  Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 20 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
i have to let everyone know that I was downtown for the MWB last night, and it really was a blast. Even though it was raining and kind of dreary, there were tons of people everywhere. I never thought that Downtown could look so full and good. I don't know why people were tlakign about parking problems. I driove right down Jefferson to Brush and then to GTown Casino's lot, and got free parking for the night. Anyone else out there go and havea ny good stories to report. BTW, love the Ben & Jerry's in CPWR. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 826 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 146.9.52.17 |
Good to hear. I was thinking about parking at work and walking downtown from the DMC/WSU Med School area but maybe I'll try Greektown instead. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 770 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.219.102.235 |
avoid lafayette exit from 375: i can see it from my place and it's been backed up every night. | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2702 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 136.181.195.17 |
That exit is always backed up for any downtown event. It cracks me up to no end to slide past everybody and cruise off the Chrysler at Congress with no problems. It was an awesome night downtown. The show at the State Theater would have been disappointing if I had paid for the tickets. Only Nickelback and Kanye showed anything, but the sound quality for Kanye was terrible. I can't wait to get my kids down there tonight and tomorrow. | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1394 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68 |
I agree. It was more the taping of a TV show than a concert. Nickelback put a lot of energy into the show, but it was highly produced. He was practically signing karaoke. | ||
Audible_nectar Member Username: Audible_nectar Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 69.246.16.180 |
"It was an awesome night downtown. The show at the State Theater would have been disappointing if I had paid for the tickets. Only Nickelback and Kanye showed anything, but the sound quality for Kanye was terrible." Still a good show for free, though - a good time, and a nice venue. Only real complaint here was the "TV Boom Cam" setup blocked our view from the upper left balcony, and yes, Kanye's set sounded the worst in terms of acoustics out of all of the bands. But it was a nice "sample" for us - as these acts aren't our usual choice or preference - but that's part of our goal of this trip - to see and sample music that we would not ordinarily see. It was worth our time - good "opening night" in the "D". And the Downtown looks very good!!!! All who worked on this should be proud - it really is the "Extra Large" version. Now only if we can get some cooperation from the weather, it will be REALLY happening down there (and it is happening even with the rain - lots of people for a Thursday). | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2703 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 136.181.195.17 |
We were on the right side of the balcony. We got up there early enough to avoid the boom camera, although late enough we were stuck way at the top. Everybody was karaoke'd for the taping, but I thought Nickelback was genuinely surprised with the positive response. I think he was expecting what Goo Good Dolls got. Can the Train guy act like "Bono of the Big Ego" any more? He kills me with his obvious copying, without the 20+ years of hard work to sort of justify it. | ||
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man Post Number: 643 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 199.178.193.5 |
Audible, did you think it was more people than in past superbowls? | ||
Docmo Member Username: Docmo Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.43.142.247 |
I am an SBXL volunteer and I had the distinct pleasure of working the snow slide yesterday. It was huge hit with the kids until Mother Nature forced its shut down. We, as the inital volunteers working the slide, did get a chance to take a ride ourselves. You get going pretty fast on that thing. Unfortunately, the adults caused to much damge to the wet snow hill and the operators soon restricted the slide to young children and gave free rides all evening. We had huge lines and soon we were moving kids thru at a rapid rate. I was very impressed. Hopefully the slide will open for adults this weekend with the snow and slightly colder weather predicted. The rest of the Winter Blast was truly a blast. The ice rink was still packed at 10:45 in the rain when I left after the Smashmouth concert. I am going back this evening and taking my wife and four other suburban friends--rain or no rain we are going. Detroit looks great and kudos to all who helped pull this all together. The crowds were quite impressive. I may try parking in the new Opera Center structure--they had quite few spaces available yesterday. It is also easy to get to coming in from Gratiot to Broadway to Grand River. Well lit and brand spanking new. As an empty nester living in our Northville McMansion, maybe one of those new downtown or riverfront lofts/condos may be in our future. The burbs have their perks, but Detroit may end up in our future for all the reasons this forum routinely acknowledges. Thank you to Lowell and all the regular posters here. As a long time lurker, I have become very familiar with many of the hidden gems of this great city. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 624 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.21.62.206 |
Bless your soul, Doc. | ||
Jltyler Member Username: Jltyler Post Number: 226 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 70.236.181.179 |
I was headed down there last night until it started raining. Hopefully the weather will let up and let me enjoy it tonite. It sounded packed on 98.7 though. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 6656 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.20 |
Docmo - If you move to Detroit your first beer as a resident is one me. | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1395 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68 |
I think the reason they got the better response is that people "bought" tickets knowing they'd be there. The other 2 bands were added afterward. I think Teairra was added the day of. | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 22 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
Does anyone have any pictures from the blast to post???? | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2704 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 136.181.195.17 |
I think a sizeable chunk of the response had to do with Nickelback's interaction with the crowd, too. The Goo Goo Dolls sang their three songs back to back, one tiny comment from the lead singer, no moving around, etc. Nickelback told the crowd they're awesome, looked around, and seemed to actually care there was a crowd there. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 5476 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.203.125 |
I went this afternoon during the lunch hour. Mobbed with people. | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1355 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
You were mobbed with people? Did it hurt? | ||
Docmo Member Username: Docmo Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.43.142.247 |
Thanks, Eric_c & Jt1 I'm unlikely to move anytime in the near future as I work in A2. Despite working in A2, I find downtown Detroit far more interesting and my wife and I do visit 1-2 times per month. My thoughts regarding purchasing in Detroit lie possibly with a second home along the riverfront. People around here are always buying a vacation place up North or on one of the many nearby inland lakes. I see potential to buy along the riverfront and use this as a vacation property, spending weekends there and walking to Seldom Blues or taking the PM to see a Tiger game. Walking to Sweetwater or Jacoby's or Greektown casino sounds very inviting. Looking out the windows at the river and Windsor also sounds very inviting. More interesting than vacationing on some Up North lakefront to me. I don't know if GM has thought of their east riverfront development in the terms of vacatiion property, but I see potential for them to market this prime real estate in this manner. As a previous boater, easy access to marinas is another positive. I am seriously considering joining the the DAC and a walk/jog home from a workout versus a 25 minute drive is another plus. I will be watching the East riverfront development very closely and maybe someday we can meet and have a couple of beers together. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 6659 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.20 |
Too bad that mass transit line from downtown to AA isn't done. IT would have worked out perfectly for you. While Detroit needs citizens it also needs non-citizens spending money in the city. Any dollar spent in Detroit is a plus. | ||
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit Post Number: 2032 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 63.149.5.130 |
I and a bunch of friends are all meeting in Indian Village at a friend's house and they we are doing the unthinkable! We are taking a bus downtown  I can't wait! | ||
Yupislyr Member Username: Yupislyr Post Number: 111 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 24.57.86.210 |
Looks like you might actually be getting snow on Saturday now. Hah | ||
Andysrc Member Username: Andysrc Post Number: 65 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
I'm planning on heading downtown Saturday morning (10-ish) and spending the day there. Would it really be better for me to take a shuttle from the Zoo or Wayne State, or is there parking available downtown. I don't mind walking a little ways once I get close. Any recommendations? | ||
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers Post Number: 1397 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68 |
Depends on where you start from, but I would recomend catching a Smart or DDOT bus if you can. | ||
Docmo Member Username: Docmo Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 68.43.142.247 |
Check today's hard copy of the Detroit News for a good map of available parking with street closures. I can't find a link to this map on detnews.com though. Metro section page 6B. Not fully inclusive though. The Opera house garage and Greektown casino garage are both open and not on the lot. I don't know about the Compuware garage; prabably open but it is kind of hard to get to when you can't cross Monroe or Woodward. Consider coming into town via Gratiot. It was open last night with not too much traffic. Michigan is also likely to be good way into downtown accessing the lots up Cass. Don't go too far down Michigan before turning or you'll end up in the wave pool or beach volleyball court of the Aloha Moto tent at Winter Blast. Grand River exit off I-75 very busy and I suspect the Lafayette exit off I-375 will also be busy. Anywhere near the Joe will be busy tonight. | ||
Caseyc Member Username: Caseyc Post Number: 579 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 206.18.111.5 |
this brings up a question I had..and I thought I saw someone allude to it in another thread but I didn't see an answer..to wit....what are they doing downtown about the open container law....are people allowed to walk around with alkeehole? is it strict? It would be nice to allow for a bit of "lax enforcement"....but I doubt that would happen. | ||
Thrice Member Username: Thrice Post Number: 68 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 207.91.250.131 |
No open container laws. They are selling beer on the street. The only place you can't bring your beer into is the bar. | ||
Bagman Member Username: Bagman Post Number: 4 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 71.144.95.174 |
that is not true....there are open container laws and if you are outside the winter balst area you could get a ticket. | ||
Llyn Member Username: Llyn Post Number: 1408 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206 |
Docmo's post made me smile. Welcome! Heading down there soon myself. Keep an eye out for me if you know me. | ||
Mj64 Member Username: Mj64 Post Number: 54 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.211.48.222 |
I drove to the city lot at First and Abbot. It cost me 5 bucks to park there and it was a four-block (or so) walk to Campus Martius. I went on Preservation Wayne's skyscraper tour this morning. The lot holds about 350 (according to the Freep), and might fill up fairly quickly if you're not there in the morning. Not sure how many of today's cars belonged to downtown workers. I got there at 9:30 and it was nearly full, so I'd bet that a lot of weekday workers use the lot. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 633 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.21.62.206 |
Hey, Doc, my wife and I live near Belle Isle and she drives into A2 M-F! Call me at the dealership in Hamtramck and we'll set you up with a nice 25,000 mile-per year lease! | ||
3rdworldcity Member Username: 3rdworldcity Post Number: 197 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.214.190.1 |
What a great time. I was there last night for 2 or 3 hours. Downtown was jammed. All the restaurants and bars were so packed you couldn't get in. Prices are sky-high but no one seems to care. Loaded w/ cops and tow trucks but the cops all appeared to be having a good time. Loaded w/ volunteers. DETROIT ROCKS. Good to see. (Ended up at Proof in the Fyfe Bldg at Woodward and Adams. Neat place..very friendly and good service under the circumstances.) | ||
Alobar Member Username: Alobar Post Number: 107 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.136.149.45 |
It indeed has been a good scene thus far. It's a bit interesting to wander around and listen in to the conversations. Lot's of folks discussing the changes to the downtown. Obviously many people who have not been here in a long time. Lots of positive responses and comments so far. The optimist in me hopes this vibe continues... or at the very least spurs some of those single gals from the burbs to finally come visit me downtown. ............ | ||
Hooha Member Username: Hooha Post Number: 80 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.81.52.188 |
Was down there all morning/afternoon; left around 4. Definitely cool to see all those people out and about. The one thing I thought was odd was the lack of parking problems. We parked in the Joe Louis garage, and there were plenty of spots there when we arrived and when we left. Maybe it was the shuttles getting rid of some traffic. | ||
Leoqueen Member Username: Leoqueen Post Number: 996 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
My daughter and I roamed the Winter Blast from Noon until about 4....it was truly a blast! We had such a good time. At one point we made our way to the Hard Rock for lunch. That was a mistake, as there was a 2 hour wait. I really wanted to sit down to some fajitas there, but we decided to look for somewhere else to eat. Before we left the line outside the Hard Rock, we struck up a conversation with two young ladies from Philadelphia. They were having a great time too. They asked about what else they could see that was within walking distance; we listed off all we could. They said that I must be from here; I said yep, and I live right downtown. They exclaimed, "you are soooo Lucky!" That was the first time in a long time, maybe ever, that someone from out of town said that I was lucky to live in Downtown Detroit. Made me feel kind of good. Then we decided to hoof it over to the Hellas for some broiled lamb chops, tzatzki and saganaki. Real comfort food. The Winter Blast was magic. I'm going back tomarrow. | ||
Jenay Member Username: Jenay Post Number: 138 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 68.41.224.19 |
MJ64: How was the skyscraper tour? I'm going to do that tomorrow. | ||
Mj64 Member Username: Mj64 Post Number: 55 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.40.177.3 |
Jenay: The tour was shorter than the ones they run in the summer -- we hit four buildings: The Dime, Penobscot, Buhl and Guardian. I had never been in any of them, so it was a good tour for me. The guides knew there stuff -- and carried around some old photos of the buildings, too. They were cool to look at. I'm definitely going to take one of Preservation Wayne's summer tours... | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2705 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.209.179.137 |
Hey, hey, it's the Historic Skyscraper Tour, mister! Wouldn't want some terr'ist reading about skyscrapers and plannin' something, you know. We hit the NFL experience tonight, and then put my wife in the van to hit a friend's show at Corktown Tavern while the boys and I walked around Winterblast so they could check out the lights. Nearly every 3 seconds, one of them was saying "Wow!" or "Look at that!" or "Cool!" Downtown was packed with people, and it was awesome. The NFL Experience was pretty good. Thankfully they had a Kid Zone in the ballroom, so the boys got to actually play something. The lines there were only a minute or two, compared to an hour-plus for the grownup games. The boys can't wait to go back tomorrow to go sledding. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 3144 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197 |
It's so funny to watch the news up this way. The forecasters are complaining that they think the snow that is supposed to come over the weekend is going to be bad for the SuperBowl. They obviously don't know that snow is probably the best thing that could happen for the Winter Blast, and they've been doing it for days, now. | ||
English Member Username: English Post Number: 485 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.7.149 |
Just in from Friday night Winter Blast (what, you guys thought I would be stuck in Tree Town this weekend? Not on your life!)... What a wonderful time in the Motor City! It reminded me of a Detroit version of Mardi Gras, with Auto Show-like exhibits in place of the parades and floats. Everyone should go! Two tips for those on a limited budget: 1) The municipal garage @ Macomb/Monroe and I-75 has $8 parking. Get there early. (I tried the casinos, but Thursday was probably the last viable day for the free parking there.) 2) A great $10 souvenir from the downtown CVS: t-shirt and mug combo. Even if you've got money to burn, you can stock up on these for the kids and your friends. Happy Super Weekend, forumers! | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 9869 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.37.236 |
What a wonderful time....right up until somebody decided to bust out their gun and fill somebody with lead just steps from Campus Martius. Essentially, some dumbass just ruined all the momentum downtown had going for it. | ||
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit Post Number: 2036 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.40.173.250 |
Sport you are so right. I had a blast tonight...what a great night and then this stupid jerk f**ks things up! | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 3146 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197 |
Awww F%ck! Now, we're going to have to hear Winter "Blasts" with the 's' and plenty of double entendres. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 484 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
If it seems too good to be true then it probably is. Downtown Detroit was surreal tonight, and then it all comes crashing down because of one asshole. I wonder if it's the same guy who shot up Hart Plaza during the fireworks a few years ago. Those fuckers need to be caged for the rest of their lives. Well at least with all the law enforcement downtown, the shooter should be caught. | ||
Steelworker Member Username: Steelworker Post Number: 558 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.79.88.251 |
I went there late friday night. I just got home it was a great feeling downtown. i went to american CONEY and there was a damn line to get in. i didnt understand that though. massive amounts of cars even when i finally left at quarter to four. went into the old intermetzzo tonight. met a \gentlemen who claim to be apart of its opening up for this week. | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 837 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 204.39.227.224 |
Winter blast was cool as hell until my friends and I wound up within 10 feet of the shooting. I have never ran so fast in my life. I am still shaking. | ||
Silverbeauty Member Username: Silverbeauty Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 69.133.93.33 |
We tried to go last night and could not find any parking. Driving around the city was so cool. I heard on fox 2 this morning that there were 250,000 people at campus martius last night. I saw tons of people walking around with open beer. I don't think anybody was ticketed for drinking on the streets. I would suggest taking one of the shuttles if you plan on heading down there tonight. The traffic moves very slowly at best. At night ther is no parking. | ||
Publicmsu Member Username: Publicmsu Post Number: 587 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 71.65.11.17 |
Gumby: Can't say that I blame you. What a horrible way to end a great night. We were in Maverick's earlier in the evening. I really hope this wasn't just a random act of violence. It's quite sad. :| | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 456 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.61.98.175 |
The shooting is terrible, dreadful, but let's try and focus how excellent 99% of this event is. I've been working all week and only got a few short lunch hour trips in so far, today will be my all day. I won't let those assholes stop me, let's get out there and represent! The sight of my city scrubbed clean and filled with smiling people brought tears to my eyes. I am a well known churl and cynic but today I am a believer. Okay. What's with the Coors LIght? Bleueccchhh. off to find my flask... | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 841 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 204.39.225.111 |
I don't think it was random Publicmsu there was an argument going on and then shots. Yeah it freaky but I won't let it ruin an overall good time. Kimmel was awesome the fre pizza and Faygo kicked butt, and we had a great meal at Nikkis and took some awesome night shots of the city (which is what probably kept us from being in the middle of the shooting. I tripped while I avoided trampling a lady and then ran in to a cop with his hand on his gun as I ran down woodward. But overall I had a great night up until that point. | ||
Yupislyr Member Username: Yupislyr Post Number: 113 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 24.57.86.210 |
Lol. There's some guy behind the live WDIV broadcast from Winter Blast with a HUGE sign that says "You must know God" or something to that effect. | ||
Leoqueen Member Username: Leoqueen Post Number: 1002 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
"Is Detroit Ready For A Renaissance?" This is about to be broadcast on the channel 4 news, with Martha Reeves | ||
Leoqueen Member Username: Leoqueen Post Number: 1003 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
It was a nice little piece. Jerry Herron spoke on how much Detroit's downtown has changed for the good, and Martha was presented as a performing artist of note who decided to stay, and is now serving on City Council. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1014 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.246.13.131 |
Looking at the CM web cam, it looks like there are a zillion people there. This is great! http://www.campusmartiuspark.o rg/ | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 69 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 66.19.18.148 |
Were some of the bands cancelled due to rain today? I was there from around noon- 1:30pm and it didn't seem like anyone was playing. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1181 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.248.7.1 |
Yupislyr, I saw these folks. With the huge crowds come demonstrations...oh well, just more people spending money and time downtown. I was downtown for four hours this afternoon. Our parking spot was in the Brush Park area and crossing into the CBD was like entering a new urban space, the sort of urban space--in terms of the actions--that I wish we had always had. So many people! Our public spaces and buildings never looked so good, and this was a cloudy day with the rain and sleet falling. Being at UM since late August, this was my first quality time spent downtown since Tiger games last Summer, and the improvements even since then have been remarkable. Downtown is being treated like it should. Finally, people have become re-acclamated with our beautiful CBD, even if it took millions in reinvestment, a national spotlight, and thousands of out-of-towners to make some of us feel comfortable being there again. There will still be suburban nutcases that only come downtown sparingly (and carrying weapons), because, you know, after Sunday, the bums will be roaming free again; but, for the youth of both Detroit and its suburbs, experiencing this sets a precedent for what a good time downtown is supposed to be like. And it wasn't just the thrill of being in the huge crowd (which will only be duplicated for occasional events), it was in the quiet moments, too, such as taking a coffee break in the Guardian building and allowing oneself the chance to take it all in (and you know what that 'it' is--that unmistakeable aura of being in such a grand space). A lot of good things are happening, and I wonder just what it will take to get this momentum to shift to more of our neglected neighborhood. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 474 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123 |
The coming of the religinazi's and their banners is just another sign that an event has arrived. They don't come unless there is a lot of exposure to a large crowd. Besides if they didn't come, I could only laugh at the people with mullets. |
