Comments on: Ilitch pitches new downtown arena for Wings

By: dsticks11

dsticks11 — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:46:11 +0000

This will give more information on this story:

http://www.freep.com/article/20121204/NEWS01/121204054/?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE

By: hockeydon10

hockeydon10 — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:17:27 +0000

Gordie Howe Arena

Skip the corporate name.
Honor a legend.

Too bad that won’t happen.

By: bensawesomeness

bensawesomeness — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:01:16 +0000

PHT – you guys need a new stock photo of the Joe – they’ve retired Yzerman’s 19 , picture feels empty without it ( and hopefuly soon, Lidstrom’s 5 )

By: wills19

wills19 — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:43:10 +0000

It will be nice to get a new arena but at the same time so much history in the Joe and it will suck to see them play somewhere else

By: druhlman

druhlman — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:54:36 +0000

Actually according to numerous news papers a large majority of the money for this project is privately financed, with the supplements coming from different initiatives. They have even came forward saying that taxes will not be used to finance this project. As far as the revitalizing old venues I think JLA isn’t the venue to do that with, as it has been stated that it would take a large amount of money to just renovate the venue and bring it on par with most modern arenas. I personally believe a throwback venue more closely resembling the old Olympia would be a more welcome site, especially with all the updated amenities. Sort of like a cathedral to hockey.

By: capesouth

capesouth — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:31:16 +0000

Don’t get me started on the inefficiency of spending ‘societies’ money. The money, IMO, is there to feed and shelter the homeless , create jobs, and do whatever else is important. The ones who get to spend that money though don’t do it effectively. It’s not that there isn’t enough money, it’s that nobody knows how to use it or knows how to say ‘no’. The complaint though is always, “we don’t have the funds” or “the economy is just not performing well enough”, etc.

As far as JLA goes, I am never against improving and re-vitalizing an old venue (vs tearing it down and starting over). I think the older venues have so much more character than the new ones. I’m a Boston fan and I love what they’ve done to fenway. It is a unique experience to go there. People tend to take pride in their home venue when it’s so old and there is so much history, especially winning history, like Detroit.

By: zetaone

zetaone — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:50:55 +0000

At any rate, if they do build a new arena, at least they can use the old JLA as a place for the 20,000 homeless in Detroit.

By: redwingsfan999

redwingsfan999 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:41:44 +0000

I really like the joe, it has a nice safe, home like feeling to it and so much history has happened there that I wish the wings could play there forever, but a new arena would be good for the wings and the city

By: zetaone

zetaone — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:36:00 +0000

Oh I completely understand the circumstances. I just wish we as a society could manage to find $650 of public funds to help a city in need that doesn’t have to hang on the coat tails of a sport to happen.

Ignore me though, it’s just another case of me bringing philosophy into a hockey website.. probably not the best venue (pun not intended).

By: hockinj25

hockinj25 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:28:59 +0000

As long as they move the troughs from the bathrooms in the Joe to the new arena I’m all for this.

By: dbarnes79

dbarnes79 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:28:27 +0000

It’s funny how buildings like the Montreal Forum and Maple Leaf Gardens lasted over 70 years and now teams are replacing buildings half that age.

By: bensawesomeness

bensawesomeness — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:02:03 +0000

I agree with you, but Illitch has always given me a vibe that he’s a reasonable guy, something tells me he’s not the reason it’s December and we’ve yet to play

By: capesouth

capesouth — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:59:10 +0000

The money is there because this project is what it is. I don’t think you can assume that $650 million in cash is just sitting there, available to use on anything, and that the city chose to just use it on an arena. Public funds are being used but certainly not $650 million worth. This project doesn’t float without private financing. Can’t blame the city for considering taking advantage of an opportunity/partnership like this bc that opportunity may not last. Plus, who is to say that passing up on a real, tangible opportunity for growth, like this one, is somehow worse than holding onto that money and maybe, possibly pursuing “many” projects that may, perhaps create more growth? In other words, this is an actual, real opportunity where they feel they are maximizing job growth, nevermind the excitement that can come from a project like this. It could be said Detroit, more than any other city, could use something like this.

By: zetaone

zetaone — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:38:55 +0000

It really boils down to, yes a new arena will help the city and create some jobs, and bring more income.

HOWEVER, if maybe a small amount of that money was used to renovate JLA instead, and spend the rest on many more projects that would bring in far more jobs than just one arena project can.

Once the city is prosperous again, then build your brand new mega arena complex. Silly idea, I know.

By: meane56

meane56 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:17:16 +0000

How about Ilitch builds it with his own money, just like the villain Jeremy Jacobs did when he spent $160 Million of HIS money back in 1995.

By: zetaone

zetaone — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:09:45 +0000

With the majority of the $650 million tied up into the arena, it’s hard to argue that point. When you can spread that money elsewhere; other public works projects, help clean up the cities, build homes, offer tax incentives to lure new businesses, etc.

But this is ‘Murica where the dollar is king and people come second.

By: mattdaddy7

mattdaddy7 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:08:29 +0000

How about Ilitch (and all other 29 NHL owners, for that matter) pitch an idea to actually get the NHL to play hockey again…Preferrably BEFORE trying to get a new stadium built!

By: capesouth

capesouth — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:07:01 +0000

I would say that’s what this is doing. It’s not just an arena. This would create jobs and probably spark some much needed growth and excitement in the city.

By: kiopta1

kiopta1 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:40:45 +0000

If they do I want a piece of the Joe.

By: zetaone

zetaone — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:39:10 +0000

The cynic in me says to take the $650 million and use it to develop the city and help bring jobs back. That’s how you’ll fix Detroit. Not with a new hockey arena..

By: tmoore4075

tmoore4075 — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:35:52 +0000

Much much needed. Although I have to say while the JLA is a crap hole in many respects the sight lines are fantastic. Not one bad seat in the house. My guess is that will change when they add many more boxes at the new place.