Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Company Profile

Background

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) is a prominent organization dedicated to delivering exceptional sports and entertainment experiences to fans, guests, and corporate partners. Serving as the business division of the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers, IS+E also maintains a joint venture interest in 313 Presents, Michigan's premier live entertainment company. The company operates major venues and provides facility management services across southeast Michigan.

Key Strategic Focus

IS+E's strategic focus centers on enhancing fan engagement and regional cultural vitality through:

Core Objectives: Providing world-class sports and entertainment experiences that amaze, inspire, and unite audiences.

Areas of Specialization: Managing and operating iconic venues, promoting live events, and fostering community partnerships.

Key Technologies Utilized: Implementing advanced ticketing systems, digital marketing platforms, and venue management technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

Primary Markets Targeted: Engaging the Detroit metropolitan area and broader Michigan region, with a focus on sports enthusiasts, concert-goers, and theater audiences.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held entity, IS+E does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, the company is part of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., a diversified organization with revenues exceeding $1.8 billion as of 2007. Recent strategic partnerships, such as the multi-year agreement with Gallagher in 2022, have bolstered the company's financial position and community engagement efforts.

Pipeline Development

IS+E's pipeline development includes:

Key Pipeline Candidates: Ongoing enhancements to venue facilities and expansion of event programming.

Stages of Development: Continuous improvement and innovation in event offerings and venue experiences.

Target Conditions: Catering to diverse audience preferences, including sports, concerts, and theatrical performances.

Anticipated Milestones: Regularly hosting high-profile events and achieving increased attendance and customer satisfaction metrics.

Technological Platform and Innovation

IS+E distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary Technologies: Advanced ticketing systems and venue management platforms.

Significant Scientific Methods: Data analytics for customer behavior insights and machine learning algorithms for personalized marketing.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize event scheduling, crowd management, and customer service.

Leadership Team

The leadership team comprises:

Ryan Gustafson: President and CEO, appointed in January 2025. Previously served as Senior Vice President of Business Operations Strategy and Executive Vice President and COO.

Chris Coffman: Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, leading the corporate partnerships team.

Erika Wallace: Director of Athletics at Wayne State University, collaborating with IS+E for sports marketing initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The sports and entertainment industry is characterized by:

Market Size: A multi-billion-dollar sector encompassing professional sports, live entertainment, and venue management.

Growth Potential: Opportunities in urban revitalization projects and increasing demand for live events.

Industry Trends: Integration of technology in event experiences, emphasis on sustainability, and diversification of revenue streams.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

313 Presents: A joint venture between IS+E and Pistons Sports & Entertainment, promoting and producing concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events, and family shows at various venues across Michigan.

Levy Restaurants: Provides food and beverage services at major entertainment and sports venues, holding a significant market share in North American professional sports.

Other Regional Venues and Promoters: Local entertainment venues and event promoters competing for audience attention and market share.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant collaborations include:

Wayne State University Department of Athletics: Serving as the exclusive sports marketing agency for the Warriors, managing sponsorship sales and strategic planning for partner activations.

Gallagher: A multi-year partnership established in 2022, providing insurance, benefits, and risk management services, and featuring community impact programs benefiting the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Detroit Red Wings Foundation, and Ilitch Charities.