If you live in the frosty state of Michigan, then you’re probably no stranger to the enthusiastic spirit of Hockeytown. The cold weather is in full swing, and so is Detroit Red Wings Hockey!
The state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena (LCA) opened in 2017 as part of a project aimed at revitalizing Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood. Here, you can experience the thrill of live events in The District Detroit. Home to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, LCA hosts an array of sporting events, concerts, comedians, and family shows.
Whether you are cheering on your team or enjoying a world-class performance, LCA is the ultimate destination to create unforgettable moments. Today, we’re sharing all the must-know information to help you enjoy family outings at the new arena in the heart of Detroit.
On Event Day at LCA
Start by choosing your event or home game and scoping out your seats before heading downtown. Then, buy your tickets! Although ticket prices vary from $25-190 for Red Wings games, children under two may sit on your lap, free of charge. Select seats in the arena will be most accommodating for your children.
If you have a choice, try to sit in a location where constant trips to the bathroom won’t bother surrounding patrons (like end-of-row seats). Avoiding the higher bowls will eliminate the need for carrying small children up and down the many steps.
For most concerts, family shows, and Detroit Pistons games, LCA offers accessible floor seating which can be accessed via the Southeast elevators located between Mike’s Pizza Bar and The Mixing Board, across from Portal 9.
Get Into the Red Wings Spirit
If part of your day job involves long strolls down the aisles at Target, you might want to take note! Purchase Red Wings game apparel at a discount from big box stores. Show support in other ways like teaching your crew the “Let’s Go, Red Wings!” chant on the way to the game or perhaps making a courteous homemade sign to display at the start of the game and during breaks.
Take a Tour
Enjoy a 60- to 75-minute arena tour, which curates an authentic experience and also allows room to explore VIP areas at the home of the Red Wings. This could be your chance to scope it all out without the hassle on game day and sneak a peek behind the scenes.
What to Pack
LCA prohibits bags that are bigger than 14”x14”x 6”. Hard-sided bags of any kind are also prohibited; diaper bags and medical bags are allowed. You may want to pack hearing protection for your children, your cell phone (and make sure that all your tickets are downloaded and ready for Ticketmaster’s mobile ticketing technology at the door!), and cash as the LCA is a cashless venue.
Where to Park
LCA provides a parking guide to help locate the best parking places in the area. The arena even offers online parking reservations, so you can save your spot and know exactly where to go ahead of game day. Nearby, there are parking decks that are affordable and conveniently located.
For Dads at LCA
If your husband is going to a hockey game with his kids in tow, he’s going to need a cold brew. While you’re at, get him some good old fashioned “man food.” Keeping Daddy happy on game day is easy at this state-of-the-art facility!
Budweiser Biergarten & Lounge
The infamous Budweiser Biergarten & Lounge has “Daddy” written all over it! The Budweiser Biergarten is outside the arena between Portals 17 and 18. Enjoy a large outdoor area that features a spacious patio and lawn area for various public and private events. Also, they boast a glass-enclosed, four-season pavilion bar–the Budweiser Lounge–which has a retractable roof and walls to accommodate all types of weather.
Hockey Food
Bring on the pizza! LCA offers a variety of eateries and restaurants any family man is bound to love. Whether it’s a classic round pizza pie from the Little Caesars Kitchen or nachos you can’t get enough of, the dad in your crew won’t go hungry on game day at the home of the Red Wings! Other venue choices include traditional concessions, as well as Mike’s Pizza Bar, UWM District Market, Bell’s Tap House, and The Mixing Board.
In-Game Experiences
If you’re feeling extra for this family outing, plan ahead and leave a nice message on the video and scoreboard. Alternatively, really surprise him and set him up with a surprise Zamboni Ride or Penalty Box visit! His children will watch their hero in awe.
Presented by the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation, this special program allows fans to make a moment unforgettable during Red Wings home games. With a monetary donation, guests can have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation message on the videoboard during intermission.
Did I mention you’re attending a live Detroit Red Wings Hockey game at LCA with your family?! Daddy is ALL GOOD.
For Kids at LCA
When it comes to Detroit hockey and experiences, LCA takes care of kids. Children of all ages get to have the same great experience as their grown-ups.
First Game or Concert Certificates
Grab your kids an official “First Game!” or “First Concert!” certificate, which is available at the Kids Club kiosk outside Portal 14 through the first intermission. Following intermission, these certificates can be found at the Guest Services Offices. Your kids will have a take-away to remember this special day!
Hockeytown Heritage
Learn the history of Hockeytown, celebrated through various artifact exhibits, interactives, and artwork. Don’t miss a photo opportunity next to hockey legends like Gordie Howe or a stroll down the walk of fame. Seek out the arena’s one-of-a-kind organ, and it’s one-of-a-kind organ player! Spend time between periods enjoying touch screen exhibits and more.
Kids Club Membership
Fans can join the 2025–2026 Kids Club and become part of the official youth fan club of the Detroit Red Wings. This season, members receive an exclusive Centennial merchandise pack filled with Red Wings swag. Members have access to special perks and experiences throughout the year. Parents and guardians may purchase a Kids Club membership at the booth located outside Portal 15 during home games.
For Moms at LCA
Keeping mommy happy is the hardest part of all. Let’s face it: we all know she’s more focused on keeping this family outing functional. LCA provides amenities which allow mothers to worry less about logistics and more about enjoying the event with the people they cherish most. To help Mama accommodate the needs of her family outside the home, LCA provides many “mom-conscious” conveniences!
Healthy Food
LCA provides grilled chicken and a variety of grilled options of food throughout the arena. Healthy options can be found throughout. Search for the St. Joseph Mercy Health System Healthy Choice logo on menus around the arena.
Nursing Mothers
For the comfort of nursing mothers, there is a “Mothers Room” located on the street level concourse outside Portal 20. This location includes a sink, microwave, refrigerator, and private, curtained areas with electrical outlets. Breast pumps are permitted inside the arena.
Sensory Room
LCA is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through its partnership with KultureCity, ensuring a welcoming and supportive experience for guests with sensory needs. Event staff are trained to recognize and assist guests experiencing sensory sensitivities or overload.
Sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards are available. There is no charge to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the event environment. Strobe-canceling glasses and weighted lap pads are also available upon request. You can pick up at Guest Service Offices located at Portals 10, 20, and 67.
Maybe You’re Not a Wings Fan (Maybe You’re Crazy!)
Our Detroit Red Wings are showcasing their best seasons in years! They are competing for a playoff spot and sitting in a strong divisional position. Recent offensive struggles and mixed results have tempered momentum as they approach the Olympic break. Playoff positioning is still favorable, but the team will look to build consistency and possibly add reinforcements as the season progresses. But maybe that’s not your thing?
Maybe you’re not into hockey (maybe you’re crazy), or maybe you’re not a Red Wings fan. Perhaps you’ll take part in Detroit Pistons basketball games or Disney On Ice. Little Caesars Arena has something for everyone. From girls to boys, toddler-aged or ready to hit the rock show, Little Caesars Arena provides entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Michigan is deeply rooted in a culture that celebrates hockey. LCA provides an atmosphere that promotes the sport and a family-style vibe to enjoy it in. Little Caesars Arena provides a family encompassing atmosphere, every single time!
