RED WINGS

The life and times of Joe Louis Arena

Confetti falls from the rafters as the celebration begins at Joe Louis Arena moments after the Red Wings defeated Carolina to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002. In Joe Louis Arena, fans witnessed the long-desired revival of a great sports franchise, hailed a prodigal legend, acquainted their wide-eyed children with a cathedral of sports, smuggled octopi, proposed marriage, praised and cursed the hockey gods and, uncountable times, rhythmically bellowed, “Let’s go Red Wings!”
Confetti falls from the rafters as the celebration begins at Joe Louis Arena moments after the Red Wings defeated Carolina to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002. In Joe Louis Arena, fans witnessed the long-desired revival of a great sports franchise, hailed a prodigal legend, acquainted their wide-eyed children with a cathedral of sports, smuggled octopi, proposed marriage, praised and cursed the hockey gods and, uncountable times, rhythmically bellowed, “Let’s go Red Wings!”
John T. Greilick, Detroit News
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hoists the Stanley Cup trophy after Detroit dispatched Philadelphia in four games to win the NHL Championship in 1997. It was the Red Wings’ first Cup in 42 years.
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hoists the Stanley Cup trophy after Detroit dispatched Philadelphia in four games to win the NHL Championship in 1997. It was the Red Wings’ first Cup in 42 years.
David Guralnick, The Detroit News
The 1996-1997 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings, led by Captain Steve Yzerman, center, take to the ice at Joe Louis Arena June 7, 1997. The win marked a high point in the storied arena.
The 1996-1997 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings, led by Captain Steve Yzerman, center, take to the ice at Joe Louis Arena June 7, 1997. The win marked a high point in the storied arena.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Ground is cleared next to Cobo Hall on the Detroit River for construction of Joe Louis Arena in July 1978. Joe Louis Arena almost never happened. In the mid-1970s, the City of Detroit had to rush to prevent the Red Wings from moving to Pontiac.
Ground is cleared next to Cobo Hall on the Detroit River for construction of Joe Louis Arena in July 1978. Joe Louis Arena almost never happened. In the mid-1970s, the City of Detroit had to rush to prevent the Red Wings from moving to Pontiac.
The Detroit News Archives
Having lost the Lions to Pontiac in 1974, Mayor Coleman Young and others swung into action. When the site was selected, it required shoe-horning the big building between what was then called Cobo Hall and an area set aside for the construction of Riverfront Towers, the three-skyscraper residential complex. Joe Louis Arena is shown under construction in November 1979.
Having lost the Lions to Pontiac in 1974, Mayor Coleman Young and others swung into action. When the site was selected, it required shoe-horning the big building between what was then called Cobo Hall and an area set aside for the construction of Riverfront Towers, the three-skyscraper residential complex. Joe Louis Arena is shown under construction in November 1979.
The Detroit News Archives
Joe Louis Arena under construction in November 1979.
Joe Louis Arena under construction in November 1979.
The Detroit News Archives
Joe Louis Arena under construction in November 1979.
Joe Louis Arena under construction in November 1979.
The Detroit News Archives
Hockey great Gordie Howe of the Hartford Whalers takes a standing ovation before the start of the National Hockey League All-Star game at Detroit' s Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 5, 1980. The 51-year-old hockey great was playing in his 23rd All-Star game, not counting six in the World Hockey Association.
Hockey great Gordie Howe of the Hartford Whalers takes a standing ovation before the start of the National Hockey League All-Star game at Detroit' s Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 5, 1980. The 51-year-old hockey great was playing in his 23rd All-Star game, not counting six in the World Hockey Association.
AP
Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan was nominated at The Joe. He gives a two-handed high sign as he stands before a cheering Republican National Convention, July 17, 1980 in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan was nominated at The Joe. He gives a two-handed high sign as he stands before a cheering Republican National Convention, July 17, 1980 in Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
Rusty Kennedy, AP
A shower of balloons drops from the top of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit where the Republican National Convention heard Ronald Reagan accept the nomination for president by his party, July 17, 1980.
A shower of balloons drops from the top of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit where the Republican National Convention heard Ronald Reagan accept the nomination for president by his party, July 17, 1980.
AP
U. S. figure skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan pose Jan. 9, 1994 at Joe Louis arena in Detroit. The 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held there, although Nancy Kerrigan was assaulted by the forces of Tonya Harding next door, near a practice rink set up in the old Cobo Arena.
U. S. figure skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan pose Jan. 9, 1994 at Joe Louis arena in Detroit. The 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held there, although Nancy Kerrigan was assaulted by the forces of Tonya Harding next door, near a practice rink set up in the old Cobo Arena.
MERLINE SUMMERS, AP
Nancy Kerrigan speaks during a news conference Friday, January 7, 1994 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, as she describes how she was attacked by an unknown assailant January 6, 1994 after a practice session at the US Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. Kerrigan, who withdrew from competition, was unable to defend her US Nationals title due to her injuries.
Nancy Kerrigan speaks during a news conference Friday, January 7, 1994 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, as she describes how she was attacked by an unknown assailant January 6, 1994 after a practice session at the US Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. Kerrigan, who withdrew from competition, was unable to defend her US Nationals title due to her injuries.
LENNOX MCLENDON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, left, takes a punch from Detroit Red Wings' goaltender Mike Vernon during a first period brawl in Detroit on March 26, 1997. The rivalry between the two teams has been considered the most bitter, most angry in hockey, perhaps in all of professional sports.
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, left, takes a punch from Detroit Red Wings' goaltender Mike Vernon during a first period brawl in Detroit on March 26, 1997. The rivalry between the two teams has been considered the most bitter, most angry in hockey, perhaps in all of professional sports.
TOM PIDGEON, AP
The Colorado Avalanche's Claude Lemieux and Red Wings' Darren McCarty fight at Joe Louis Arena in March 1997.
The Colorado Avalanche's Claude Lemieux and Red Wings' Darren McCarty fight at Joe Louis Arena in March 1997.
Alan Lessig, The Detroit News
Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche and Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings mix it up in 1997.
Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche and Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings mix it up in 1997.
Alan Lessig, The Detroit News
Avalanche coach Marc Crawford argues with the Red Wings bench during Game 4 of the Western Conference finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs at Joe Louis Arena May 22, 1997.
Avalanche coach Marc Crawford argues with the Red Wings bench during Game 4 of the Western Conference finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs at Joe Louis Arena May 22, 1997.
Alan Lessig, The Detroit News
Steve Yzerman flips in the game winning goal after faking out Colorado goalie Patrick Roy during the Red Wings overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche Jan. 8, 2001.
Steve Yzerman flips in the game winning goal after faking out Colorado goalie Patrick Roy during the Red Wings overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche Jan. 8, 2001.
David Guralnick, The Detroit News
The crowd erupts during the 1997 NHL championship game.
The crowd erupts during the 1997 NHL championship game.
The Detroit News Archives
Steve Yzerman hands the Stanley Cup off to team owners Mike and Marian Illitch after the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in four games in 1997.
Steve Yzerman hands the Stanley Cup off to team owners Mike and Marian Illitch after the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in four games in 1997.
The Detroit News Archives
Detroit's Viacheslav Fetisov (2) embraces countryman Vladimir Konstantinov (16) after Detroit's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers to win the Stanley Cup in 1997.
Detroit's Viacheslav Fetisov (2) embraces countryman Vladimir Konstantinov (16) after Detroit's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers to win the Stanley Cup in 1997.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
From left, Nicklas Lidstrom, Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan pose with the Stanley Cup, which they won the previous season, during Stanley Cup banner night at the Red Wings home opener in 1997.
From left, Nicklas Lidstrom, Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan pose with the Stanley Cup, which they won the previous season, during Stanley Cup banner night at the Red Wings home opener in 1997.
Alan Lessig, The Detroit News
Brendan Shanahan hoists the Stanley Cup after the Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (Game 5) at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on June 13, 2002.
Brendan Shanahan hoists the Stanley Cup after the Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (Game 5) at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on June 13, 2002.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek hoists the Stanley Cup at Joe Louis Arena after the Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002.
Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek hoists the Stanley Cup at Joe Louis Arena after the Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002.
John T. Greilick, Detroit News
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hands the cup to coach Scotty Bowman, the ninth of Bowman's legendary coaching career, at Joe Louis Arena after the Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002.
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hands the cup to coach Scotty Bowman, the ninth of Bowman's legendary coaching career, at Joe Louis Arena after the Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to win the 2001-02 Stanley Cup on June 13, 2002.
John T. Greilick, Detroit News
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hands off the Stanley Cup to coach Scotty Bowman in 2002.
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hands off the Stanley Cup to coach Scotty Bowman in 2002.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Steve Yzerman carries the Stanley Cup out of Joe Louis Arena after the Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of round 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Detroit.
Steve Yzerman carries the Stanley Cup out of Joe Louis Arena after the Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of round 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Detroit.
Alan Lessig, The Detroit News
Shock forward Cheryl Ford, left, jumps on the back of assistant coach Rick Mahorn as the Shock seal their victory during the second half as the Detroit Shock take on the Sacramento Monarchs in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Sept. 9, 2006. Detroit wins, 80-75.
Shock forward Cheryl Ford, left, jumps on the back of assistant coach Rick Mahorn as the Shock seal their victory during the second half as the Detroit Shock take on the Sacramento Monarchs in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Sept. 9, 2006. Detroit wins, 80-75.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Showing off their Stanley Cup rings are: (from left) Scotty Bowman (former coach/advisor), Ken Holland (General Manager), Jim Nill (Assistant General Manager), Mike Ilitch (owner), and Jim Devellano (Senior Vice-President/Alternate Governor) at Joe Louis Arena, Sept. 24, 2007.
Showing off their Stanley Cup rings are: (from left) Scotty Bowman (former coach/advisor), Ken Holland (General Manager), Jim Nill (Assistant General Manager), Mike Ilitch (owner), and Jim Devellano (Senior Vice-President/Alternate Governor) at Joe Louis Arena, Sept. 24, 2007.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Nicklas Lidstrom is congratulated by the fans after scoring his 200th career goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena, March 2, 2007.
Nicklas Lidstrom is congratulated by the fans after scoring his 200th career goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena, March 2, 2007.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Shock forward Cheryl Ford, right, sprays champagne on assistant coach Rick Mahorn, left, in the locker room celebration of their victory over the Sacramento Monarchs in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, on Sept. 9, 2006.
Shock forward Cheryl Ford, right, sprays champagne on assistant coach Rick Mahorn, left, in the locker room celebration of their victory over the Sacramento Monarchs in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, on Sept. 9, 2006.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Sacramento Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson, left, fouls Shock forward Planette Pierson during the second half in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich. on Sept. 9, 2006. Detroit wins, 80-75.
Sacramento Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson, left, fouls Shock forward Planette Pierson during the second half in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich. on Sept. 9, 2006. Detroit wins, 80-75.
Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
Zach Wilson, of Kalamazoo, carries a box of pizza -- Little Caesar's, the brand started by Wings owner Mike Ilitch -- making his way up the steep steps of the upper concourse to his seat during a game in January 2010.
Zach Wilson, of Kalamazoo, carries a box of pizza -- Little Caesar's, the brand started by Wings owner Mike Ilitch -- making his way up the steep steps of the upper concourse to his seat during a game in January 2010.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Championship banners hang over the ice at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, March 5, 2014.
Championship banners hang over the ice at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, March 5, 2014.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
The evidence of Red Wings franchise success hangs from the rafters along with the retired numbers of Red Wings greats Steve Yzerman, Terry Sawchuck, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, Sid Abel and Gordie Howe on May 2, 2013.
The evidence of Red Wings franchise success hangs from the rafters along with the retired numbers of Red Wings greats Steve Yzerman, Terry Sawchuck, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, Sid Abel and Gordie Howe on May 2, 2013.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
(from left) Former players Bob Probert, Vladimir Konstantinov, and Larry Murphy are introduced to the crowd at a ceremony to retire the number of Steve Yzerman at Joe Louis Arena, Jan. 2, 2007.
(from left) Former players Bob Probert, Vladimir Konstantinov, and Larry Murphy are introduced to the crowd at a ceremony to retire the number of Steve Yzerman at Joe Louis Arena, Jan. 2, 2007.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
The Red Wings practice at Joe Louis Arena beneath the multitude of banners indicating previous success in the playoffs April 27, 2007.
The Red Wings practice at Joe Louis Arena beneath the multitude of banners indicating previous success in the playoffs April 27, 2007.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
"Wing Nut" Dan Sifuentes, of Auburn Hills, cheers on the Red Wings during warm-ups. before a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Joe Louis Arena, Oct. 3, 2007.
"Wing Nut" Dan Sifuentes, of Auburn Hills, cheers on the Red Wings during warm-ups. before a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Joe Louis Arena, Oct. 3, 2007.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Al the Octopus blows steam on fans outside Joe Louis Arena before the start of the NHL playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on May 8, 2008.
Al the Octopus blows steam on fans outside Joe Louis Arena before the start of the NHL playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on May 8, 2008.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Fans make their way up the stairs to the front entrance for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the San Jose Sharks May 4, 2010.
Fans make their way up the stairs to the front entrance for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the San Jose Sharks May 4, 2010.
Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
Joe Louis Arena next to Cobo Hall is seen from Windsor, Ontario, Canada in April 2014.
Joe Louis Arena next to Cobo Hall is seen from Windsor, Ontario, Canada in April 2014.
David Coates, The Detroit News
An octopus is thrown onto the ice before the start of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit., May 20, 2013.
An octopus is thrown onto the ice before the start of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit., May 20, 2013.
David Guralnick, David Guralnick
Red Wings fans help Henrik Zetterberg celebrate his game-winning goal, breaking a 1-1 tie against the Nashville Predators in the third period of their game April 10, 2008. Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom assisted on the goal and Zetterberg added an empty netter as the Red Wings defeat the Nashville Predators 3-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Red Wings fans help Henrik Zetterberg celebrate his game-winning goal, breaking a 1-1 tie against the Nashville Predators in the third period of their game April 10, 2008. Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom assisted on the goal and Zetterberg added an empty netter as the Red Wings defeat the Nashville Predators 3-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
John T. Greilick, Detroit News
Red Wings fans Tom Klock of Allen Park and his son-in-law Ron Wernette of Sylvan Lake admire the statue of Red Wings legend Gordie Howe just inside the west entrance to Joe Louis Arena , May 26, 2008.
Red Wings fans Tom Klock of Allen Park and his son-in-law Ron Wernette of Sylvan Lake admire the statue of Red Wings legend Gordie Howe just inside the west entrance to Joe Louis Arena , May 26, 2008.
John T. Greilick, The Detroit News
Building Manager Al Sobotka twirls an octopus that was thrown to the ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning during game three of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit, April 17, 2016. On Monday, the Red Wings play their first home game of their final season at Joe Louis Arena against the Ottawa Senators.
Building Manager Al Sobotka twirls an octopus that was thrown to the ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning during game three of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit, April 17, 2016. On Monday, the Red Wings play their first home game of their final season at Joe Louis Arena against the Ottawa Senators.
David Guralnick, Detroit News