Joe Louis Arena in Detroit will be open all day for Red Wings fans, and the entire hockey community, to pay their respects to "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe.

Groups lined up around the corner long before the arena doors opened, but it wasn't just fans who arrived early. Wayne Gretzky, Scotty Bowman, Steve Yzerman, Ken Holland, Jeff Blashill, and Al Kaline were among some of the first to file through the receiving line, and to impart condolences on Mark, Marty, and the entire Howe family.

(Photo courtesy: Getty)

Inside the building, Howe's No. 9, and the four championship banners he helped the Red Wings win hung over Mr. Hockey's closed casket.

NHL.com historian Dave Stubbs described the scene as breathtaking, calling it every bit the equal of memorial services for Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Jean Beliveau.

Guests lined up inside are receiving this visitation program:

Outside hangs a tribute poster for fans to sign, and express sentiment for Howe.

The doors will remain open until 9 p.m. ET, and likely well beyond.

Howe's funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET at the Cathedral of Most Blessed Sacrement in Detroit.

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