Proposed Athletics Complex at Orchard Ridge

Phase 1 is currently anticipated to be completed by mid-2029. This is a preliminary schedule and remains subject to design development, required approvals, and construction progress. 

With the agreement in place, the project is moving into its design phase. Phase 1 is intended to support the athletic needs of LCAAA and OCC. The building size, specific amenities, and overall layout are still being developed, so it is too early to provide a definitive description of the complex. 

A construction manager has not yet been selected. The project team currently anticipates issuing a request for proposals for construction management services later this year, subject to the project’s planning and procurement schedule. That process will help identify the team responsible for managing construction. 

Perkins+Will has been selected as the lead designer. Contracts for additional architectural and engineering services related to the interior fit-out are being finalized following an earlier procurement process. Those appointments remain subject to completion of the contracts. 

The initial lease term is 35 years, with options for LCAAA to renew in five-year increments under the terms of the lease.  

Traffic is an important consideration for campus users and nearby residents. A completed traffic study found no significant impacts to current traffic patterns or infrastructure on Farmington and Orchard Lake Roads under the conditions evaluated. That finding does not mean traffic volumes will remain unchanged or that congestion could never occur, particularly around events. The study’s conclusions should be understood within the scope and assumptions of that analysis. 

The total project cost has not yet been finalized and will be determined as design is completed. Under the current arrangement, OCC will cover its portion of the joint facility and LCAAA will cover its portion. Costs for shared elements, such as parking lots and landscaping, will be shared by OCC and LCAAA; this does not necessarily mean an equal split. Specific dollar amounts and the allocation of shared costs are not provided at this stage. 

The athletics complex project will bring all OCC athletics to one central location at the east end of our Orchard Ridge Campus on unused land that is currently grass field and parking lot. OCC is partnering with Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) Youth Hockey Club on the project and the first phase will see a softball field, field house, and hockey arena constructed. Together we’ll create an active and vibrant athletics campus that benefits OCC and the local community. 

Visual of future athletics complex site on the Orchard Ridge campus

Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club is one of the most recognized and respected organizations in amateur hockey throughout North America. Mike and Marian Ilitch, founders of the Little Caesars Pizza chain, have sponsored amateur hockey teams since 1968 and are a major reason for the club's success. Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club teams have an extraordinary tradition of winning, having captured 112 state championship tournaments and 24 national titles over its 55-year history.  While winning is always nice, it is only one facet of the hockey program.  The major goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future careers on or off the ice.  A mixture of instruction, discipline and positive feedback from outstanding coaches' aids in development that makes for a positive experience. We share many common goals and visions for our programs including supporting our athletes and students!

There are many synergies between LCAAA and OCC Athletics. Together, we can realize efficiencies in building programming and construct world class facilities for all athletes. OCC also has the immediate ability to expand its athletic team offerings via a hockey team. This partnership also presents the ability to expand OCC academic programs and create new  programming in health sciences that will present unique opportunities for OCC students and fill a needed gap in the Oakland County workforce. 

Absolutely! The project leadership team is developing a robust College and Community Engagement plan with numerous opportunities for all to learn about the project and provide feedback.

Join us to ask questions, join discussion groups and learn more at OCC's Orchard Ridge Campus, J-Building, Rm-306 on:

• Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 2-3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. 

Additional opportunities for feedback will be provided during the project. 

OCC is funding the softball field and field house, while LCAAA is funding the hockey arena. OCC and LCAAA are sharing the cost of common assets such as site landscaping and parking lots. 

OCC is not giving its land to LCAAA. LCAAA will lease the land, and OCC will be fairly compensated for its use. At the end of the lease, the land and any improvements reverts to OCC. 

This is still being negotiated. Current negotiations center around OCC operating the softball field and field house, while LCAAA operates the hockey arena. 

The first phase of the project will see the construction of the softball field, field house, and hockey arena. A vision for future phases of the project and partnership have been contemplated with assets such as athletics centered restaurants, OCC baseball fields, athlete/family lodging, athletics centered medical center, and community outdoor activities and activations among others. The agreements are only for the first phase, and any future phase buildout will follow a similar agreement and approval process.  

The first phase of the project is estimated to take three to five years from the start of design through completed construction. 

We currently do not have a name for the complex, and welcome input from our College and Community during our engagement opportunities.