Yzerfan1999 81 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Hi hi, So next month I will be making my first trip to Detroit to see the Wings play their home opener against Ottawa. I've lived in Edmonton for the last 20 years and recently moved to Toronto for school, making the trip a lot more realistic. Do you guys have any suggestions for Wings'-related places to visit before and after the game? I'll be going with a friend from Edmonton who is converting from an Oilers fan for the night (hopefully his experience will turn him for good). Also, if anyone has done the Detroit - Toronto drive and has any tips, lemme know! THANKS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACallToArms 270 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Greektown and Foxtown (across from Comerica Park) are the big entertainment areas downtown. I suggest most people try Greektown for their first Detroit trip, there are lots of bars and restaurants in a small walkable area. Personally, when going to a game, I park at the Greek Orthodox church here: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=707+E+Lafayette+Blvd+Detroit,+MI+48226-2990&hl=en&sll=42.335788,-83.038667&sspn=0.001568,0.002411&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=17 It's right off of 375, and only $5-$10 to park, depending on whats going on downtown. Then, its just a short walk to Greektown, many of the bars offer free shuttles to the game. My favorite is The Old Shillelagh. You can always grab a bar shuttle, or take the people mover, after the game to get back to Greektown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 You can park at Greektown Casino free, and a walk through the Casino will get you to the People Mover. My favorite place to hang out is Hockeytown Cafe on Woodward. Their burgers are great, they have a good beer selection, and also a free shuttle to the Joe. It's like a three block walk from the Grand Circus station to Hockeytown - piece of cake! Hockeytown Authentics in Troy is also cool. Take I-75 north to Big Beaver Road east and go to John R. It's in a strip mall in front of the Troy Ice Arena. I like it there...they have some game used jerseys and sticks, some great photos and memorabilia. The Toronto - Detroit drive is about 4 hours, but if you stick to the 401, you should be okay. Have fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Esquire 324 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Here's my tip list: - Bring some good music/good company for the trip. ESPECIALLY the stretch after Woodstock to Windsor. - Stay in Windsor and take the public transit from downtown Windsor to Detroit. I stay at the Days Inn which is pretty cheap and they have transit schedules at the desk. Lots of American kids tend to stay there too, so heads up for that. It's also steps away from the tunnel and bus stop. - Leave at least 1.5hrs early to the game if you stay in Windsor. Buses get packed and the border gets backed up. - Cab/walk up to Hockeytown Cafe. Have the pizza. - Free shuttle from Hockeytown Cafe to JLA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzerfan1999 81 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Thanks guys, this has been very helpful so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IllinoisRedWingsFan 49 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Be sure to bring your passport. Another good place to visit is the Hockeytown Cafe. Lots of Wings memorabilia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest 13GoWings40 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 I agree, check out Hockeytown Authentics in Troy if you get some time. If you're looking for a place to stay that's a really nice area and it's maybe 15 exits north on I-75 from downtown. Hockeytown Cafe is cool, but just be prepared to spend $15 on a hamburger. Oh, and make sure to get to the Joe early, they've put a lot of cool statues and pictures up in the concourse in recent years. For parking, I suggest taking Jefferson Ave (I-375) to the lodge, get off immediately on the left at the first exit, and on the right in about 500 ft. is a parking structure ($15 USD, $20 Canadian, and they do accept Canadian currency there). Also, if when you come over you come through Port Huron instead of crossing in Windsor, it should be a little quicker and the 402 turns into I-94 which will take you straight into downtown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACallToArms 270 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 Hockeytown Cafe is cool for the Wings memorabilia and atmosphere, but I don't think their food is that great. If its your first time, drop in for a beer or 3, check the place out, but eat elsewhere. Its just generic bar food, which is a shame since I think they could do a lot more with the menu. There are a lot of restaurants in the area that have better food for less money. Also, I'm not 100% sure that parking is free at the Greektown structure. It used to be, but I started parking at the church when people told me they were charging for the structure. Perhaps some people who have been there recently can let you know for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 I'm a big Cobo Joe's fan - around the corner from the arena and I chatted with Joey Kocur for a while last time I was there after a game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DRW Dominance 255 Report post Posted September 12, 2011 I did this trip for the first time last year and saw Calgary. Detroit beat them 5-4 in ot with Lidstrom netting the winner. It was awesome as all hell. We stayed in a Detroit hotel. Hockeytown cafe and hockeytown authentics are a must for a first timer. It was really a good time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
