Olympia Development had a bold vision: to transform 50 city blocks into The District Detroit, a vibrant new hub for sports, entertainment, and community. But before a single brick was laid, they needed to ignite excitement, secure major investments, and pre-sell premium suites in a new arena that didn’t yet exist.
How do you sell space in a facility still under construction? The answer was to create a next-level preview experience—one that could bring the entire development to life, offering potential suite owners, partners, and press a vivid and emotional glimpse into the future of Detroit.
Olympia partnered with Bluewater to design and execute a high-tech preview center like no other. From floor to ceiling, the space was built for impact:
The District Model
A 3D projection-mapped model of the 50-block area gave guests a real-time look at future developments. Bluewater installed overhead projection, created custom content, and delivered an augmented reality experience that simulated street activity, events, and even fireworks over the skyline.
The Arena Model
A second architectural model focused on the new arena itself. Wrapped in dynamic projection, the model highlighted various entertainment experiences—from concerts to sporting events—while flanked by high-resolution displays showcasing renderings, news clips, and digital fly-throughs.
The Suite
For high-value sales conversations, a demo suite was outfitted with a full wall video display powered by 3D architectural content. Guests could view the exact perspective from any available suite in the arena. Bluewater installed the video wall, room control systems, and all AV elements to ensure a smooth, interactive experience.
The Immersive Environment
Throughout the center, videowalls, historical and cultural content, and ambient audio systems enhanced the storytelling. Bluewater provided the infrastructure, control systems, and creative content that brought the space to life and supported Olympia’s ambitious vision.
The District Detroit Preview Center became an instant success. Within just two weeks, 28 of 52 corporate suites were sold. The remaining inventory sold out well before the arena’s completion. More than just a sales tool, the space became a powerful symbol of Detroit’s future and a masterclass in immersive brand storytelling.
As Olympia Entertainment’s Tom Wilson put it: “Isn’t it just amazing in here?”—yes, it truly was.
