Saying goodbye to Joe Louis Arena

With only two games left before the Red Wings move to Little Caesar's Arena, Al Sobotka--a lifelong Detroiter and the man who knows The Joe better than anyone--shares his fondest memories of the games and the people who made this rink so important.

[@lukecanning94]

R.I.P to the most legendary arena in NHL history. We'll miss you Joe and all your octopi!

[@iplaychelsometimes8936]

nice profile pucture buddy! lets go leafs. lets win that cup

[@gta5moneydrops842]

H3X Hockey *first round exit

[@iplaychelsometimes8936]

and who are you a fan of?

[@cassiusproductions]

Luke Canning The Octopi will continue

[@After_Dawn]

You can't confidently say that it will. This is the new NHL, and they've grown to become increasingly intolerant of having game delays from things thrown on the ice. Also, the Red Wings owner is dead and he was the one that encouraged and pushed the initiative for the octopi in the first place. It was a fond tradition while it lasted, but don't necessarily expect it to become the norm heading into the new arena with new ownership and perhaps a new structure and direction after the team had such a terrible season and need to start rebuilding.

[@dremin15]

As a Montreal fan, seeing the last game in the Montreal Forum played was the saddest thing I've seen. I can relate to you guys in Detroit. RIP Joe Louis Arena.

[@blondedzero]

Drew Minott same

[@Mohazah]

Nicholas Chamoun me 2 :(

[@brocc865]

Drew Minott don't forget rexall place

[@brandanlopez3442]

Call me Daddy n

[@leochen7472]

As a flames fan, I worry that Saddledome is goona become the next one

[@andrewj72]

RIP Joe. This place really felt like home for a long time.

[@Sosozanyway]

Living about 45 minutes from Detroit I'll always remember driving by the Joe, and I'll always remember being inside watching the Wings. Great rink, great arena, it will be missed.

[@alexwelsh3698]

At 24 years old, I have never seen my Wings miss the postseason. However, I have seen quite a few 'Syukian' dekes, a dancing wing nut named 'Mo Cheese, an old lady who knits, a blue roof, and plenty of raw octopi. Ive heard plenty of Journey, and I don't need a stop in play to sing the opening lines to 'My Own Worst Enemy'. I've been blessed to witness 6 Presidents Trophies, 4 cups and 3 Hall of Fame captains. The Joe was a big part of our childhood, and will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

[@michaeljarosz3623]

Goodbye Joe Louis Arena. Thanks for giving the Red Wings and their fans wonderful memories. You will always be remembered and never be forgotten. From a Pens fan.

[@catherineharvey6359]

I'm a rangers fan so I can't relate to leaving your beloved arena but the joe was so cool I went to 2 games and the atmosphere was amazing

[@majesticalmoose1275]

My second favorite team is the Red Wings. I love their history and I admire Gordie Howe. RIP Joe Louis Arena

[@cassiusproductions]

AL is the G.O.A.T. I'm 14, but I go to lots of games. My grandma has had season tickets since 1962. I'm going to the game tonight

[@traviscousins7414]

See you later, Joe. The spotlight of NHL history. We appreciate your history around the league as hockey fans. Never to be forgotten.

[@The_G_89]

Almost 40 years in that arena. As a Ducks fan I hated how good Datsyuk was in the playoffs. But I also loved seeing Teemu Selanne score the Game 5 Winner in OT ;). Farewell to the Joe. A wonderful arena that was filled with such enthusiastic and dedicated Red Wings fans that caused a tremendous atmosphere. Sincerely, A Ducks Fan.

[@ather4300]

I'm an Isles fan, we also lost our stadium but will probably come back, I'm hoping, this is a legendary stadium, and I'm sorry you guys are losing it. Hey hey hockey town.

[@BobbyT.]

Al Sobotka has the ice at 8 degrees and the octopus at 360 degrees.

[@andrewmassa5318]

Sad to see the building being shutdown. RIP Joe Louis Arena.

[@jasonlane7743]

One of the last great barns left. It's a shame it won't get another sniff at the cup in it's last season.

[@Wellsy977]

They May Be Leaving The Arena But The Spirt Will Always Be In The Heart R.I.P Joe Louis

[@TheGeneralZubas]

I'm gonna miss the Joe.....you gave us quite a ride!

[@caitstaffo8088]

i went to exactly 100 games there. it will always be my favorite place right by the water where you can look at Windsor. rip joe :(

[@darin9j]

Most say it's a dump, but I say it's my second home. It gave me some of the best memories I have with my dad, and I'll be forever grateful.

[@gjproductions8365]

Loved this arena, i love little Caesars arena now but this place will always be #1

[@thorsmusic9633]

Always will be remembered

[@annoyed1017]

one of the most storied buildings in the history of the NHL. the Championships, the players, the tradition. the Joe will never be forgotten. will miss the annual trips to the Joe. from a kings fan.

[@Sphinxy17]

I'm not a red wings fan but damn this is sad

[@valtterimantyla2317]

Dylan Bradford Yup.

[@SuperflySamurai88]

Once a Red Wing, always a Red Wing! RIP Joe. Thanks for the memories and to all that made it one of the greatest hockey stadiums! Just sad I never got to experience it!

[@justadude3694]

diehard wings fan from Vancouver bc since 1996. been to the joe 3 times for them. cant put it into words what that arena means to me. thank you joe louis arena im going to miss you beyond words❤

[@xBenefitx]

What an amazing perspective on the Joe.

[@kakanalexgamer231]

This made me cry :(

[@w5k425]

RIP great arena.

[@Post2Post]

Not a big Red Wings fan, but this is definitely sad. RIP Joe :(

[@razor.2.rosary]

IM CRYING.

[@248872]

😢😭😭😭😭😭😭 All my memories with the joe will always be in my heart and i will always visit it

[@TheWhiterunGuards]

I can relate to you Detroit, I was at the last game in Civic Arena. My heart goes out to you Red Wings fans!

[@jacobjahr9573]

So many memories. Even through the hard times, could always look to the Red Wings playing at the Joe to get by and still do today. Thank you for all of the great memories JLA

[@danielkephart8857]

I just recently went to the joe and watching this I'm crying

[@danglesnipecelly13]

That building is seriously a special place. I've been to about 50 games or so over many years there and I will miss it so so so so god damn much!!

[@tyler1147]

rest easy Joe. you'll be missed by a lot of people. #LGRW

[@nicholas_kingman]

As a Blackhawks,flames,and avalanche I respect this building

[@simonmarshall19]

The Joe Louis arena was amazing . 97 , 98, 02 & 08 . Great years

[@thefutureofsoccer5226]

Goodbye from a Chicago fan

[@charlesgarrett7766]

as a hawks fan I am sad to see the Joe go. time to make new memories in the new arena. and maybe some day the hawks and the wings will be division rivals once again

[@trzym855]

I'm so happy my dad took me to one of the last games at the joe just knowing I'll be able to tell my kids the stories from it and how I been to a legendary place and I tear up from this and especially the journey thing

[@Trevorious2010]

never really been a red wings fan but they sure have a lot to be proud of! that arena has seen some of the most magical moments in the NHL. but, this too shall pass and as Detroit looks ahead, the new building will play host to an infinite amount of potential magical moments! cheers

[@jacksonjung7841]

How can people not like this video?

[@PWNSdaily]

As an Isles fan, it was devastating to see the move from Nassau. I can only imagine how Detroit fans are feeling. I've never personally liked Detroit, but seeing this brought a tear to my eye.

[@mattimoquin8123]

Goodbye Joe Louis arena. Recall place destroyed me being destroyed. Same with this one too. -Edmonton Fan

[@BobbyT.]

Matti Moquin I know what you feel like. In Pittsburgh our beloved Melon arena was demolished. I miss seeing that building when I would be in the city. Our new arena is awesome, and it is probably one of the best around, but it's not the same. I still hope that we can win a Stanley Cup here within the city limits of Pittsburgh. Now that would be unforgettable.

[@RealDaBrady]

Bobby T. You guys won the Stanley cup last year. Go penguins go! Let's win it again!

[@hockeyyt7693]

The end made me cry

[@thewingedwheelwarrior2206]

Why didn't they keep the Joe? It has so many memories. From Gordie Howe's return in the all star game, to Dylan Larkin's first fight in the NHL. We'll miss you Joe. You will always be in the Red Wings Family forever

[@victoriadixon5521]

I'm happy that I got to go and see it for the 1st and last time when the leafs were there last week.

[@danglesnipecelly13]

The exciting playoff games at the joe over the years were just chilling to be at. Like the atmosphere at the joe is just ridiculous and loud

[@evanwhite326]

Goodbye "The Joe" Great memories have happened there.

[@Ry_Trades]

I just want to find Al and give him a great big hug lol

[@derekcrowe279]

I loved this arena it was amazing... gonna miss it

[@kyleluminati9848]

Good bye Joe Louis. Thanks for the memories old friend

[@alexanderlaniscek7489]

A legendary place.

[@Dcw-rp6ib]

Grew up a huge Redwings fan starting with Gordie being my favorite player and having to wear #9 no matter what sport I played (except football was a linebacker). The Joe was mainly what I got to follow as a Redwings fan great building and tons of history there sad to see it go.

[@geisha4631]

Goodbye!! Goodbye Howe's memory! From all the Finland!! We love Detroid.

[@Vvranaa]

Dj Bossman Howes memory will live forever.

[@geisha4631]

Joe Louis Arena is part of Howe's memory! And that statue at Joe Louis Arena

[@niklasklipfel6805]

I MISS IT SO MUCH :(

[@ssor8955]

I saw two games this year at the Joe Louis arena are my favorite team I love the Red Wings this is really sad

[@jerichochawls44]

All these old buildings are great. It seams like more of the seats are closer to the ice. With the new places they push the lower bowls back just to jam in a few more seats and make more corporate seating areas. The saddledome is now the oldest building in the NHL and it's not even close to the smallest seat capacity wise. It's a shame owners demand new buildings to make a few extra bucks, meanwhile they pass on ways to expand their game and brand through means of the olympics. Who knew a bunch of millionaires could make such narrow minded business decisions.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

jericho chawls I'm glad you recognize the awesome vertical seating at Joe Louis Arena. "Not a bad seat in the house" is correct but that's long gone.

[@PWNSdaily]

jericho chawls As an Islanders fan, I agree with you 100%. The design of Nassau Coliseum was amazing, and Barclay's Center is an absolute joke.

[@SuperSportSS]

The beauty of the Joe was that the suites were above the upper bowl, This naturally lowered the upper bowl closer to the ice. The last row of the lower bowl, and the first row of the upper bowl is literally 10-12 feet apart. If you have ever been to the Joe in person, you will understand why everybody they interview mentions that there isnt a bad seat in the house. We will never see anything like this again.

[@SuperSportSS]

Corporate assholes trying to impress clients at games virtually at lower bowl level while actual fans are pushed farther up from the ice, all in the name of "a great fan experience". But at the same time I understand why owners do this. ($$$)

[@Knightmessenger]

The seats in Little Ceasars Arena actually have a steeper pitch than the Joe. They're not distant like a lot of newer sports venues (cough Comerica Park) but perhaps the angle from the upper level is too high up. The designers based the seating design off Bell Centre of the Montreal Canadians.

[@briann23cgy81]

Howe, Yzerman, Fedorav, Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg. Incredible

[@plan138]

I'm glad i got to see a Playoff Game @ the Joe, it was a surreal experience for sure, to walk around and see all the history i will never forget it. i can't wait to see a game in the new barn. R.I.P. Joe Louis Arena you will be missed

[@matthewmckernan8428]

Miss it till this day.

[@notek_music]

😢Farwell Joe Louis Arena😢

[@jerimiahlion1041]

they should use it as a public rink or a museum

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Kyvuh Yep, money money money. The property is worth more than the sentimental value.

[@faaabeli3152]

2:03 that moment looks so beautiful and amazing

[@OCD450]

we love you al

[@thomaskayner6119]

Whoever call the Joe a dump has never been there it's the most beautiful place on earth

[@TiredSebas]

So many great times there it will be missed

[@eliwizevich302]

Nothing worse when then the Whalers left one of the most passionate and loyal hockey communities in America to go to Carolina

[@lousanto1054]

I don't care what anybody says...Joe Louis Arena is LOUDER than Arrowhead Stadium.

[@benspittle6113]

Played a game there in minor hockey when I was 11 and scored a hat trick. Such a great barn

[@Lemi66eux]

I'm a Pens fan, but it's always bad to lose a historical Building like this. So much history.

[@samuelcozart5924]

Avs games in Detroit will never be the same

[@Reydriel]

Dancing Dalans They've never been the same since the Avs became crap, and it looks like it'll be a few years at least before the two teams become competittive again

[@Knightmessenger]

Also, with the Wings now in the Eastern Conference, they will only play each other twice. However, a few weeks ago when the Wings hosted the Avs at Little Ceasars Arena, there was plenty of intensity and multiple fights. So maybe it will still remain an intense matchup.

[@kevinparks5220]

I remember watching the CAT when I was a little kid... It was amazing...

[@markpiekaczpiekacz912]

Love Al R.I.P you will be known MR..

[@lucasbrannon1866]

Does this guys job transfer over to the new facility?

[@Jidds]

Lucas Brannon I'd hope so

[@detroitrockcity8]

Per the Ilitches, like Bud Lynch (late PA), he has a job for life. My dad was the PA for 3-4 years around 2008-2012 because Bud was only part time and had issues reading all the lines. He didn’t need to in his 80s, but he was a staple and the Ilitches took care of their own, like Al Sabotka.

[@cecilmeredith275]

Being a Minnesota fan, I thought that the Met leaving was the worst thing that could happen. Then I heard about the Joe

[@soggynothere2438]

I know the video was from 2 years ago but Rest In Peace all the memories from the grind line to the Russian 5 back to back Stanley I’m proud to say my first time at a game was Yzerman’s 1500th he scored the first goal they beat the oilers

[@tictacktoews1984]

This is closing history. How can they close it

[@gamingguy6169]

RIP Joe Louis Arena

[@bokkebokke7]

Ducks, Blackhawks, and Panthers fan. But still sad to see it go away.

[@pikminlord343]

so touching

[@jnixx1204]

I was there their 3rd last game had a really great time

[@brettlanigan2252]

I legit cried

[@mattimoquin8123]

Jeez first recall place now Joe Louis arena

[@cecilmeredith275]

i think i teared up

[@pensavspatsfandom98]

Thanks for all the memories, Joe! From a Pens fan. My Favorite Joe Louis Arena moment: Marc-Andre Fleury's save in game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final.

[@crazykid5086]

Bye bye joe we'll miss you greatly.

[@kolton5391]

Goodbye From a pens fan

[@savageroar1020]

It's so weird watching this because I got a private tour from al because my papa Wayne is great friends with him and I got lots of free red wings stuff and he even gave us a Brendan smith signed puck and his ceiling tile is signed by Chris is good and he said he will take that with him to Lil ceasers arena

[@RiotnRespect]

Goodbye Joe. Glad my Devils are the last team to play Detroit there. Even though they don't deserve it with their play this season.

[@drmario711]

They should rename the street little Caesars arena is on to Al Sobotka Ave

[@patrickricketts9865]

Who also almost shed a tear

[@drewjohnson4355]

She was a good old barn

[@z_a_r_c_o]

All due respect to the history made in the building, and all of it's magic, but it's a new era for the wings. In a few years here there won't be a single veteran on the team who played since they won the cap last. So it makes sense, new era, new building... still sad nonetheless

[@arveenyousefy]

It's closing down..... ;(

[@fazetyler5638]

and i thought club penguin shutting down was sad R.I.P joe louis arena

[@victoriadixon5521]

FaZe Tyler both broke my heart

[@wekilluminati9505]

Kills me that I couldn't ever go to the Joe 😭

[@GodWeenSatan]

This is how legends are destroyed, money and greed!

[@Knightmessenger]

Great video but wish the older archival footage wasn't cropped to be widescreen like the feature. Tilt & Scan is just as bad as Pan & Scan.