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Monday, 26 May, 2008 1:27 PM
Hockeytown
Mania in Detroit as Red Wings Battle for the Stanley Cup
Iconic
statue to don giant Red Wings jersey for playoffs -- Buildings get
hockey fever
Photo
courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings
DETROIT -- All
around Hockeytown is evidence of Detroit's hockey spirit. From statues
to buildings, there's plenty to experience as the Detroit Red Wings
enter the final round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Before the start of game one on Saturday, May 24, the iconic Detroit
Tigers statue located at the main entrance to Comerica Park will
get a giant Detroit Red Wings sweater in support of the team as
they continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.
The sweater is traditionally
worn by the Spirit of Detroit figure in front of the Coleman A.
Young Municipal Center, however, a major restoration project means
the statue will be cheering on the Wings in spirit only.
The jersey, which required
535 square feet of material, was made especially for the 25-foot-long,
15-foot-tall Tiger. The Tiger will be wearing the Red Wings sweater
throughout the playoffs so that fans can come down and roar for
the Detroit Red Wings!
"This is a great
time in Detroit sports," said Dave Dombrowski, president, chief
executive officer and general manager for the Detroit Tigers. "We
are so proud that the Detroit Red Wings are a part of our family
and we want to support them in any and every way in their fight
for the Stanley Cup!"
In addition, a larger-than-life
mural completely covering the north side of Hockeytown Cafe and
featuring Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Paval Datsyuk
will be hung at approximately 2 p.m. today. The tribute to the Detroit
Red Wings is 60 feet wide and 30 feet tall. It sponsored by Miller
Lite and makes for a great backdrop for fans who want to immortalize
this year's hockey memories in pictures.
To add a new twist to
playoff excitement, as the sun goes down on Saturday evening, a
20-foot projection screen will come to life on the patio of Hockeytown
Cafe and the picture will become clear: the Wings are making their
quest for the Cup. The outdoor screen will offer additional viewing
opportunities for Red Wings fans.
Finally, local fans not
familiar with downtown Detroit and out-of-town visitors can get
help from the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (DMCVB)
Ambassadors who will be stationed throughout the city to be sure
everyone can find what they are looking for and get where they are
going.
The DMCVB Ambassadors
will be easily identifiable in their red polo shirts with the Red
Wings logo. In addition to answering questions, these fans of Detroit
will be handing out Detroit Red Wings buttons so everyone can show
their support for our hometown team.
The DMCVB also is drumming
up excitement in Detroit with banner signs on the light poles around
Joe Louis Arena, on Jefferson and along Woodward in the Foxtown
area. The banners will be hung today and tomorrow.
For more information
about the Detroit Red Wings, please visit http://redwings.nhl.com/.
Source: Detroit Red
Wings
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