Own A Piece Of Detroit Sports History

STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - The seats were once filled by sports fans in one of Detroit's most famous sports venues. Now, you have the chance to own a piece of history from Olympia Stadium.

Olympia Stadium, also known as the Old Red Barn, was a landmark for sports fans in Detroit. Built in 1927 on Grand River Avenue, the venue was first home to the NHL Cougars, who in 1932 were re-named the Detroit Red Wings. The Olympia was also home to the Detroit Pistons and minor league hockey teams. It served as the stage for the International Boxing Club and professional wrestling, with regular visits by the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades.

After the stadium closed in 1979, the seats were removed from Olympia and relocated to COBO Hall, where they have been used and stored until now. During the recent remodeling of COBO Hall, the seats were then moved and secured.

Now, Detroit City Sports has a limited supply of the seats, available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis in a warehouse sale on Saturday, July 30, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Steve Graus, owner of DC Sports, said the seats have some wear and tear but are highly collectible.

"Its gonna be there are a couple seats that have a 7 on the back, or a 9 for Gordie Howe. Those will probably be at a little bit of a premium but great items to get autographed. You know, I think I even got my sights set on keeping one of those."

Graus said he has about 300 to 400 seats for sale.

"These were called the promenade seats, which as I understand, were the first few rows. They were portable seats, at the corner of the arena at the Olympia."

The Olympia seats will be available for purchase starting at $125 for a single seat, but are also available to be purchased together as doubles, triples or quads at a discounted price.

If you are interested in purchasing a seat or would like more information about the seats and the location, please contact DC Sports at 586-566-8331 or email stevegraus@comcast.net. You can also go to DetroitCitySports.com to view the seats or make a purchase.