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Pistons' Extreme Home Makeover: Palace Announces at Least $13M in Renovations

The Palace of Auburn Hills—home to the Pistons and lots of big concerts—is getting a huge, at least $13 million renovation this off-season.

Deeee-troit, makeover. It's time for the Pistons' home to get a big overhaul this off-season.

Palace Sports & Entertainment, owners of the Palace of Auburn Hills — home to the Detroit Pistons, is spending $13-15 million on renovations for the sports and entertainment arena.

Improvements include remodeling the main concourse, renovations to the private club, suites and VIP areas, improvements to lighting and sound, and adding Wi-Fi for fans. 

The Palace says events currently booked at The Palace throughout the summer months will go on as scheduled.

The Palace opened in 1988, and has undergone improvements over its history. Last year, its owners updated the West Atrium entrance, expanded the Pistons' locker room, lounge and training areas and refreshed the media work room, and installed in-arena theatrical lighting system. In 2006, a $30 million, 65,000-square-foot Comcast Pavilion was completed. 

This next round of remodeling will include:

  • Remodeling of the main concourse
  • Remodeling of the 100-level suite concourse
  • Renovation of Club West – located above the West Atrium entrance
  • Renovation of 40 suites throughout the building
  • The removal of 16 300-level suites and construction of a full-service open-air lounge
  • Remodeling of the VIP/Administration entrance
  • Continued updates to entrances at both the West and East Atrium
  • Installation of a new air-handling system
  • Updates to furnishings, lighting and sound systems in all Palace hospitality areas
  • Installation of fan-friendly Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Installation of concourse digital menu boards
Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey July 11, 2012 at 06:13 pm
What do you think of the planned upgrades? Needed? (I wish it would help the Pistons win...)
Concerned July 11, 2012 at 06:46 pm
I think this is great news. Hopefully it will keep the Pistons in this area and also draw more people to the venue.
Joshua Raymond July 11, 2012 at 06:48 pm
This article sheds some light on Scott Wruble, the Vice President of Information Technology at Palace Sports & Entertainment, who helped upgrade IT for the Tigers. Clearly Tom Gores means to run a strong organization and updating facilities is an important component of that.
http://www.scmagazine.com/home-field-advantage-the-detroit-tigers-and-lancope/article/35614/ What interests me most is the Star Trek transporter technology to be used to quickly get guests to their suites.
Mack July 11, 2012 at 06:56 pm
Needed or not, the reason we come to the palace is for the event. Until the Pistons starting winning, I won't be visitng the Palace to watch any games.
windy mom July 11, 2012 at 07:33 pm
Mack- We should support the Pistons win or lose!
John Hetzler (Editor) July 12, 2012 at 06:14 pm
The Palace is undergoing an upgrade - now what moves do the Pistons need to make to improve?
Timothy Rath (Editor) July 13, 2012 at 04:05 pm
It's time to trade Tayshaun Prince! As much as we'd like to see it happen, the Pistons aren't "in it to win it" next season — with young, promising players like Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond, we need to allow them patience and time. However, Tayshaun deserves better. He's been a good player on a championship roster for a long time by NBA standards and I'm sure he'd love to play in meaningful games again. Give him a chance.
Derek Tellinghuisen July 16, 2012 at 03:38 am
the upgrades don't make a difference for me, I will continue to support the Pistons and go to as many games as I can no matter how bad they are! GO PISTONS!!!!!

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Barbara Barnes June 14, 2013 at 03:01 pm
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Beverly June 13, 2013 at 12:02 pm
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Yes, the Oakland Press had this list.
Clara T June 12, 2013 at 10:07 pm
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Scot Beaton June 9, 2013 at 09:43 pm
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