Report: Pistons to share new arena with Red Wings in downtown Detroit
The Detroit Pistons will reportedly have a new home starting in 2017.
According to The Detroit News, the team will be bidding farewell to The Palace of Auburn Hills at the conclusion of this season, when they will move into Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. That building will also be the home of the Red Wings, who are moving out of Joe Louis Arena at the end of this season.
According to the report, an announcement regarding the move is expected to be made official Tuesday.
The $732 million Little Caesars Arena is currently under construction and eventually will be the anchor of an elaborate sports and entertainment district in the city. The arena is expected to have a seating capacity of 21,000 for basketball games, which exceeds the 20,000-seat capacity at The Palace.
The two teams sharing the arena will cause a bit of extra work for schedule-makers, but it's a big move for the Pistons, who haven't played in downtown Detroit in nearly 40 years.
As for The Palace, which is located about 35 minutes north of the city, it may potentially be re-developed into an event center. The venue is expected to continue to play host to concerts, conventions and other events.
