Mike and Marian Ilitch long were fans and supporters of the Detroit Red Wings. They advertised with the team, had season tickets and relished attending games.
The early 1980s were good for the Ilitches, who had a budding pizza empire in Little Caesars. The times were awful for the Wings, as season after season saw them win in the 20-game range. After three decades as owner, Bruce Norris let it be known he was willing to sell. The Ilitches won the bidding war with an offer of $8 million -- and set to restoring the team to glory.