Another "First Trip To The Joe!" Thread

[InKennyWeTrust 126]

I know there have been several of these threads this season, but looking back over a few pages and I couldn't find the last one, so...

My girlfriend got me tickets to the Joe for my birthday (3/13 against the Sabers), and it'll be my first time making the trek. From your experiences, where are the best places to park and get to the stadium? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[wngsfn2 0]

I normally fly in for a long weekend from VA on my pilgrimages to the Joe. We stay at the RenCen and walk along the river to the Joe. If it's cold or bad weather you can take the people mover. It's all pretty convenient. Enjoy your trip.

[hockeygods 2]

park on top of Cobo Arena $10 and your only a few steps away from the joe

[Jwo 7]

I always park at Greektown for free then just pay .50 cents (one way) for the people mover. Over all I spent $1 for round trip.

Edited March 8, 2010 by Jwo

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

I love going to Hockeytown Cafe, park at the parkaging garage next door, and then take the Hockeytown Cafe shuttle to the game.

[Matt 1,048]

I always park at Greektown for free then just pay .50 cents (one way) for the people mover. Over all I spent $1 for round trip.

^ This. Don't do it any other way. (Well, as long as you both over over 21.)

[TheUkrainian 49]

^ This. Don't do it any other way. (Well, as long as you both over over 21.)

Why over 21? I've been parking at Greektown and taking the people mover (or one of the free buses) to the Joe since I was a freshman in college, and I'm only 20 now.

[Barrie 900]

Not to sound like a jerk, but this discussion and question comes up a lot. Isn't it just like going to any other event? Just drive to the arena, find a parking lot for a decent price, follow the pack of fans going to the venue, and have a map to find your way back to the freeway when the game is over.

Seriously, when I take the car (sometimes I take the bus from Windsor) West Congress St. has a few lots you can park in for $10. When you're parked the car and pay the dude in the booth, walk west towards Washington Street, and turn left to Cobo Hall. When you're at Cobo Hall, follow the other Wings fans through Cobo to The Joe.

[king_malice 17]

ive been to the Joe before but always taken a plane in im going to the Joe on the 22nd (against the pens to booo Crosby) i wanted to go to Hockeytown Cafe so just shuttle it from there is good?

Edited March 8, 2010 by king_malice

[kylee 727]

after my car got broken into on Cass Ave i recommend that you absolutely NEVER park anywhere in Detroit that's not a parking structure, or a monitored parking area.

i drive to greektown, park in the Greek Orthodox Church (its five dollars) and catch a free shuttle from greektown to Joe Louis, both ways.

it sounds like a no-brainer but get there early. i find i enjoy the trip a thousand times more. im able to watch the warm ups, go to the concessions if i want to without unending lines, and be seated and ready for the game.

[Kira 451]

We always park across the street from the RenCen in the Port Atwater garage. It's 6 bucks, and a sheltered walk from the garage to the People Mover. Never had a problem.

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Okay how do you park in Greektown for free?

Every parking lot I have seen costs between 5-10 bucks.

[cjm502 165]

I always park at Greektown for free then just pay .50 cents (one way) for the people mover. Over all I spent $1 for round trip.

This is the best way to go.

[InKennyWeTrust 126]

Thank you so much everybody. It's nice having an idea of what to do after driving the 7+ hours to get to Detroit. Everyone's help really mean a lot!

[Travis 576]

We're talking the Greektown Casino...The last 2 games I attended in Detroit I parked there for free, and hopped on the People Mover for $1 round-trip.

This is my question, too. I saw online that there are two Greektown parking structures. One of which is attached to the Casino and is said to require validation. The other appears to be a couple of blocks from Greektown and be totally free. Can anyone clear this up for me?

[randomHomer 4]

If you are interested in parking at the free Greektown parking structure and are coming in on highway 75, follow this freeway into downtown Detroit. Once you get into the city keep an eye out for 375 south, (the only option is south so just get on 375) Once on 375 get off at the Lafayette exit which is only a mile or two, and immediately you will see the Greektown parking structure. One time out of about 10 of my trips to this parking structure, it was closed and I had to pay 5 bucks at a parking lot right next door, I don't know why it was closed but the lot was crowded and I felt safe leaving my car there. If you're coming in from out of town you will want to check out or bring a map of the area just in case. Chances are good that the structure will be open, though.

I usually arrive a couple hours early, grab some food and/or drinks in Greektown and take one of the many free shuttle busses that are all over the place in Greektown (they work for tips but not required). The people mover (public transportation) is a little harder to locate, but the casino staff or a friendly detroiter should be able to direct you if you prefer this method. There is a Joe Louis Arena stop off the people mover so both are cheap and good ways to get to and from the arena. keep an eye out for which entrance you come in so u can go back out the same one after the game.

Hope this helps.. this is the only way I get to and from the Joe driving in from the suburbs. Parking at Cobo is 15 bucks and a pain in the ass to get out of after the game, in my experience

[evil204 4]

Hard Rock has free parking (in the Compuware parking structure) and a shuttle to the Joe.

[Barrie 900]

after my car got broken into on Cass Ave i recommend that you absolutely NEVER park anywhere in Detroit that's not a parking structure, or a monitored parking area.

Right, I've met friends in Detroit for games, and one guy parks on the street for free. I think he's nuts!!

[Matt 1,048]

Why over 21? I've been parking at Greektown and taking the people mover (or one of the free buses) to the Joe since I was a freshman in college, and I'm only 20 now.

Interesting. On the odd chance I actually get IDed walking down the breezway I'd assumed that you had to be 21 to head into the casino area.

[MCleveland89 122]

I always park at Greektown for free then just pay .50 cents (one way) for the people mover. Over all I spent $1 for round trip.

Greektown Info

Where the black box says "Hotel & Parking." Is that what you are referring to?

[Travis 576]

Yup.

Awesome. Does that need to be validated inside the Casino?

[Travis 576]

Ya know - both times I parked there validation wasn't needed, but then again both games were on Tuesday nights (pretty quiet), and parking was ample.

I'm guessing if you're going to a game on a Friday/Saturday/Sunday when it's alot more busy - then ya better get your validation from someone inside (or at least ask someone inside if it's needed).

Just a block, or 2 south of the casino there'll be a People Mover (right on Beaubien) that'll drop you off right at the Joe.

Thanks!

According to the People Mover's site there is a stop right inside Greektown (for those who are 21, I'm guessing).

[Jwo 7]

Thanks!

According to the People Mover's site there is a stop right inside Greektown (for those who are 21, I'm guessing).

If you walk to the stop outside, no need to get carded as the Greektown people mover stop is inside; but just before you enter the Casino. If you walk inside from the parking, then you will get carded as you would need to walk through the whole Casino to get at the Greektown people mover stop.

[auxlepli 17]

I love going to Hockeytown Cafe, park at the parkaging garage next door, and then take the Hockeytown Cafe shuttle to the game.

Me too.