Before too long, it will be time for the Detroit Red Wings to travel up north and gather for their annual training camp that has been held in Traverse City since the late 90s. In fact, the decision to move training camp from Joe Louis Arena to the picturesque surroundings of northern Michigan came from none other than legendary former coach Scotty Bowman.
“When I became manager in ’97, I said to (coach) Scotty Bowman when I played I enjoyed when training camp was in a different city and players got an opportunity to bond, whether over dinners, beers or golf,” former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in 2018. “Part of a team is relationship building.
“I heard rumblings about Traverse City. I flew into Traverse City, met with Pete Correia, saw the facilities, the wonderful downtown, the beautiful community full of Red Wings fans in northern Michigan. They roll out the red carpet.”
Just over a month from now, camp will open at Center ICE Arena along with the NHL Prospect Tournament. Via the team's official press release:
"The 2023-24 Red Wings hit the ice for the first time for Training Camp on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 21, and continue daily through Monday, Sept. 25. Red Wings players, prospects and tryouts will be divided into teams that will practice and scrimmage throughout camp, including the annual Red and White Game on Sunday, Sept. 24. Following the Red and White game, the team will remain in Traverse City and hold practice on Monday, Sept. 25 prior to breaking camp for Detroit to begin its preseason schedule. A full camp roster and the complete training camp schedule will be announced at a later date.
Ticket Prices are as follows:
- NHL Prospect Tournament (Sept. 14-17): $15 per day (general admission)
- Training Camp Practice (Thursday, Sept. 21): $20 per day (general admission) •
- Training Camp Practice (Friday, Sept. 22): $20 per day (general admission) •
- Training Camp Practice (Saturday, Sept. 23): $20 standing-room, $30 reserved seating or mezzanine •
- Red and White Game (Sunday, Sept. 24): $25 standing-room, $40 reserved seating or mezzanine •
- Training Camp Practice (Monday, Sept. 25): $10 general admission