First time visit - parking

[RedNed 5]

My son and I are visiting Joe Louis Arena for the first time for the Red Wings v Canucks game on Fri Dec 18th. We're driving up from the Washington DC area that day and plan to arrive in Detroit early to mid afternoon. The plan for after the game is to cross into Windsor, Ontario then either stay in a hotel there or keep going to London, Ontario which is our final destination.

I've never been to Detroit apart from border crossings to and from Canada. I must admit I am a little bit nervous about this visit as I have heard a lot of bad things about Detroit and I'm hoping that the reality of the situation is much better than the reputation. I had thought of just parking in Windsor and then taking the tunnel bus to the JLA but it seems silly to cross the border 3 times instead of just once. I'm also not sure how easy it would be to find and board the return bus after the game.

I've done some research on parking for the game and it looks like there are many recommendations for COBO roof parking. Any idea what time we should arrive in order to secure a parking spot there (game time is 7:30pm)? Is it easy to get out after the game? Also, is it better to cross into Windsor via the tunnel or the bridge after the game?

Thanks in advance.

[kickazz 5,459]

Since it's your first time I'd try to get there by 6:30. Not because you wouldn't find a parking spot but because there is a bit of a walk + you should familiarize yourself where you park and which way you'll need to walk back once game is over.

Also you will have enough time to see the guys get on ice before the game and take your son to watch the players shoot pucks pre-game.

Also I've been to lots of Wings games since 90s and have never witnessed any crime around the Joe.

But make sure you follow your GPS or whatever you're using for directions carefully because just like any urban city - weather its Detroit, Chicago or New York, if you turn into the wrong ally it might be a bit creepy.

There's tons of police cars outside the Joe once game is over as well for traffic reasons - so it's all good.

[WingsallTheway 383]

I also had my first game at the Joe, travelling from Sudbury (few hours north of Toronto)about 8 years ago.

Its for sure a different atmosphere compared to say, Toronto, but I can comfortably say you have nothing to worry about when it comes to danger. Plan where your going before hand and make sure to go early. Id even try to be there for 5 oclock just to make sure you dont miss ANYTHING. If thats too early just go eat at a restaurant close to the arena or something. Soak up the experience, I found Detroit a very unique city. (Maybe because it was the first time and only time I had seen an American city) The Joe is a beautiful arena on the outside (those steps ) and the actual ice area is beautiful as well.

I don't remember where we parked but from what I remember it wasnt bad at all. We walked about 5 minutes to the arena.

Edited December 10, 2015 by WingsallTheway

[RedNed 5]

Thanks for the replies. Glad to know that downtown Detroit is fairly safe. We go to Baltimore and Washington DC often so we know what precautions to take when visiting a city. Yeah, I think we'll get there early to get parked and get our bearings.

Is it true that they let you go down to the glass to get a better view of the players in their pre-game warm-up regardless of where your actual seats are (we're in the upper bowl)? My son (18) would get a huge kick out of that as we've never been able to afford seats anywhere near the glass when I've taken him to Caps games in DC. I'm not quite sure why but he started liking the Red Wings from a very young age. I watch a lot of hockey on TV and he's always been fascinated by their uniform and logo. His name is Joe so that might have something to do with him wanting to go and experience "The Joe" at least once before it closes for good.

[kickazz 5,459]

Thanks for the replies. Glad to know that downtown Detroit is fairly safe. We go to Baltimore and Washington DC often so we know what precautions to take when visiting a city. Yeah, I think we'll get there early to get parked and get our bearings.

Is it true that they let you go down to the glass to get a better view of the players in their pre-game warm-up regardless of where your actual seats are (we're in the upper bowl)? My son (18) would get a huge kick out of that as we've never been able to afford seats anywhere near the glass when I've taken him to Caps games in DC. I'm not quite sure why but he started liking the Red Wings from a very young age. I watch a lot of hockey on TV and he's always been fascinated by their uniform and logo. His name is Joe so that might have something to do with him wanting to go and experience "The Joe" at least once before it closes for good.

Yes that is true. That's what I meant earlier in my first post.

They definitely allow you to go down to the glass and watch the players shoot around. Even if you're upper bowl. It's awesome watching the players come out of the tunnel and shoot puck around and do some mini drills.

[WingsallTheway 383]

Yeah the Joe is the only arena I've been to where they actually allowed me to go right up to the glass. Was 14 at the time and will never forget how blown away I was when Legwand was right in front of me for the Preds . I was surprised how big the NHL players were.

Honestly, I can't say enough good things about that arena. I've been to 4 now and nothing is even remotely the same. All seats are top notch thanks to the 1 large bowl. The rafters alone are legendary.

Also, if you've been to Baltimore, I'd say you have nothing to worry about in Detroit haha

[Echolalia 2,961]

Detroit is an awesome city and I highly recommend hitting up one of the many amazing restaurants before the game. I would not recommend parking at Cobo because the traffic afterward is always a mess and I personally have no patience at all for that. I usually park at greektown or the compuware building, hit up a restaurant in that area, then walk/take the free shuttle to the Joe. The downtown area is pretty safe. Lots of businesses are starting to realize this as well and have begun moving in, because the foot traffic has really started picking up in the last few years.

[RedNed 5]

Detroit is an awesome city and I highly recommend hitting up one of the many amazing restaurants before the game. I would not recommend parking at Cobo because the traffic afterward is always a mess and I personally have no patience at all for that. I usually park at greektown or the compuware building, hit up a restaurant in that area, then walk/take the free shuttle to the Joe. The downtown area is pretty safe. Lots of businesses are starting to realize this as well and have begun moving in, because the foot traffic has really started picking up in the last few years.

Thanks. Is this the parking garage you use at the Compuware Building?

https://www.parkme.com/lot/86956/compuware-parking-structure-detroit-mi

[Echolalia 2,961]

Thanks. Is this the parking garage you use at the Compuware Building?

https://www.parkme.com/lot/86956/compuware-parking-structure-detroit-mi

Yes, and if you're willing to eat at Hard Rock Cafe they will validate your parking ticket so you don't have to pay, which is kinda nice.

[Barrie 900]

I'm Canadian, so I take the Tunnel to The Joe. I would take the car instead of the Tunnel Bus. It can take a while crossing the border taking the bus. The last time I took the Tunnel Bus, we got caught behind a Grey Hound Bus and it took an hour. After that I thought "screw it, I'm taking the car from now on"

You can park around Cobo Hall, parking only costs about $10. You can get to The Joe by walking through Cobo Hall. There will be a number of people walking through Cobo too, so just follow the crowd... Downtown Detroit is safe, you and your son have no worries.

Have a great time. I've been to a number of sporting events in different venues, and the Joe is by far my favorite place to watch a game. There isn't a bad seat in the house (unless you got the $9 tickets) and the crowd is awesome, everyone is into the game! Detroit is called Hockeytown for a reason.

Edited December 10, 2015 by Barrie

[Barrie 900]

They definitely allow you to go down to the glass and watch the players shoot around. Even if you're upper bowl. It's awesome watching the players come out of the tunnel and shoot puck around and do some mini drills.

I second that. One of the times I was at The Joe, my friend and I were in the last row of the area, right in front of the owner's box. We got their early, found our seats, and decided to go down for warm ups. We got to the bottom of the stairs of the upper bowl, the usher said to us, "Are you guys going down for warm ups?". We said yes, then she said, "Go that way, it's faster"

That was in 2005-06, Yzerman's last year. I remember Yzerman at one point was stretching right in front of us, I thought to myself, "Yzerman is right there". Just then my friend elbows me, points to Stevie, and says, "Yzerman is right there!"

Great memory!

[RedNed 5]

I'm Canadian, so I take the Tunnel to The Joe. I would take the car instead of the Tunnel Bus. It can take a while crossing the border taking the bus. The last time I took the Tunnel Bus, we got caught behind a Grey Hound Bus and it took an hour. After that I thought "screw it, I'm taking the car from now on"

You can park around Cobo Hall, parking only costs about $10. You can get to The Joe by walking through Cobo Hall. There will be a number of people walking through Cobo too, so just follow the crowd... Downtown Detroit is safe, you and your son have no worries.

Have a great time. I've been to a number of sporting events in different venues, and the Joe is by far my favorite place to watch a game. There isn't a bad seat in the house (unless you got the $9 tickets) and the crowd is awesome, everyone is into the game! Detroit is called Hockeytown for a reason.

Thanks. I'm in the US (Washington DC area) and was thinking of parking in Windsor (at our hotel if we stay there) and then getting the Tunnel Bus over to Detroit and back again after the game but, from what you're saying, that sounds like it might be a bad idea. Our final destination is London, Ontario and it seems silly to do 3 border crossings when we could just go straight to Detroit for the game and then cross into Windsor once afterwards.

Any idea what the tunnel will be like after the game? Would it be better to cross over the bridge instead?

[Barrie 900]

Thanks. I'm in the US (Washington DC area) and was thinking of parking in Windsor (at our hotel if we stay there) and then getting the Tunnel Bus over to Detroit and back again after the game but, from what you're saying, that sounds like it might be a bad idea. Our final destination is London, Ontario and it seems silly to do 3 border crossings when we could just go straight to Detroit for the game and then cross into Windsor once afterwards.

Any idea what the tunnel will be like after the game? Would it be better to cross over the bridge instead?

It depends where you're hotel is, but take the tunnel if you're staying downtown, it's only a few minutes from The Joe. The bridge is about 10 minutes away. It takes about 15 minutes to get through the tunnel after the game.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

I haven't been through Baltimore in a while, but if you're comfortable there, you have absolutely nothing to fret about in Detroit. The area right there hasn't been as bad as its been made out to be for as long as I can remember. But like kickazz said, make sure your GPS is pre-programmed, because there are still some places 4/5 turns away from that area I'd be hesitant to roll through with a small(ish)child.

I'd definitely take the tunnel from the Joe and only cross the border once, or you could always just stay at one of the hotels in Detroit and cross the border in the morning. Most the hotels down there will have secure overnight parking included in(or for a small extra fee) with the cost of the room.

Hope you guys have a good time!

Edit:If you get out there in time for a small wait and a full sit down meal, I'd recommend Slows bbq. It is ridiculously delicious, I've been there probably 20 times and everything I tried was very, very good.

Edited December 12, 2015 by jimmyemeryhunter

[RedNed 5]

Thanks to everyone for your help. Just wanted to give an update on our visit - mainly for any other first time visitors (particularly those worried about visiting Detroit for the first time).

After a long drive from Maryland, we arrived in Detroit shortly after 3pm on Friday and parked on the COBO Center roof. We called ahead to make sure they had parking available at that time because another lot we called near Ren Cen was full and had 30 on the waiting list (I guess people had not yet left work and the parking lots were crowded). The guy I talked to at COBO parking was very friendly and helpful and gave me good directions. We came off the Lodge Freeway (M10S from I-75) at the Howard St exit, didn't turn onto Howard but instead kept going straight onto 5th St, left on Fort St, right on 3rd St and the entrance to COBO roof parking was on the right immediately after 3rd St curved left into Congress St. A bargain $10 for what looked like very secure parking. There were a few open spaces but it also looked like some workers were leaving at that time so I'm sure more spaces opened up later.

The view from the COBO roof was great. We took some photos there and headed down the elevator into the COBO Center which is a huge, impressive building. Took a photo of the Joe Louis statue and made our way to the COBO People Mover station. From there we headed to Greektown People Mover station and wandered around the streets near the casino. At a sports store we asked the clerk if there was a good bar nearby that we could have pre-game drinks at. He suggested The Old Shillelagh at the corner of Monroe Ave and Brush St. That was a good choice - although the Guinness was only so-so for an Irish bar. Plenty of people eating the food too but we weren't hungry as we'd eaten a big lunch on the road. There were lots of Red Wings fans there and the bar ran shuttle buses to the Joe (you could also take your drinks on the shuttle apparently). We didn't wait for the shuttle buses to run (they said they started about 6:45pm) because we wanted to get to the Joe earlier so we could get down to ice level for the pre-game warm-up. So we took the People Mover (along with other Red Wings fans) from Greektown to the Joe which has its own station.

The People Mover dropped us right outside the Gordie Howe entrance. We got hot dogs inside the Joe which were good. We got down to ice level behind the goal where an usher told us the Red Wings would be warming up. The warm up was awesome. It was great to be right down at ice level with the players just feet away on the other side of the glass. Probably the highlight of the trip. The game itself was also good. Although the Red Wings were struggling against the Canucks, they managed to tie it 3-3 late in the 3rd but then lost in a shootout. The fans were really into the game and the atmosphere was excellent. We really enjoyed our visit to the Joe.

After the game, we found our way back to the COBO roof parking easily enough (we saw a few shuttles from The Old Shillelagh waiting outside the Joe - so that might be an option for next time). We had to skip the elevators which were busy and took the stairs back up to the COBO roof. Lots of Red Wings fans had parked up there. Getting out wasn't too bad. We took the tunnel over to Windsor, Ontario and it was a breeze - very little traffic in the tunnel. We had booked a hotel room in Windsor and found the hotel (Stonecroft Inn - clean & quiet) easily enough. The hotel had free parking, wifi and breakfast.

We are so glad we went to Detroit and to the Joe before it closes. We didn't see the bad areas of Detroit of course but downtown was much safer and cleaner than we thought it would be. I found Detroiters to be warm and friendly and proud of their city. There are some great old buildings in the city and it must have been a magnificent city in its heyday. I hope something approaching those days will return soon.

Thanks Detroit! We'll be back!

Edited December 21, 2015 by RedNed

[Barrie 900]

Hey RedNed, I'm glad you had a great time, and everything went smooth.

[LeftWinger 4,959]

Speaking of parking....I haven't been dowtown to a game since I moved to West Michigan, but I was appauled to find out that The Post is no longer The Post. We used to park in the garage near it and stop in after the game all the time. I understand Dino took it over and outside of leaving the old wooden bar, he painted over all the grafitti on the walls and ceiling and every other unmentionable place. What a tragedy! Sorry Dino, I love you, but you don't change an historic icon like that....sad, sad days....

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Glad you had fun man, and thanks for the kind words on the city.

It's pretty depressing seeing some of those huge buildings covered in graffiti with all the windows broken. Beautiful architecture too.

[RedNed 5]

Glad you had fun man, and thanks for the kind words on the city.

It's pretty depressing seeing some of those huge buildings covered in graffiti with all the windows broken. Beautiful architecture too.

Thanks. From what I saw, it looks like Detroit is definitely on the way back. The plan for the new Red Wings stadium and the surrounding area looks absolutely amazing. I can't wait to visit when it's ready.