Hockey fans are streaming into Detroit's Joe Louis Arena to pay their respects to NHL great Gordie Howe.
The Hall of Famer and Red Wings legend, who died Friday at the age of 88, will lie in repose Tuesday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. ET, in honor of his iconic No. 9 jersey. However, the Howe family said it will not turn away those who arrive late to share their condolences.
MORE: Iconic images of Gordie Howe
Today, Joe Louis Arena serves as funeral home for visitation for Mr. Hockey. Gordie Howe lies in state here. #9RIP pic.twitter.com/KoBwDJaGXY
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 14, 2016
Mark Howe said he told JLA people, "if there are still people here at 9 pm, we're not closing it. Dad wouldn't have." Visitation for #9RIP
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 14, 2016
After paying their respects on the ice, visitors will have the option to make their way to the concourse level to view the Gordie Howe statue or share a memory of Mr. Hockey with the Red Wings video team.
Fellow hockey great Wayne Gretzky, former Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman and Detroit general manager Ken Holland are among those in attendance.
MORE: Howe's death brings remembrance of career, impact of Mr. Hockey
Howe's funeral, which is also open to the public, will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
Howe suffered a major stroke last year and minor strokes more recently, though the experimental stem-cell therapy he underwent reportedly helped improve his quality of life. As he began to experience declining health and dementia, he lived with his four children on a rotating basis until his death.
Howe played almost exclusively with the Red Wings during his 26-year NHL career with the exception of one season played with the Hartford Whalers after a six-season stint in the WHA.
During his time in the WHA and NHL, he played in 2,421 games, scored 1,071 goals and had 1,518 assists for 2,589 points in addition to winning four Stanley Cup championships. The Saskatchewan native played in more professional hockey games than anyone in history and is the only player to have competed in the NHL across five decades.