When was the first Detroit Red Wings game played at Joe Louis Arena?
Joe Louis Arena, built between 1977 and 1979, held its first event on December 12, 1979: a college basketball game featuring the University of Michigan and University of Detroit. Fifteen days later, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the St. Louis Blues, losing to the Blues 3-2. The Red Wings have won two of their past four Stanley Cups on home ice at the Joe in 1997 and 2002. The arena has also hosted the Detroit Rockers (soccer), Detroit Pistons (NBA – temporary), Detroit Compuware Ambassadors/Junior Red Wings (OHL), Detroit Drive (AFL), Detroit Turbos (lacrosse), and Detroit Shock (WNBA – temporary).
