Fans, Former Players And Others Reminisce About 'The Joe,' Anticipate New Arena (VIDEO)
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Attendees at the groundbreaking Thursday for the new Red Wings arena reflected on the history, and importance, Joe Louis Arena has played in the history of the team.
The Joe opened in 1979 and has played host to hundreds of hockey games since, and was the venue where the team won two of their last four Stanley Cups.
That was one of the best memories for Kris Draper, who said the arena had the "best ice in the league" and will cherish the "memories we created winning Stanley Cups."
Broadcaster Mickey Redmond, who played for the team himself, said he is looking forward to the new broadcast location which he heard was "going to be the best" in the National Hockey League.
WXYT broadcaster Ken Kal called the Joe an intimate building, but added that he is excited about what is happening in downtown Detroit with the new arena all the job opportunities.
Gov. Rick Snyder didn't mince words when he said won't miss the steps at the Joe, especially during winter. He is looking forward to the new facility, and said it is going to be "awesome."