Joe Louis Arena is clearly outdated but there’s still a lot to love about the old building. (Photo by Andrew Forbes)
This weeks announcement of the Detroit Red Wings’ plans to move to a new home in 2017 got me reflecting about what I will miss most about Joe Louis Arena. Since attending my first game at The Joe at 6-years-old there’s a lot of things I’ve grown fond of about the old rink over the years.
So, here’s a snapshot about some of the qualities I love most about Joe Louis Arena:
5. Location
For Canadians like myself who cross the border to attend games at The Joe, there is really no better location. My pre-game ritual is one that a lot of Red Wings fans north of the border can likely relate to: park the car in Windsor, jump on the tunnel bus, cut through Cobo, walk along the river past the buskers and panhandlers, and hike up the stairs to reach the JLA entrance.
Riding the tunnel bus back to Canada after a big Wings victory is always a good time too because it’s usually pretty rocking. Fortunately, Canadian customs is a little more laid-back with our drunken antics then our American neighbours.
Also, the view of JLA from Windsor is spectacular. Looking out across the river and catching a glimpse of JLA before a big game is enough to give any true Wings fan goose bumps.
4. Standing Room
There’s really no place I’d rather be in JLA then with my back against the wall, wrist band on, between the upper and lower bowl, at the end where the Red Wings shoot twice. For my money this is the best spot in the rink.
Sure, the back gets a bit stiff after a while but for the price and the view it’s totally worth it. The truth is you would be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck then standing room at JLA. Unfortunately, standing room is probably as good as gone at the new rink.
Yet, it’s such a great spot for socializing with other Wings fans. From my experience you’re not going to find too many fair-weathers in standing room. Plus, when the Wings score a goal you get a high-five from one of the JLA ushers…pretty cool spot if you ask me.
3. People
As campy as it may sound the people at JLA is what makes the rink such a special place. What other NHL clubs have famous fans? Through the years personalities like Mo Cheese, the Orange Hat Guy, and the old Knitting Lady have made The Joe one of the most unique sports venues in all of professional sports.
I’ve made friendships at JLA over the years that have lasted until today. From the ushers to the vendors I’ve really become quite sentimental about the people of JLA and it just won’t be the same fraternizing anywhere else.
Don’t forget about Karen Newman either.
2. Atmosphere
There’s a certain smell that is so recognizable when you enter the JLA doors. It’s some combination of hot dogs cooking, stale beer on the floor, an overflowed toilet, sweat, and freshly scraped ice… whatever it is I love it.
As far as playoff hockey atmospheres go The Joe is second to none. The DJ is always on the ball and it seems like he has a song for every situation in the game. Whether it’s Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much” after an away goal, or a little “Open Your Eyes” from Tonic after a Wings penalty, the Wings’ DJ knows whats up.
And, let me be clear that I’m not a Journey “Don’t Stop Believing” fan. But, when the fans sing-a-long to that tune near the end of a big Wings playoff win it always gives me chills.
Ultimately, when it comes to the atmosphere at JLA Kid Rock said it best: ain’t no party like a Detroit party.
1. Sight Lines
There is know NHL arena with better sight lines then JLA. The 2-bowl layout makes for much better viewing then the 3-bowl construction of modern arenas where you feel like if you fall out of your seat it’s certain death.
In the upper deck of these new arenas often times you have a better view of the top of the scoreboard than the ice surface and that’s definitely not the case at JLA. Even when sitting up at the top of The Joe you don’t feel as though you’re that far removed from the action. It’s still a great vantage point to watch a professional hockey game from.
Yet, there’s no question JLA is outdated, and the new rink will bring a lot of things to like along with it. However, one thing it won’t have is the sight lines of JLA. So, enjoy it well you can folks because it’s the last of a dying breed.
Oh, and enjoy the cheap ticket prices at JLA because that’s surely a thing of the past too.