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The Little Caesar turned Big Caesar, Christopher Ilitch, on Tuesday unveiled the grandness of his new, $862.9 million Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit during a ceremony replete with speeches, videos, music and an applauding crowd.

Speakers talked of a bright future for the city, and gave shout outs to construction workers who built the stadium and the politicians who helped push it through. A row of  construction workers stood at the top of a structure watching the ceremony.

“We put our heart and soul into something truly spectacular for the people of this city, state and region,” said Ilitch, CEO of his family's company. 

The festivities ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony that included big, off-the court players including Gov. Rick Snyder, Mayor Mike Duggan, Marian Ilitch, Pistons Owner Tom Gores and Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones.

Afterward, the mass crowd poured into the arena to take a peek, including Pistons Coach Stan Van Gundy.

It was a time to celebrate a stadium that has not been without controversy. Some have debated just how much tax dollars should go toward the project. There's also been a controversy over having Kid Rock perform the debut concert on Sept. 12.

But for that moment, that talk was nowhere to be had and many in attendance marveled at the new home for the Red Wings and Pistons. 


Construction workers got some shout outs for their work.

CEO Christopher Ilitch spoke at length about the project and the challenge ahead.

Ex-Mayor Dave Bing was among the notables in the audience.

There was music.

The great #9 is never forgotten in Hockeytown.

The arena looks impressive.

The voice of the Detroit Pistons, George Blaha, was on hand.

Honoring the history of the Red Wings.

The Chevrolet entrance.