Joe Louis Arena [[JLA or simply “The Joe”) is hallowed sports ground in a city whose many nicknames include “Hockeytown.” The Red Wings have won four Stanley Cups since moving to JLA from Olympia Stadium in 1979, and the arena itself deserves some credit for the franchise’s consistent success beginning in the early 90s. Thanks to the crowd noise and extra elasticity of the boards, the Wings enjoy a distinct home ice advantage. Their recent 23 game home winning streak [[an NHL record that had stood for 36 years) is a testament to this. Beyond the joy of watching a team that has made the playoffs for 20 consecutive seasons, which is the longest active streak in any major American sport, spectators are treated to good sightlines from any seat. The Joe, named after the legendary Detroit boxer, is only one of three NHL venues not named for a corporate sponsor.


But the endearing features of the Joe’s interior [[banners, statues of past Red Wing greats, and other memorabilia) are not unique to the arena’s structure. A great deal of JLA’s charm derives from the rich on-ice history. One does not laud the arena’s architecture, as was certainly the case with the Joe’s precursor Olympia Stadium. Nostalgia is the primary reason for fans’ loyalty to JLA.

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The article goes on to detail the history and planning of the JLA/civic center complex, how the designers completely botched the project and didn't heed the advice of city planners, and finally the fate of the Joe and west riverside district.

All in all, a very interesting read. Link: http://radial-logic.com/2012/03/06/l...s-arena-story/