Joe Louis Arena Hotel

Joe Louis Arena is located in downtown Detroit Michigan and home to the Detroit Red Wings professional hockey team.  There are few traditions in sports that compare to those in the game of hockey. One such tradition is the throwing of octopi onto the ice at Red Wings games. Ever wonder how it started? 

The octopus first made its appearance on April 15, 1952, during the Red Wings' Stanley Cup playoff run.  Two Detroit brothers, Pete and Jerry Cusimano - storeowner's in Detroit's Eastern Market - threw the eight-legged cephalopod on the ice at Olympia Stadium. Each tentacle of the octopus was symbolic of a win in the playoffs. Back then, the NHL boasted only six teams, and eight wins (two best-of-seven series) were needed to win the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings swept the series that year, and the Octopus has come to be the good luck charm ever since.  The tradition carried over to Joe Louis Arena on opening night in 1979 when several found their way onto the ice.

 For more information about the Detroit Red Wings and Joe Louis Arena, click here.

Looking to make a night or weekend of it?  Experience the newest Sheraton of the Motor City while enjoying winning savings over the Detroit hockey home games listed below.  Simply click the 'Book Now' button above to book our best available rates today!