Members of Midwest Steel and Ironworkers Local 25 and honored guests signed the last piece of structural steel to be placed at Little Caesars Arena, future home ice of the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday August 4, 2016. A ceremony took place Thursday to mark the placement of the final piece of structural steel for the roof of Little Caesars Arena. Olympia Development of Michigan says the piece of steel, in keeping with tradition, bears the signatures of the project's ironworkers.(Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)
The Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) - The new home of the Detroit Red Wings has reached a construction milestone.
A ceremony took place Thursday to mark the placement of the final piece of structural steel for the roof of Little Caesars Arena. Olympia Development of Michigan says the piece of steel, in keeping with tradition, bears the signatures of the project's ironworkers.
The arena is scheduled to open in 2017 after the Red Wings play a final season at Joe Louis Arena. It's part of an entertainment district being built north of downtown.
Mike and Marian Ilitch co-founded Little Caesars in 1959 and bought the Red Wings in 1982. Mike Ilitch bought the Detroit Tigers in 1992.
Ironworkers celebrate the last piece of structural steel hoisted into place at Little Caesars Arena, future home ice of the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016. A ceremony took place Thursday to mark the placement of the final piece of structural steel for the roof of Little Caesars Arena. Olympia Development of Michigan says the piece of steel, in keeping with tradition, bears the signatures of the project's ironworkers.(Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)
The Associated Press
Emerson Tucker, Iron worker, local 25, gives a thumbs up during the âtopping outâ ceremony as members of Midwest Steel and Ironworkers Local 25 cheered as the beam completed the framework of the massive venue in Detroit, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016. The ceremony took place Thursday to mark the placement of the final piece of structural steel for the roof of Little Caesars Arena. Olympia Development of Michigan says the piece of steel, in keeping with tradition, bears the signatures of the project's ironworkers.(Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)
The Associated Press
Inspector Philip Herout signs the last piece of structural steel placed at Little Caesars Arena, future home ice of the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday August 4, 2016. A ceremony took place Thursday to mark the placement of the final piece of structural steel for the roof of Little Caesars Arena. Olympia Development of Michigan says the piece of steel, in keeping with tradition, bears the signatures of the project's ironworkers.(Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)
The Associated Press