Joe Louis Arena was one of the most iconic hockey venues to take in a game for one of the most iconic hockey franchises. It had heritage with an abundance of hockey legends gracing the ice, championship pedigree, and even had their own unofficial song -- Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Nicknamed “The Joe,” Joe Louis Arena was named after boxing legend Joe Louis, and lasted 38-years in Hockeytown as the Red Wings home. The venue featured a 25-year post-season streak dating back to the 1990-91 season for the Red Wings – the longest active record in the four major North American leagues.
During the tenure, Detroit become a model franchise in setting the standard on drafting and developing prospects from within, as well as investing in free agents that propelled them to four Stanley Cups in both the pre-cap and salary cup era.
However, times are changing in Detroit, as their identity shifts from a once perennial contender to a more youthful lineup built around speed demons like Dylan Larkin and Andrea Athanasiou.
The transition is happening off the ice as well, as the team will move into a new home this fall known as Little Caesars Arena, which pays homage to Mike Illitch, the Wings late owner who founded the Little Caesars pizza chain. It’ll mark the first time since December 27th, 1979, that the club won’t be calling The Joe their home anymore.
Earlier today, the Red Wings tweeted out a picture of the new ice surface, and at first glance, the new arena looks absolutely stunning.
The Wings will play their first game at Little Caesars Arena on September 23rd when they take on the Boston Bruins, before officially playing their first regular season game on Thursday, October 5th when they host the Minnesota Wild.
(H/T @DetroitRedWings)
