Red Wings to wear commemorative patch for farewell season at The Joe

The Red Wings will say goodbye to Joe Louis Arena in style next season.

The team announced on Thursday plans for the Farewell Season at The Joe campaign, which includes a commemorative emblem marking the building’s 38-year history. 

The logo will be worn on the Red Wings uniforms during the 2016-17 season — the team’s final year in the arena.

“The Joe will always hold a special place in our hearts,” president and CEO of Olympia Entertainment Tom Wilson said. “Our fans will never forget the championships won on the ice and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime performances on the stage. We know our fans have cherished memories of nearly four decades here at The Joe, and we’re excited to celebrate and relive those moments one last time as we continue preparation for the future at the Detroit Events Center.”

Along with the newly designed logo, the Wings will hold celebrations honouring the four Stanley Cup championships (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008).

The Red Wings hold an NHL-best .639 home winning percentage and have posted an all-time record of 803-412-119-69 at Joe Louis Arena.

Detroit’s new arena, which will cost $627 million to build, is currently under construction. Located around the Cass Corridor, near Ford Field and Comerica Park, the new arena will seat 20,000 spectators.

On Thursday, a Detroit businessman sold the domain name www.littlecaesarsarena.com for “five figures”, fuelling speculation about the name of the Red Wings’ new home.