Olympia announces new details for new arena, including a second sheet of ice

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Olympia Entertainment is celebrating last night’s Red Wings win by releasing some new details about the Winged Wheel’s future home.

The 20,000-seat facility currently under construction in the new ‘District Detroit’ will officially have a second sheet of ice for Red Wings practices and for amateur hockey. Other amenities of note include unique gondola seating, a “vibrant public plaza with massive video wall,” additional video and sound capacities and more.

 

The enhancements come from an extra $95 million added to the project through private funding. Detroit’s new arena is on target for a Sept. 2017 opening, and steel work is underway.

“These enhancements will ensure we create a unique multi-use venue that brings the best in sports and entertainment to Detroit, while creating a destination for everyone in our community to enjoy,” said Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment, in a release. “We’re completely focused on delivering an arena that hosts exceptional experiences for our community, players, fans and neighbors while driving additional investment and development in Detroit.”

Other mock-up images released today (courtesy of Olympia Entertainment)

 

In the press release, Olympia mentions “active community spaces” like on-site practice ice, which will also be used for amateur hockey. That confirms the long-held rumor that the Wings would have a secondary sheet of ice in Detroit, and that it will be made available for youth teams, as well.

Other features of note:

 

Dynamic fan experiences, like enhanced video and sound capabilities for a more immersive experience, creative food-service options, a “skin” on the outside of the arena bowl that can display video and graphics, additional elevators and improved seating options – such as gondola seating suspended over the event level – that create unique, memorable experiences.

 

Active community spaces like on-site practice ice, which will also be used for amateur hockey; an outdoor plaza featuring a massive video wall – along with more green spaces across the arena site – that will be regularly programmed with music and entertainment.

 

Operational improvements such as additional points of sale, best-in-class security systems and augmented load-in, load-out systems that will attract the best in sports and entertainment.

 

“Our organization is committed to stepping up and making the new Detroit arena special for everyone in Detroit,” continued Wilson. “With this additional $95 million in privately funded enhancements, we know that we will deliver a world-class venue that our community will be proud of.”