Major players in the Detroit sports scene met Wednesday afternoon in an effort to bring a number of big events to the Motor City.
Olympia Entertainment CEO Tom Wilson, Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and Lions President Rod Wood are among those that have joined the newly formed Detroit Sports Organizing Corp. that met during a Luncheon at Ford Field. Play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson served as moderator for a panel discussion that included the aforementioned executives from the city’s major sports teams.
Wood specifically spoke about the viability of the city hosting the NFL Draft:
“We think this is an important initiative for all the venues and businesses here today,” he said. “The cities really successful at hosting events like these have permanent committees. When an opportunity comes up, we’re not starting from scratch. We’re ready to go.”
He specifically said the NFL Draft is likely to be awarded to Detroit.
“I’m very optimistic we might get that here in the next couple of years,” Wood said, adding that a number of NFL national sponsors are in Detroit, and that can aid local bids for the league’s marquee events. All major sports events consider availability of corporate sponsorship dollars when picking cities.”
Tellum indicated that a need for more five-star hotels within walking distance has been a message communicated from the NBA, and that an All-Star Game is expected at Little Caesars Arena in the next five to 10 years.
Along with the NBA and NHL All-Star Games, the Detroit Sports Organizing Corp. is looking to bring other major sporting events to local venues, particularly Little Caesars Arena. (Credit: Brandon Dadou)
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also told media that an All-Star game is likely headed for Detroit in the next few years, with the league’s entry draft a possibility as well.
The committee, which will meet quarterly, also includes names like broadcaster Mike Tirico, Fox Sports Detroit VP Greg Hammaren and Tigers Executive VP Duane McLean.
In addition to becoming the go-to locale for concerts in the area, Little Caesars Arena has already hosted or been tabbed to host several “special attractions.” WWE’s “Hell In A Cell” pay-per-view originated from LCA earlier this month, and the building will see the UFC return to Detroit for the first time since 2010 on Dec. 2 with the UFC 218 PPV featuring a featherweight title fight between champion Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar.
College sporting events are anticipated to be a major target of the committee, with LCA likely to play a significant factor in attracting them. The arena will break in its college hoops digs on Dec. 16 with a doubleheader involving Detroit Mercy-Michigan and Michigan State-Oakland, while first and second-round NCAA Tournament games are already secured for 2018 and 2021.
