Andrew Pace
The Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is the new home of the Pistons and the Red Wings. The arena, which is just across the Fisher Freeway, has 17,732 seats. The Barclays Center, which was designed primarily as a basketball arena, has 17,250 seats for NHL games and up to 19,000 for concerts and other events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the new arena | Little Caesars Arena |
| Seating capacity | 17,732 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Little Caesars Arena is the new home of the Pistons
Little Caesars Arena is also home to the Red Wings, and the move downtown was in line with Mike Illitch's vision of bringing businesses back to the area. The arena boasts impressive sound and lighting systems, which are said to far exceed those of other arenas. This is partly due to the many concerts held there, with top artists demanding high-quality technical setups.
The Pistons' games at the arena still feature John Mason's iconic "Dee-troit Bas-ket-Iball" call, a staple of Detroit Basketball. The Pistons' history has been marked by a bitter ownership feud between Pistons owner Bill Davidson and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Illitch, which lasted from the seventies until the change in ownership to Tom Gores.
The new Little Caesars Arena provides a fresh, unfamiliar location for the Pistons, but the team's iconic calls and traditions remain.
Mastering the Basketball Triple Threat: A Powerful Shot
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The arena is named after its former owner, Mike Illitch
Little Caesars Arena, the new home of the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings, is named after its former owner, Mike Illitch. Illitch, also known as Mr. I, was an American entrepreneur and restaurateur who founded the international fast-food franchise Little Caesars Pizza. He was also a prominent sports team owner, purchasing the Detroit Red Wings in 1982 and the Detroit Tigers in 1992.
In addition to his business ventures, Illitch was a philanthropist, investing in Detroit's future through his support of economic development and community programs. He and his wife, Marian, donated nearly $50 million to Detroit's Wayne State University, including $40 million to build a new home for the Mike Ilitch School of Business. The Ilitch organization is currently developing The District Detroit, a dynamic urban destination that aims to provide a dense neighbourhood experience alongside premier sports and entertainment venues.
Illitch was a strong advocate for bringing businesses back to downtown Detroit and was recognised for his contributions to the city. He founded the Little Caesars Veterans Program in 2006, providing honourably discharged veterans with business opportunities, for which he received the Secretary's Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007.
The legacy of Mike Illitch extends beyond his business accomplishments. His impact on the city of Detroit, through his charitable initiatives and support for local sports teams, has left a lasting impression. The naming of Little Caesars Arena pays tribute to his ownership and contributions to Detroit's sporting culture.
Jump Shot vs 3-Pointer: Understanding Basketball Scoring
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.89
$39.89
The Pistons' announcer, John Mason, is an iconic figure in Detroit
Mason's career as a Pistons announcer began in 2001 when he replaced longtime Pistons announcer Ken Calvert. Over the years, Mason has become synonymous with Pistons basketball, witnessing their impressive NBA runs and even coining the chant, "Deeeeee-troit basketball!". His flamboyant voice has been requested at many sporting events, including the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas and the international All-Star game in Cyprus and Turkey in 2005.
Beyond his work as a Pistons announcer, Mason is also a well-known radio personality in Detroit. His radio show is syndicated and can be heard live from Detroit on the 50,000-watt powerhouse 107.5 WGPR. He has also won a television Emmy for his work on the entertainment show "Urban Chartbusters" on WDIV Detroit. Additionally, Mason has been an acclaimed motivational speaker in prisons, schools, and universities across Michigan, Ohio, and Michigan.
The character of John Mason has even made it to television. The Fox network comedy "Martin," starring Martin Lawrence, was based on Mason's radio career, and characters on the show were loosely based on his friends and colleagues.
John Mason's impact on Detroit and Pistons basketball is undeniable. His unique style and personality have left an indelible mark on the city and its sports culture, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in Detroit.
The Tough Road to D1 Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The arena is just across the Fisher Freeway
Little Caesars Arena, the new home of the Detroit Pistons, is just across the Fisher Freeway. The arena seats 17,732 people and is known for its superior sound system and lighting quality. This is due in part to the many concerts held there, featuring top artists who demand the best from technical crews. The arena is also home to the Detroit Red Wings, and its location reflects Mike Illitch's commitment to bringing businesses back downtown.
The Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena places them in an unfamiliar locale, but it's still Detroit Basketball. The arena is conveniently situated near Ford Field, Comerica Park, and the Fox Theater.
Little Caesars Arena is not the only basketball arena to undergo a recent change. The Cleveland Cavaliers, for example, opened their 2019-2020 season with a new name for their home court and a $185 million renovation. The arena now features a large glass-enclosed atrium that reflects the downtown skyline and brightens the corridors.
Other notable basketball arenas include Syracuse University's Carrier Dome, which is the largest in college basketball with 34,616 seats. The Kentucky arena seats 23,000 fans, while Louisville's KFC Yum! Center can accommodate 22,090 spectators. The Dean Smith Center, home to the Tar Heels, has room for 21,750 fans and has consistently kept the team in the top five in national attendance.
Enhancing Your Basketball Shoes: Adding Grip for Better Performance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The arena has 17,732 seats
The new Illitch Arena has 17,732 seats. This was revealed during the Barclays Center christening on November 1, 2012, when the Nets hosted the Knicks. The new arena is just on the other side of the Fisher Freeway and is now the home of both the Red Wings and the Pistons. The new location is unfamiliar, but it is still Detroit Basketball.
The new Illitch Arena has 17,732 seats. This is a substantial number and is comparable to the Barclays Center, which was designed primarily as a basketball arena. The new Illitch Arena is also similar in size to other major basketball arenas, such as Madison Square Garden, which seats 19,812 during St. John's home games.
With 17,732 seats, the new Illitch Arena is a significant upgrade for the Pistons and the Red Wings. The additional seating capacity provides more opportunities for fans to attend games and supports the vibrant basketball culture in Detroit. The increased capacity also enables more individuals to experience the excitement and energy of live basketball games, fostering a sense of community and passion for the sport.
The 17,732-seat arena is a testament to the vision of Mike Illitch, who was a proponent of bringing businesses back downtown. Illitch's commitment to revitalizing the downtown area is evident in the arena's location and its contribution to the local community. The arena not only provides a space for sporting events but also serves as a hub for entertainment and social gatherings, enhancing the vibrancy of the city.
The new Illitch Arena's 17,732 seats represent more than just a number; they symbolize the growth of basketball in Detroit and the dedication of those who made it possible. The arena stands as a testament to the hard work and perseverance of all involved, from the players and coaches to the owners and fans. Each seat tells a story of passion, dedication, and the enduring love for the game of basketball.
The Hunt for Atlantis: Basketball Tournament Venues
You may want to see also
