See The Last Images From Inside Joe Louis Arena in Detroit Before It Was Demolished
We all remember what "The Joe" was like when the Red Wings were playing, or when the Pistons were actually good... the environment was electric, and people literally stacked on top of each other to support their favorite Detroit Teams. Even attending concerts and other events at Joe Louis Arena could result in a special moment.
But now, the arena affectionately known as "The Joe" is gone now that all arena events have moved across downtown to Little Caesar's Arena. We didn't get to see much of Joe Louis after it was closed, but just before it was demolished, one Youtuber "let himself in" and documented what used to be such a special place for so many in Michigan.
"Exploring with Josh" is Youtube channel, hosted by a man named Josh who explores old and abandoned places. He's explored Swiss caves full of hundreds of stolen cars, abandoned homes in the poorest city in the country, Ghost Towns in Russia, and China's failed attempt at creating a Disney Park.
But one place you might find interesting as a Michigander is his video exploring the decimated, inner remains of Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
Josh filmed this video back in 2019, so "The Joe" had been closed for a little more than a year, and crews were just beginning the dismantling of the arena, which allowed a unique perspective. Things like signage and the remains of the scoreboard were still up.
However, furniture, appliances, seats, and even areas with carpet had been pulled up and removed by this time, too, giving it an eerie, abandoned feeling, despite construction crews still being everywhere working on the place.
Maybe the most surprising part of the video is when they make their way up to the luxury suites, and the owner's box, and the locker rooms, where you can actually see just how outdated the facility was prior to its demolition.
For the record, Josh initially walked into the building without any supervision, but eventually, he did run into construction staff that said he could be there and film with no issued... so it's not like he broke into the place and had to sneak around the whole time.
But take a trip back in time with Josh's trip through Joe Louis Arena before it was completely torn down.
What was your favorite memory of "The Joe?"
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Gallery Credit: Jacob Harrison