<P> Joe Louis Arena is a defunct multi-purpose arena in Detroit, Michigan . Completed in 1979 at a cost of $57 million as a replacement for the Detroit Olympia, it sits adjacent to Cobo Center on the bank of the Detroit River and is accessible by the Joe Louis Arena station on the Detroit People Mover . The venue is named after former heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit . </P> <P> It was the home of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League and the second oldest NHL venue after Madison Square Garden until the start of the 2017 - 18 NHL season . Joe Louis Arena is owned by the city of Detroit, and operated by Olympia Entertainment, a subsidiary of team owner Ilitch Holdings . </P> <P> In April 2017, the Red Wings hosted their final game at Joe Louis Arena; the venue was succeeded by the new Little Caesars Arena, in Midtown Detroit, for the 2017--18 season . Joe Louis Arena will be demolished, and its site slated for redevelopment . The arena closed on July 30, 2017 . Demolition was scheduled to begin in September, but Olympia renewed the lease of the arena with the city and are using The Joe as storage and offices until November . Olympia Entertainment moved out in November, and demolition is planned to begin in May 2018 . </P> <P> Joe Louis Arena replaced the Detroit Olympia, where the Detroit Red Wings had played since 1927 . The neighborhood around the Olympia had gradually deteriorated, especially after the 1967 Detroit riot . After two murders near the Olympia, Red Wings owner Bruce Norris seriously considered moving to a proposed arena in suburban Pontiac . However, the city of Detroit countered with a proposal for a new riverfront arena at one - third of the rent Pontiac was offering . The package also gave the Red Wings operational control of the arena, nearby Cobo Arena and nearby lots . </P>

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