Abandoned NHL arena, site of WWE events, transformed into high-priced $4,000 monthly residences
Reminiscing Fond Venues: A Perspective
Sporting arenas hold a special place in fans' hearts, especially ones that have witnessed legend-making moments. One such iconic venue is Wembley Stadium in London. Known for its iconic twin towers, it has hosted unforgettable events like the 1966 World Cup Final and Live Aid in the '80s. The FA Cup Finals, WWE's SummerSlam in 1992, and even NFL classics have left their mark on its history.
The modern Wembley arch stands tall in the London skyline, its first competitive sports glory going to Stevenage Borough in a last-gasp FA Trophy win over Kidderminster Harriers in 2007. Since then, it has been the venue for England Internationals, Cup finals, wrestling megashows, and NFL classics, securing its status as a sporting icon.
While some venues sustain their fame, others, like the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, face the wrenching reality of disappearance. Completed in 1979, it was home to the Detroit Red Wings and hosted many NHL games, including several winning Stanley Cups. The arena also played host to various music events and high-profile wrestling shows, like the famed Zamboni stunt by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Regrettably, the venue closed its doors forever in 2017, making way for a 25-story residential tower called The Residences at Water Square. The towering building boasts luxurious amenities like valet parking, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a rooftop lounge for its residents. However, the monthly rents are steep, starting at a minimum of $4,000 for a one-bedroom unit.
Once a symbol of sports history, the arena now stands as a residential complex, its interior a stark contrast to its glorious past. Yet, legends like Chris Jericho, who wrestled there in 2002, vividly recall the energetic crowd, the great fan base, and the iconic arena.
The demolition of such historic venues serves as a reminder of the transient nature of time, even as the memories they nurtured live on.
References:1. The Residences at Water Square2. The Legacy of Joe Louis Arena3. Detroit's First All-Glass Residential High-Rise Tops Out4. Joe Louis Arena Demolition: What You Need to Know about the History and Future
In the realm of sports, historic venues such as Wembley Stadium in London and the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit hold an extraordinary place in fans' hearts, having hosted legend-making moments and unforgettable events. Wembley Stadium, with its iconic twin towers, has played host to the 1966 World Cup Final, Live Aid, and NFL classics, among other events. In contrast, the Joe Louis Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings, was demolished in 2017 to make way for a luxury residential complex named The Residences at Water Square. Despite the demolition, the memories cultivated within these arenas live on, with live performances and sporting legends alike reminiscing about the energetic crowd, iconic moments, and the arenas' unique atmosphere.
