Could Mall Come with New Red Wings Arena in Detroit?

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- It's no secret the Red Wings want to play in a new arena, and now head coach Mike Babcock may have let the cat out of the bag as far as what else is in the works with that new venue.

During an interview Tuesday morning on 97.1 The Ticket, Babcock said despite the success the team has achieved at Joe Louis Arena, it's time for a new stadium.

However, he expressed frustration that the state government is not supporting plans to build a new arena in the city. It was not clear if he was referring to funding or other issues, but he hinted at what else could come with that new venue.

"If we want the city to come back, we ought to revitalize downtown. A big part of that's going to be the new arena, the mall and the stuff going around it, and that's very important. That's why we need the state to jump on side and the sooner the better. If we're going to revitalize Michigan, it's got to start right here in Detroit," Babcock said.

Many would welcome a mall in the downtown area.

We reached out to Ilitch Holdings for a comment on that. Their response? "We would like a new arena downtown."