Ilitch to upgrade Comerica Park, Hockeytown Cafe

Excerpts from the article:

Mike Ilitch, the mogul who owns the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, is spending more than $1 million to renovate the Hockeytown Cafe and Comerica Park.

“Ten years ago you didn’t see the traffic downtown to support restaurants and entertainment because everyone went home after 5 p.m.,” Ilitch said in a recent interview. “But now that we have two downtown stadiums, the corporations, the residential lofts and other entertainment, the city is really alive.”

Ilitch sees the improvements as part of a larger story of downtown Detroit’s comeback.

Now Ilitch wants to improve Comerica even more. He intends to combine nine suites into one massive space devoted to the Tigers’ four world championships.

The 3,500-square-foot space along the third base line will offer food, drinks and showcase plenty of memorabilia like the team’s World Series trophies, vintage jerseys and equipment.

Ilitch said more projects are on the horizon, including family-owned properties at the southwest corner of Interstate 75 and Woodward.

Improvements of Hockeytown include a new bar that lets patrons look out at Woodward Avenue and Comerica Park, maple display cases featuring jerseys and other merchandise for sale.

Still to come are a second-floor renovation at Hockeytown focused on the Tigers, along with a future renovation of the third floor and deck that overlooks Woodward. The outdoor patio north of the cafe will be renovated next year.

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