DETROIT, MI - Some people are criticizing the decision to have Kid Rock, the Michigan musician who has displayed Confederate regalia, perform as the first act in the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

A protest is planned outside the concert on Sept. 12.

"Please join us as we rally against symbols of white supremacy and hate in our amazing city of Detroit," reads the description of an "Anti-Kid Rock Rally" planned at the newly built, publicly funded entertainment venue.

The backlash has moved Olympia Entertainment, which manages the arena, to issue a statement:

"We continue to offer a diverse mix of the world's best entertainers in our Detroit venues, including artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Jay-Z, Janet Jackson to Shania Twain, Big Sean to Andrea Bocelli and so many more. The politics, choices and personal views of these artists are as varied as the types of music enjoyed by our fans.

"Kid Rock has been a consistent supporter of Detroit, and the marketplace has responded accordingly to his appearances. Performing artists' viewpoints in no way represent an endorsement of those viewpoints by Olympia Entertainment."

Born in Romeo, Kid Rock has often promoted and performed in his home state.

He has also, in the past, shown the Confederate flag on stage.

Kid Rock reportedly ceased this practice in 2011, when he accepted a Great Expectations Award from the NAACP, but the association remains.

"He hasn't publicly come out and disavowed it," said William M. Davis, president of the Detroit chapter of the National Action Network, which has a history of opposing Kid Rock. The civil rights organization plans take part in protests.

"I don't see how Olympia could sanction and support someone who is so vile."

Most recently, Kid Rock has drawn some attention for cursing former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who sat during the national anthem in protest of black oppression and police violence.

"We will not stand by silently as the Confederate regalia supporting embarrassment to Detroit known as Kid Rock performs the inaugural concert at Little Ceasers Arena downtown," the Facebook events page for the Sept. 12 rally reads.

Davis agrees. He said musicians Stevie Wonder or Aretha Franklin, long tied to Detroit, would have been better choices in a predominately black city, in an arena financed with millions in taxpayer dollars.

Kid Rock is performing for six straight days at the arena, which opens Tuesday, Sept. 5 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and just last week, the arena food provider announced it will feature a Kid Rock-branded eatery, Made in Detroit.

Meanwhile, Kid Rock, a Donald Trump supporter, has been toying with a run for U.S. Senate, a prospect that has fired up fans and riled detractors. "Stay tuned, I will have a major announcement in the near future," he has hinted on Twitter.