The arena is named after boxer Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit. It is the fourth oldest of the NHL’s four original six venues (the others are Madison Square Garden, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Rexall Place). It is also one of the most intimate of the league’s stadiums, where fans can get up close to the action. The arena is known as Hockeytown because of its strong fan base.

The parking garage is a great option for getting to the arena on game day as it is free and doesn’t require a ticket to enter. Parking on the street is not recommended as you will be subject to being ticketed or towed by local law enforcement. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find the location of your seat and locate parking lots and restrooms.

Illegal parking on the area roadways and medians, as well as on hooded meters is prohibited. Violators will be ticketed and/or towed. Parking on the Plymouth Ave Lot (Lot C) is preferred for weekday day games and is accessible via Morrie Silver Way just past the arena. There is also a parking lot available on Oak St for overflow and handicapped parking during game days at the arena. Please call the Olympia Development parking hotline for the most up-to-date information.

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has until June 30 to tell the city if he will modernize the 30-year-old Joe Louis Arena or build a new facility somewhere in downtown Detroit. The Ilitches have declined to comment on possible locations because they are bound by confidentiality agreements. But several people who have spoken to the News say that Foxtown and land between Grand Circus Park, Cass Avenue and Temple Street are being considered.