All around Hockeytown is evidence of Detroit’s hockey spirit. From statues to buildings, there’s plenty to experience as the Detroit Red Wings enter the final round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Before the start of game one on Saturday, May 24, the iconic Detroit Tigers statue located at the main entrance to Comerica Park will get a giant Detroit Red Wings sweater in support of the team as they continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.

The sweater is traditionally worn by the Spirit of Detroit figure in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, however, a major restoration project means the statue will be cheering on the Wings in spirit only.

The jersey, which required 535 square feet of material, was made especially for the 25-foot-long, 15-foot-tall Tiger. The Tiger will be wearing the Red Wings sweater throughout the playoffs so that fans can come down and roar for the Detroit Red Wings!

“This is a great time in Detroit sports,” said Dave Dombrowski, president, chief executive officer and general manager for the Detroit Tigers. “We are so proud that the Detroit Red Wings are a part of our family and we want to support them in any and every way in their fight for the Stanley Cup!”

In addition, a larger-than-life mural completely covering the north side of Hockeytown Cafe and featuring Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Paval Datsyuk will be hung at approximately 2 p.m. today. The tribute to the Detroit Red Wings is 60 feet wide and 30 feet tall. It sponsored by Miller Lite and makes for a great backdrop for fans who want to immortalize this year’s hockey memories in pictures.

To add a new twist to playoff excitement, as the sun goes down on Saturday evening, a 20-foot projection screen will come to life on the patio of Hockeytown Cafe and the picture will become clear: the Wings are making their quest for the Cup. The outdoor screen will offer additional viewing opportunities for Red Wings fans.

Finally, local fans not familiar with downtown Detroit and out-of-town visitors can get help from the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) Ambassadors who will be stationed throughout the city to be sure everyone can find what they are looking for and get where they are going.

The DMCVB Ambassadors will be easily identifiable in their red polo shirts with the Red Wings logo. In addition to answering questions, these fans of Detroit will be handing out Detroit Red Wings buttons so everyone can show their support for our hometown team.

The DMCVB also is drumming up excitement in Detroit with banner signs on the light poles around Joe Louis Arena, on Jefferson and along Woodward in the Foxtown area. The banners will be hung today and tomorrow.

For more information about the Detroit Red Wings, please visit http://redwings.nhl.com/ .

Source: Detroit Red Wings

Web site: http://redwings.nhl.com/

Council member companies to propose new technologies to “future proof” new building

The Pittsburgh Technology Council and the Pittsburgh Penguins have announced a partnership wherein the Council is assisting the Penguins in a search for southwestern Pennsylvania’s most innovative materials, technologies and services to be used in the development of a new Pittsburgh arena. To that end, the Council and the Penguins have established a dialogue with the Council’s member companies to assess their innovations and technologies that would “future-proof” the new facility.

The Penguins and the Council jointly will explore technologies and advancements that include but are not limited to:

• on-demand televised replays and touch-screen food menus in luxury suites at the new arena.
• video technology throughout the arena
• video gaming stations
• electronic ticketing
• computerized and integrated lighting and sound systems

On April 17, a live remote video stream was webcast from the Council’s offices over the Penguins’ Web site and currently remains archived there for further reference.

(Visit http://www.pittsburghpenguins.com/techcouncil )

Pittsburgh Technology Council President Audrey Russo hosted Penguins’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing Dave Soltesz during the interview format video, and they discussed the types of innovations the Penguins desire to incorporate into the new arena. Beside the Penguin’s games, emphasis also was placed on the fact that the new facility also will be a venue for in excess of 150 shows and events each year, like concerts, ice shows, circuses and other entertainment. Council member companies were invited to view the video, and more than 400 unique visitors viewed the live and archived webcast.

Each participating Council member company thereafter was invited to submit a 200-word description detailing ways their company could provide innovative technology solutions that the Penguins could embed into the design, construction and operation of the new arena. By the May 1 deadline, the Council had received 60 submissions, which the Penguins staff is reviewing prior to one-on-one meetings that are scheduled to take place during the second and third weeks of May.

“We are looking for the latest and best advancements in technology to incorporate into the new arena and our overall business plan,” said Dave Soltesz, the team’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We are excited about the chance to work with the Tech Council and benefit from the knowledge of some of the most creative minds in the country right here in Pittsburgh.”

“The Council is very excited to be able to take part in this industrious and compelling vision for southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Audrey Russo. “This arena will serve our region for decades to come, and it will be an icon of transformation for our city and our region. The facility will be a world-class symbol of innovation and represents the Penguins’ leadership as a catalyst for change in Pittsburgh. At the same time, we are pleased to be able to bring this opportunity to our participating members as a value-added service.”

The Pittsburgh Technology Council is the first and largest regional technology trade associations in the United States with approximately 1,400 member companies within its geographic territory of 13 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its mission is to contribute to the success of the region’s technology businesses, and it focuses on developing the economic strength of several industry clusters, including information technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials and environmental technology.

Source: The Pittsburgh Technology Council

Web site: http://www.pittsburghpenguins.com/techcouncil