The CCHA announced today an agreement to keep the CCHA Championships at Joe Louis Arena through 2005. The five-year deal is with Olympia Entertainment, which runs the arena.
“Joe Louis Arena and Olympia Entertainment have been a vital partner in the evolution of the CCHA and our championship tournament for the past 20 years,” said CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos.
Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Red Wings and chairman of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., which includes Olympia Entertainment, concurred with Anastos.
“Fans love college hockey at the Joe and Hockeytown,” said Ilitch. “We’ve been partners with the CCHA since the organization held its first championship game at JLA in 1982, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue our relationship with this outstanding group and its Commissioner Tom Anastos.”
Other parts of the partnership agreement with Olympia Entertainment include weekly half-hour TV and radio shows, the Fox Sports Net games, and hosting the annual CCHA Awards Banquet at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
“Just as importantly, the personal commitment from Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch and their entire staff allows this relationship to go beyond just a business deal,” Anastos said. “The energy and passion they bring to the CCHA are as important to us as their financial commitment.”
“Inside the CCHA,” which debuted on WXYT-AM 1270 Detroit in October, is the league’s new weekly radio show, hosted by Ken Kal and Jimmy Barrett. The half-hour program airs live on Tuesdays throughout the season from 8:30-9 p.m.
Fox Sports Net, in addition to its regular schedule of games, including the CCHA Championships, will be airing a 30-minute segment called “CCHA Weekly.” The show begins its 10-week run on Jan. 13 and runs through March 17.
This will be the 20th year for the CCHA at Joe Louis Arena. According to the CCHA, since the first Championship at JLA in 1982, over 1.3 million people have seen college games there, including the Great Lakes Invitational and three NCAA Tournaments.
