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Major life-changing news for Red Wings CEO Chris Ilitch
Photo credit: https://x.com/BradGalli/status/1542921818054565888
Chris Ilitch, the son of beloved late Red Wings (and Tigers) owner Mike Ilitch, is reportedly in the midst of a divorce from his wife Kelle according to reports.
According to reports, Detroit Red Wings owner and CEO Mike Ilitch is going through a divorce from his wife Kelle.
The couple released the following statement through their attorney David Mendelson:
After thoughtful consideration, we will be transitioning into separate lives and do so with love, friendship, and a commitment to our children. We have settled this matter and it will have no impact on the ownership or operation of the Ilitch businesses.
Following the passing of Mike Ilitch in early 2017, Chris assumed control over both the Red Wings and Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers, as well as Little Caesars Pizza and Olympia Development.
Nearly a decade later, and District Detroit still hasn't materialized
One of the main criticisms of Chris Ilitch has been the lack of progress of District Detroit, which was to be a $2.1 billion 650,000-square-foot sports and entertainment district around the arena.
Aside from the Mike Ilitch School of Business and a new headquarters for Little Caesars Pizza, nothing has materialized despite the Red Wings now being midway through their 8th year in the venue after the closing of Joe Louis Arena in 2017.
Ilitch was asked directly during the 2022 press conference introducing now-former head coach Derek Lalonde about the lack of progress on the district, and he responded vaguely.
There's not much beyond what we've already shared publicly.
Prior to the 1st regular season game at Little Caesars Arena in 2017, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman committed that the League would bring an All-Star Game or NHL Entry Draft to the venue, but only when District Detroit was finished.
I'd like to see the District finished. So that when we bring guests in from all over the world, they can see what the entire vision was and how it's played out."
"Whether that's two, three, or four years, when all the construction's done, we will be here with the big events, I have no doubt about that.
"Whether that's two, three, or four years, when all the construction's done, we will be here with the big events, I have no doubt about that.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4 | 217 ANSWERS Major life-changing news for Red Wings CEO Chris Ilitch Who should bear the brunt of criticism for the lack of progress in District Detroit? | ||
| Chris Ilitch | 79 | 36.4 % |
| City of Detroit officials | 43 | 19.8 % |
| Both | 84 | 38.7 % |
| Outside factors | 11 | 5.1 % |
| List of polls | ||