DETROIT (WXYZ) — Just less than a year shy of its 40th anniversary, demolition will begin on Joe Louis Arena by the end of the month, the city of Detroit tells 7 Action News.
According to the city, it's expected demolition will begin in 3-4 weeks on the former home of the Detroit Red Wings.
Internal demolition will begin first and it won't be obvious to the public. Then, by June or July, demolition to the exterior will begin. It won't be imploded like other stadium demolitions, but will be a process.
Detroit-based Adamo Group is handling the demolition on a $5.9 million contract with the city. With additional work, asbestos abatement and engineering, it's expected to cost around $10 million.
The city said demolition is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2020 and having the site finalized.
The arena first opened in December 1979 and hosted its final Detroit Red Wings game on April 9, 2017, with the Red Wings beating the New Jersey Devils 4-1. A celebration of the arena took place after the game.
The last ticketed event for the arena was a WWE house show which happened on July 29, 2017. Seats went on sale in May of 2018 with the last opportunity for seats coming in October 2018.
