Oct 15, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Located in the heart of Detroit’s District Detroit neighborhood, Little Caesars Arena is one of the city’s premier sports and entertainment venues. Opened in 2017, the arena is home to both the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and the Detroit Pistons (NBA), making it a hub for hockey, basketball, concerts and world-class entertainment all year round. With its modern design, wide variety of seating options and state-of-the-art amenities, Little Caesars Arena has quickly established itself as a centerpiece of Detroit’s downtown revival.
About Little Caesars Arena
Address: 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Little Caesars Arena, often referred to as “LCA,” has a seating capacity of approximately 19,500 for hockey, 20,300 for basketball and over 21,000 for concerts, depending on stage setup. The arena is part of The District Detroit, a large-scale development project designed to bring dining, shopping and entertainment to the city’s core.
One of the most distinctive design features of the arena is the Via concourse, a glass-roofed street that runs through the venue and provides fans with shops, restaurants and gathering spaces. This unique setup blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space, creating a lively atmosphere even before you enter the seating bowl.
A Look Back at Little Caesars Arena’s History
Little Caesars Arena officially opened on September 5, 2017, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration. It replaced both Joe Louis Arena, the long-time home of the Red Wings, and The Palace of Auburn Hills, where the Pistons played since 1988.
The arena was built as part of Detroit’s downtown revitalization efforts and has become a central piece of the city’s identity. Beyond sports, it has already hosted concerts by superstars such as Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake, Elton John and Taylor Swift, as well as events like WWE wrestling, NCAA basketball tournaments and Disney on Ice.
How to Get to Little Caesars Arena
Driving: Located just north of downtown Detroit, Little Caesars Arena is easily accessible via major highways including I-75 and M-10 (Lodge Freeway). Multiple parking garages and surface lots are available nearby, many within walking distance of the venue.
Public Transit: The QLINE streetcar runs along Woodward Avenue and has a stop right at the arena. Additionally, Detroit’s People Mover offers a loop around downtown with connections to nearby parking and entertainment districts.
Rideshare: Dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for Uber and Lyft are available, making it easy for fans to arrive without worrying about parking.
Plan Your Visit to Little Caesars Arena
Opening Times: Doors usually open 90 minutes before events, though exact times may vary depending on the performance or game.
Ticketing: Little Caesars Arena uses mobile ticketing only, so downloading tickets ahead of time is encouraged to avoid delays at the gate.
Dining Options: One of the standout features of LCA is its wide-ranging food scene. Fans can enjoy everything from classic Detroit-style pizza at Little Caesars stands to gourmet burgers, BBQ, and vegetarian options. Local favorites like Atwater Brewery and Mike’s Pizza Bar add a Detroit flavor to the arena’s culinary offerings.
Amenities: The arena offers premium clubs and suites, spacious concourses and even an in-house practice rink for the Red Wings. Wide video boards, LED ribbons and in-game entertainment make for an immersive fan experience.
Little Caesars Arena Policies
Bag Policy: Bags must be no larger than 14”x14”x6”. Backpacks are not permitted. Small clutches and medical or diaper bags are allowed after inspection.
Security: Guests must pass through metal detectors and bag checks. Arriving early helps minimize wait times.
Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, professional cameras, large banners, noisemakers and weapons are not allowed.
Alcohol Policy: Guests must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase alcohol. Service typically ends midway through the third quarter (basketball) or the second period (hockey).
Re-Entry: Re-entry is generally not permitted once you leave the arena.
Inside Little Caesars Arena
LCA was designed to maximize fan comfort and entertainment. The seating bowl offers excellent sightlines from nearly every angle, with steep seating that brings fans closer to the action. The massive center-hung scoreboard is one of the largest in the NHL and NBA, delivering crystal-clear replays and stats.
The Via concourse creates a festival-like atmosphere, with its giant LED screen, shop, and dining options giving fans plenty to do before and after events. Premium options include the Players Club, Legends Club, and private luxury suites, each offering upscale dining and VIP amenities.
Make the Most of Your Visit to LCA
For first-time visitors, walking the Via concourse is a must. It sets the tone for the arena’s atmosphere and gives you a sense of Detroit’s vibrant culture. Hockey fans will love the Gordie Howe statue and Red Wings history displays, while Pistons fans can take in nods to Detroit’s basketball legacy throughout the concourse.
Families may enjoy sitting in the upper bowl, where ticket prices are more affordable and sightlines are still strong. For those looking to splurge, floor seats for concerts or club-level hockey/basketball tickets offer an unforgettable experience.
Before or after events, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Comerica Park (home of the Tigers), Ford Field (home of the Lions), and Detroit’s growing restaurant and bar scene. Greektown and Corktown neighborhoods are just minutes away and offer plenty of pre- and post-game options.
Legacy of Little Caesars Arena
Though still relatively new, Little Caesars Arena has already played a pivotal role in Detroit’s cultural comeback. As the home of both an NHL and NBA franchise, plus a steady lineup of major concerts and special events, it’s one of the most versatile arenas in the country. Its design and integration into the District Detroit showcase a city proud of its past and optimistic about its future.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re catching a Red Wings game, cheering on the Pistons, or seeing a sold-out concert, SeatGeek is your go-to for finding the best tickets at Little Caesars Arena. Compare prices, explore seating charts and plan your perfect night out in Detroit — all with just a few clicks.