Louis Aguilar

The Detroit News

Detroit — Thursday's launch of the $450 million new home ice for the Detroit Red Wings kicks off with a free family-oriented event and a "synthetic" ice rink the public can skate from Saturday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 5.

The events take place at the future site of the arena north of downtown. The free "District Detroit Block Party' starts at 6 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Sibley Street in Detroit. The three-hour event will feature Detroit Red Wings Experience games, including a bounce house and several inflatable interactive games to give fans the opportunity to test their hockey skills. Detroit-area food trucks will also be on hand.

The "synthetic" ice rink is free to the public and complimentary skate rentals will be provided, according to a press release issued Tuesday afternoon. The rink will be available from 6-9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekends.

A limited number of free parking spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis in a designated lot at the intersection of Cass and Temple.

laguilar@detroitnews.com

Twitter: LouisAguilar_DN