Kid Rock's Christening Of Little Caesars Arena Brings Out Scores In Protest [VIDEO]
DETROIT (WWJ) - Well over a hundred people turning out Tuesday evening in opposition of Olympia Entertainment's decision to open Little Caesars Arena with a string of Kid Rock concerts this week.
About 150 protesters upset over Kid Rock opening tonight at Little Caesars Arena are on the march up Woodward Avenue. Details @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/JJu9lrImXM
— Jon Hewett (@JonHewettWWJ) September 12, 2017
Among the protesters was Reverend Charles Williams II of the National Action Network.
"We have come today to send a message to Mike and Chris Ilitch ... to Little Caesars ... to Kid Rock -- we will not be disrespected.
Kid Rock opening the venue is a "slap in the face" to Detroiters," he said.
The crowd is growing for opening night @LCA_Detroit. So far, protests of @KidRock have been without incident. Details @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/RsNFTQv4zM
— Jon Hewett (@JonHewettWWJ) September 13, 2017
Detroit Police Deputy Chief Elvin Barren spoke about the demonstration -- which he said has been peaceful, despite some agitation.
"The masses of people here, they ignored that ... ignored that rhetoric and stuck to what the cause was out here - a peaceful event," said Barren. "They got their message across, and it was heard, people could understand what they were here for - look at the numbers who came out. And again, no incidents, so we have to recognize that this city, this community understands the value in; One, getting your message heard and two, doing it in a respectful manner."
The protesters marched a few blocks north on Woodward Avenue up to the arena without incident.
Tuesday was the first night of a six-night concert series by performer Kid Rock -- opening the recently completed Little Caesars Arena.