Olympia Entertainment Announces Agreement to
Operate and Manage the Masonic Temple

( Detroit , February 19, 2008 ) – Olympia Entertainment and the Masonic Temple Association of Detroit announced today they have reached agreement for Detroit-based Olympia Entertainment to operate and manage the historic Masonic Temple in Detroit .  The building, located at 500 Temple Street at Second Avenue in Detroit 's midtown neighborhood, has been operated by the Masonic Temple Association, a group of Masonic Lodges, since they built the structure in 1926.  The agreement goes into effect immediately.

As the largest building of its kind in the world, the Masonic Temple boasts over 1000 rooms, including two complete auditoriums: the 4,300-seat Masonic Temple Theatre and the 1,600-seat Scottish Rite Theatre, along with a third theater that can be used for stage rehearsals.

“This is a win-win for all involved,” said Olympia Entertainment President Dana Warg. “We look forward to working with the Masonic Temple Association on developing the complex by booking more events; concerts, Broadway, and family entertainment in the theatres and banquets, weddings, and other types of corporate and private events in the ballrooms and meeting spaces” said Warg.  The Masonic Temple nicely compliments Olympia Entertainment's other venues in the market,” explained Warg.  “From the fabulous Fox Theatre to the City Theatre to Cobo Arena to Joe Louis Arena and Comerica Park , we can leverage our expertise in providing the public with a top-notch entertainment experience coupled with an outstanding customer experience.”  

Over the years, the main stage has hosted performances ranging from Judy Garland to The Rolling Stones to Al Green, to the Metropolitan Opera and Disney's The Lion King.  From opera to hip hop, the Masonic Temple has served as a prime venue for many of the world's hottest entertainers.

Known as a “hidden treasure” in downtown Detroit, the Masonic Temple also has two large ballrooms and a 14 th century style chapel that can play host to ceremonies, fundraisers, banquets, trade shows and other events.  Over the years, hundreds of balls, proms, weddings and special events have taken place in this famed building.  Olympia Entertainment intends to continue marketing the various facilities within the Masonic Temple to clients both in Detroit and throughout the region.

“I am very happy to welcome Olympia Entertainment to the Detroit Masonic Temple Theatre,” said Bill Betz, president of the Masonic Temple Association.  “I believe this new agreement can pave the way for continued re-birth in the surrounding area and will ensure that the Masonic Temple Theatre remains a viable and outstanding entertainment venue.”

Under the agreement, Olympia Entertainment will manage all operations for the building, including booking, event management, marketing, catering, special events, hospitality and parking.  Prior to this new agreement, Olympia Entertainment had the exclusive booking rights for music at the venue.  Additional information on Olympia Entertainment can be found at www.olympiaentertainment.com.

Local businessman and entrepreneur, and himself a Mason, Richard Kughn assisted in negotiating the agreement and added: “It was apparent that we should search for an organization that had the experience and organizational capability to better present the Masonic Temple Theatre to the public.  After much due diligence, it was apparent that Olympia Entertainment and the Ilitch organization were the right organization to meet our objectives.  We are delighted to find a partner that enables us to build a win-win relationship.”

Olympia Entertainment is owned by Detroit entrepreneurs Michael and Marian Ilitch.  Long known for their investments in Detroit , the Ilitches own businesses in the food, sports and entertainment industries.  Other Ilitch-owned businesses include: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc., the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, and Uptown Entertainment.  In addition, Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers, and Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.