WWE SummerSlam's billed as Joe Louis Arena's last ticketed public event, gave metro Detroiters a chance to say farewell to the arena. Junfu Han/Detroit Free Press
Demolition of Joe Louis Arena is well underway, although there is still no word on what will replace the 40-year-old sports venue once it is completely gone next year.
Two tall cranes bearing the names and jersey numbers of retired Detroit Red Wings greats Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman arrived last week on the north side of arena and are now helping work crews dismantle the structure's gray exterior panels.
Demolition began earlier this spring on the interior of the arena, including removal of suites, concrete walkways and thousands of seats that didn't sell at public auction.