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unsaddleddonald

Illitch: Definitely a new arena coming

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This is how I feel as well. Nearly every seat at the Joe is good. New arena will mean packing more seats in, which means the cheap seats are going to be further away from the ice. I don't care how old the place is, it's a great venue to watch our team play. The new arena will most definitely get a corporate name, which is a shame. The Wings are already being tarnished with this Amway deal, who knows what embarrassing name will be plastered all over the new arena.

Americans really don't have respect for history. Just look at what's happening with a lot of the downtown Detroit buildings. These are architecturally beautiful buildings that are being torn down instead of restored. Perhaps if the city gov't wasn't full of crooks, they could afford to do so. (sorry for the rant...)

if they let the lafayette building go, don't expect the joe to survive. gods willing, they will find a compromise that keeps the lines of sight while still expanding the seating (and you know they'll be taking the boards from the joe!!). it can still be done, whilst improving the outer-arena amenities.

i've had many a memorable night at the joe, and will be sad to see it put to other use/demolished. and like doc said, jla is not in the best location for making it a night on the town...truth is, the space would be better used for expanding cobo/cobo parking (not to be callous, just realistic). sure, i'd love to see it turned into some kind of NHL museum (heh, like gary would ever allow that!), but the realities of detroit just won't allow that.

again, all we can hope for is that the architects involved are respectful of the many virtues of JLA. AMWAY Arena is a gross sounding name, but if my wings win in the building, and i can see okay from the cheaps, i don't care if they call it Claude Lemieux!!

now, if they expletive it up, and its just another NHL razzle dazzle stinkhole...then i'll get bitter. but still nothing a few more stanley cup banners wouldn't fix.

the JLA history will be missed, but there is still history to be made...

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I totally get where everyone is coming from with the history and such at the Joe, and as Gary Thorne puts it in NHL 12 "many-a big games played here, and many more to come", but realistically we cant keep it forever. Its just not possible.

Im not all for the mini-city around the rink like the arena in PHX, but we could def use an upgrade to what we have. Especially when that new light-rail is put in place running down Woodward, imagine how sweet that will be if the lions, tigers, and wings are all in that area. place will be nuts!

Im all for it, my only request is that they keep the Joe Louis Arena name somehow.

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I totally get where everyone is coming from with the history and such at the Joe, and as Gary Thorne puts it in NHL 12 "many-a big games played here, and many more to come", but realistically we cant keep it forever. Its just not possible.

Im not all for the mini-city around the rink like the arena in PHX, but we could def use an upgrade to what we have. Especially when that new light-rail is put in place running down Woodward, imagine how sweet that will be if the lions, tigers, and wings are all in that area. place will be nuts!

Im all for it, my only request is that they keep the Joe Louis Arena name somehow.

Its pretty much a sure thing that the new arena will be on Foxtown somewhere, but that's not where I'd like it ideally. It would be nice if it was kept close to where the Joe is now, so that we have a couple areas in Detroit that will see more business and flourish. If the Joe leaves its current location, there's pretty much nothing on that side of town to attract business.

Everyone always hangs out in Foxtown and Greektown, because that's where the action is. If the new arena was placed elsewhere, it could help revitalize another area of downtown Detroit.

Edited by ACallToArms

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Its pretty much a sure thing that the new arena will be on Foxtown somewhere, but that's not where I'd like it ideally. It would be nice if it was kept close to where the Joe is now, so that we have a couple areas in Detroit that will see more business and flourish. If the Joe leaves its current location, there's pretty much nothing on that side of town to attract business.

Everyone always hangs out in Foxtown and Greektown, because that's where the action is. If the new arena was placed elsewhere, it could help revitalize another area of downtown Detroit.

Good point. What scares me about trying to revitalize a different part of the city is the likelihood of it actually being done. And im sure the investors on the new rink wouldnt want to put it in the middle of the ghetto without some sort of deal with other potential new bar owners saying they will put in bars if the rink is there.

Im just trying to think of a spot in the city that you could just level and still have good access to highways for fans. Tiger stadium would be out of the question I imagine even though the easy access to the highways and a couple bars to get the ball rolling.

Hopefully im not too off topic...

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I'd like to see the Joe Louis name find its way into the name if the new arena does in fact get done, but if it does not I'd prefer that the arena have a name that is more Michigan esque. If they try to spruce up the JLA name then how about...

Gordie Howe Rink @ JLA

Steve Yzerman Rink @ JLA

I know the Milwaukee Admirals off the top of my head actually have a name for the rink itself even though it is located within the Bradley Center. I believe it is called the Jane Bradley Petit Rink or something along those lines.

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No arena in the NHL has better sight lines than the Joe. Just ask the Sharks fans - there is an actual rule that you can't lean forward because you'll block others sight. A new arena will not be as good because of the suites. Cheap seats will suffer. Bank on it.

So the Joe is not as sparkly as other arenas - I go there to watch a game, not shop or "dine" or be seen, and the Joe is the best place for that.

Americans have no respect for history. Tiger Stadium, the oldest open-air park in the world, was left to molder and eventually be torn down. I think that's just pitiful. What if Italians just tore down the Coliseum or the Sistine Chapel because they were too old? No one back then thought they'd be standing thousands of years later. Not that I think the Joe is on par with these treasures, but it really is a monument to great planning. I'll take the run-down Joe with it's gray columns and outhouses in the smoking area over a brand-new, sparkly testament to bigger, better, faster any day.

A billion times yes.

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Getting rid of the Joe is the same as getting rid of the Toledo Sports Arena (I'm from Toledo area). The places (JLA and TSA) are/were good for hockey, not for corporate events. I do not like that arenas are becoming so corporate driven especially in the names. Hockey fans are generally bluecollar people and not white collar so raising ticket prices is a bad idea.

This is all simply my opinion.

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Good point. What scares me about trying to revitalize a different part of the city is the likelihood of it actually being done. And im sure the investors on the new rink wouldnt want to put it in the middle of the ghetto without some sort of deal with other potential new bar owners saying they will put in bars if the rink is there.

Im just trying to think of a spot in the city that you could just level and still have good access to highways for fans. Tiger stadium would be out of the question I imagine even though the easy access to the highways and a couple bars to get the ball rolling.

Hopefully im not too off topic...

I've been saying for years that a new stadium should go in the old Tiger Stadium spot, either Red Wings or Pistons. I really like Corktown, and it would help the area out tremendously. Unfortunately, it probably makes more financial success to put it in a proven area like Foxtown instead of taking a gamble by putting it elsewhere for the sake of revitalizing a neighborhood.

Now that I think about it, Motor City Casino is pretty close to that area. An arena near corktown would drive business to the Illich's casino.... hmmmmmm

Edited by ACallToArms

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I too can see both sides of the issue. The Wings need a new arena, but the Joe is full of such charm, and history.....it would be a shame to part with it. My only hope is whatever is built for them in the coming year(s), it does NOT have the name Amway Arena. Good God, that sounds as bad as where the Coyotes play. The team's history alone warrants it something better than *Insert Corporate Name Here* Arena.

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This is how I feel as well. Nearly every seat at the Joe is good. New arena will mean packing more seats in, which means the cheap seats are going to be further away from the ice. I don't care how old the place is, it's a great venue to watch our team play. The new arena will most definitely get a corporate name, which is a shame. The Wings are already being tarnished with this Amway deal, who knows what embarrassing name will be plastered all over the new arena.

Americans really don't have respect for history. Just look at what's happening with a lot of the downtown Detroit buildings. These are architecturally beautiful buildings that are being torn down instead of restored. Perhaps if the city gov't wasn't full of crooks, they could afford to do so. (sorry for the rant...)

I've seen this said many times on these boards over the past couple weeks, but I don't see how it's tarnished the Wings. It's really no different then any other power play sponsorship things they announced every PP, or PK or any other ads on the board. Is it just some hate we have against Amway? I personally don't even know what Amway is, maybe this is why I don't get it.

As for the new arena, I don't really have an opinion on whatever it's name will be. I just care about watching the Wings play and succeed.

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I've seen this said many times on these boards over the past couple weeks, but I don't see how it's tarnished the Wings. It's really no different then any other power play sponsorship things they announced every PP, or PK or any other ads on the board.

I think the issue people have with the amway is how they force their logos onto everything, practice jerseys, the background used for mid game interviews (struggling to find a pic of it), and the other 100 places its plastered. Its one thing to support and sponsor the team, but dont put the logo everywhere. I understand that they pay for it, and its business and whatever, but leave the team some dignity. It actually reminds me of brawno from the movie idiocracy how they just own everything and plaster their logo every where.

Back to the whole location dispute, one problem i have with corktown is the shape michigan ave is in, they would have to fix it. the problem with that is they still use the old style brick road which is bad ass, but would be expensive to fix. it would def help out the area though. another selfish issue i have is that nemos would become the spot to go being its right there, but i would like to keep it my little, well known, secret.

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I think the issue people have with the amway is how they force their logos onto everything, practice jerseys, the background used for mid game interviews (struggling to find a pic of it), and the other 100 places its plastered. Its one thing to support and sponsor the team, but dont put the logo everywhere. I understand that they pay for it, and its business and whatever, but leave the team some dignity. It actually reminds me of brawno from the movie idiocracy how they just own everything and plaster their logo every where.

Back to the whole location dispute, one problem i have with corktown is the shape michigan ave is in, they would have to fix it. the problem with that is they still use the old style brick road which is bad ass, but would be expensive to fix. it would def help out the area though. another selfish issue i have is that nemos would become the spot to go being its right there, but i would like to keep it my little, well known, secret.

Another example of the ridiculous amount of Amway sponsorship: everytime a game is announced on the radio in Detroit it's "Red Wings vs Senators Friday, presented by Amway". Its like every time someone mentions or shows the winged wheel, they gotta throw Amway into it. I believe the press release for this sponsorship deal even admitted to that. Something like "the Amway logo will be almost as prominent as the Winged Wheel." A bit excessive if you ask me. Add to that the fact that the company is very shady, and basically a pyramid scheme, that's a formula for a lot of unhappy fans.

Back on topic, I do agree that space would probably be limited in Corktown, but I don't think it would be too much trouble to reroute a small stretch of Michigan Ave, even if it is cobblestone. I actually just drove past there during my lunch today, and it would definitely be perfect from on Illich perspective. MCC would be right across the freeway from the arena.

I need to get to Nemo's before a game sometime. I keep hearing about how great it is, but haven't made it yet. The Old Shillelagh has been my pregame watering hole of choice lately.

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I think the issue people have with the amway is how they force their logos onto everything, practice jerseys, the background used for mid game interviews (struggling to find a pic of it), and the other 100 places its plastered. Its one thing to support and sponsor the team, but dont put the logo everywhere. I understand that they pay for it, and its business and whatever, but leave the team some dignity. It actually reminds me of brawno from the movie idiocracy how they just own everything and plaster their logo every where.

Back to the whole location dispute, one problem i have with corktown is the shape michigan ave is in, they would have to fix it. the problem with that is they still use the old style brick road which is bad ass, but would be expensive to fix. it would def help out the area though. another selfish issue i have is that nemos would become the spot to go being its right there, but i would like to keep it my little, well known, secret.

I went to a preseason game a couple of weeks ago, and the first place i noticed that stupid Amway logo was on the scoreboard. On the bottom two corners of each of the four faces of the scoreboard there has always been a Wings logo with a red backdrop. Well these have been replaced with Amway logos......

Edited by unsaddleddonald

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Having "grown up", (I use that term loosely), at The Olympia, I'm still not used to The Joe. If anyone ever remembers going to Vipers games at The Palace, you will remember how bad that arena was for hockey. If you get up above the second set of boxes, bring your binoculars. That is what all the new multi-use arenas are like. I've been to just about every barn in the NHL, and very few can compete with the feeling of being close to the game like The Joe.

I know that Mr. I wants to build a new arena, but I know he doesn't want to pay for it all himself. It's going to come down to the city financing a good deal of it. Something they don't have the funds for right now. I almost think that it would be cheaper, and easier to do small renovations like expanding the concourse, and adding more bathrooms and vending booths, which I really don't think would be too costly of renovations, when you look at what the big picture.

I really believe that Mr. I's desire to build a new arena now has more to do with him wanting to see his finished product, which will be a part of his legacy before his days are up. If you've seen him lately, he's not getting g any younger. I hope if he does find a way to build new, that they at least try to draw inspiration from the past. Though it's not 100% perfect for todays discerning fans, Shultze's(?) Design, to me, is a good step in the right diirection.

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I am going to miss the Joe 100%. I have been to a lot of arenas and the amount you spend for upper bowl in one of the new flashy arenas you are miles away from the action. Nothing can beat the value of the Upper Bowl Seats at the Joe and still being close to the action. If they somehow found a way to keep the suites at the top of the arena, I would be a lot more welcoming to the idea.

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another selfish issue i have is that nemos would become the spot to go being its right there, but i would like to keep it my little, well known, secret.

I used to feel the same way about Nemo's but I don't think it's anyone's secret anymore. It's always packed for any Red Wings, Tigers or Lions game. It's pretty often that I see a friend of mine there who I had no idea even knew about the place.

Anyway, I'm totally against a new arena! Like many others have pointed out, it would mainly benefit those who have a ton of money to blow and would keep the true hockey fans in the dark. Also, it would be too weird for to watch the Wings play anywhere but The Joe. The smell of that place, the moments that have happened there, Budd Lynch, the banners, the pathetic restrooms, the steps to get inside.. it's the embodiment of the greatest hockey city in America. Sure, it's not the nicest arena in the world but it's not like the roof is caving in. I'm not ready to give up The Joe just yet.

By the way, there's already an Amway Arena in Orlando, FL.

EDIT: Nevermind. It's about to be demolished. Ugh, I hope Ilitch doesn't go with Amway. We should already expect him to not keep his word if he says anything about not giving the new Red Wings arena a corporate name, as he said the same thing about the new Tigers stadium.

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By the way, there's already an Amway Arena in Orlando, FL.

EDIT: Nevermind. It's about to be demolished.

It was the home of the Orlando Magic, who now play in the Amway Center. Granted it's a much nicer Arena but the "old" arena was younger than the Palace and not a bad place to watch hoops. There was no need for a new one, just "keeping up with the Joneses".

The new Wings arena MUST be named Olympia. I wish I could find a million Wings fans willing to pony up $5 so THE PEOPLE could buy the naming rights.

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