Fans push to change name of new Red Wings arena

DETROIT – Shakespeare wrote that "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," but Red Wings fans disagree.

Team ownership made the announcement Thursday morning that the new home for the Detroit Red Wings will be called "Little Caesars Arena." The reaction has been tepid at best.

Chris Illitch, president and CEO of Illitch Holdings, Inc., said to have the company's namesake in their hometown on a world-class facility is "an amazing tribute."

"Little Caesars is part of the fabric of our community," Illitch said.

AREIAL FOOTAGE: Red Wings arena construction

Fans however are not happy with the announcement.

The naming is in stark contrast to the Red Wings' current home, Joe Louis Arena, which is named after the world-renowned boxing icon. The Red Wings have called "The Joe" home since 1979.

Already there are online petitions asking  for a name change. Some of the ideas include Caesars Colosseum or Gordie Howe Arena.

The arena is scheduled to open in September 2017. It will be part of the larger District Detroit, which sits at Woodward Avenue and Interstate 75.


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