VenuesNow 2025 All-Star Honoree: Howard Handler

HOWARD HANDLER
President
313 Presents

HOMETOWN ROOTS
‘First job in show business was right here in Metro Detroit working as a ranger at Pine Knob.’

While focused solely on Detroit-area venues and events — “313” is the city’s primary area code, after all — the Motor City has always had wider cultural significance, and the promoter and venue operator 313 Presents continues to punch above its weight, literally.

Among its recent highlights “reestablishing Detroit as a boxing mecca and paying off an investment made back in ’23 with the recently sold-out undisputed heavyweight championship fight with Claressa Shields at Little Caesars Arena,” says 313 Presents President Howard Handler. With 16,000 fans and more than $1.5 million gross, he says to expect more combat sports at the arena. Shields, a Flint, Michigan, native, has attracted worldwide interest as women’s boxing’s biggest star.

Formed in 2017 as a joint venture between Ilitch Sports & Entertainment and and Pistons Sports & Entertainment, 313 Presents also promotes events at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Fox Theatre, Comerica Park and Meadow Brook Amphitheater, continuing to work to improve the fan and artist experience.

“The Jack Daniel’s Club No. 7 at Little Caesars Arena is a great example – transforming an unused space into an all-inclusive, music-focused premium experience with exclusive access, upscale amenities, and seamless service,” says Handler. “As part of a larger upgrade at the Fox Theatre including all new seats and wayfinding, we also introduced removable seating. This allows us to expand the venue’s General Admission pit configurations, enhancing programming flexibility while preserving the Fox’s historic character. It keeps the venue competitive in delivering modern live event experiences without sacrificing its legacy.”

Going forward, Handler says the goal is to expand programming of all types – “Boxing, MMA, Women’s Volleyball, more College Basketball, hopefully Savannah Bananas at Comerica Park, new theatricals for the Fox Theatre, and more dates with emerging music genres,” he says. “It all aligns with our mission to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit.”