DETROIT – Gondola seating, a video wall and on-site practice ice are part of $95 million in "fan enhancements" for the new Detroit arena that were announced Wednesday by Olympia Entertainment.
In a statement, Olympia said the investment in the Detroit Events Center will "create a more dynamic, multi-use facility for the community, a more interactive experience for fans and additional public spaces for everyone to enjoy throughout the year."
- 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," said Tom Wilson, President and CEO of Olympia Entertainment. "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."
The 20,000-seat arena is on target to open in September 2017, Olympia said.
Read: Lightning beat writer journalizes trip to Joe Louis Arena