traffic. I wouldn't reccomend the people mover to get back because the line gets kinda crazy. Thats my two cents worth have fun and GO WINGS!

[SergeiIsMyHero 0]

Just don't get lost roaming through Cobo Hall....that's the worst.

ha this happened to me earlier this season after getting off the tunnel bus. we spent a good 20 min wandering around cobo before seeing any living thing to ask for guidance. as a fellow outoftowner, i say the arena garage is the best bet. virtually fail-proof of getting there and where you should be. plus puts you right by the $8.75 25 ounce (?) beer stand

[Roz 2]

Or you could park right next to Hockeytown Cafe for like $5 if I remember correctly, and eat/drink before the game an then take the shuttle over. That's what I did last time I was down there. It's kind of a s*** show finding your shuttle after the game though.

[jollymania 162]

first of all there is nobody in detroit besides around the joe, there are a few decent brewpubs but not much else downtown