The Palace of Auburn Hills
The Palace of Auburn Hills, once a prominent landmark in the Detroit metropolitan area, stood as a multi-purpose arena primarily known as the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Detroit Shock of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Opened in 1988, the arena hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale entertainment events for nearly three decades before its demolition in 2020. Its unique architectural design and location contributed significantly to the development of the surrounding area in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
History
Construction of The Palace began in 1987, driven by the need for a modern, dedicated arena for the Detroit Pistons, who had previously played at Pontiac Silverdome, a facility primarily designed for football. The arena was the brainchild of Bill Davidson, the owner of the Pistons at the time, and was intended to provide a more intimate and fan-friendly experience. It officially opened on November 29, 1988, with a concert by Roy Orbison and a Pistons game against the Chicago Bulls. [1] The arena quickly became a focal point for sports and entertainment in the region.
Throughout its operational years, The Palace underwent several renovations and upgrades to enhance the fan experience and accommodate evolving entertainment technologies. These included improvements to seating, concessions, and video display systems. However, the arena is perhaps most remembered for a significant on-court incident: the infamous “Malice at the Palace” in 2004, a brawl involving players and fans during a game between the Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. This event led to suspensions, fines, and a heightened focus on security measures at sporting events nationwide. Despite the incident, The Palace continued to operate as a premier venue for many years. In 2017, the Detroit Pistons moved to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, leaving The Palace vacant. Following unsuccessful attempts to find a new tenant or redevelopment plan, the arena was demolished in July 2020.
Geography
The Palace of Auburn Hills was located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a city in Oakland County, approximately 25 miles north of downtown Detroit. The arena was situated near the intersection of I-75 and M-24 (Lapeer Road), providing convenient access for attendees from various parts of the metropolitan area. The location was strategically chosen for its accessibility and the availability of land for development. The surrounding area was largely suburban, with a mix of office parks, retail centers, and residential neighborhoods.
The arena’s physical footprint covered approximately 120 acres, including parking lots and surrounding grounds. The building itself was a distinctive structure, characterized by its circular design and prominent dome. The arena’s location contributed to the growth of Auburn Hills as a commercial and entertainment hub, attracting businesses and visitors to the area. The demolition of The Palace has left a significant void in the landscape, and the future use of the land remains a topic of discussion and planning within the community.
Culture
The Palace of Auburn Hills played a significant role in the cultural landscape of the Detroit metropolitan area. As the home of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock, it served as a gathering place for sports fans and a source of civic pride. The arena hosted numerous memorable sporting events, including NBA Finals games and WNBA championship series. The atmosphere at Pistons games was known for its energy and enthusiasm, with fans creating a vibrant and supportive environment for the team. [2]
Beyond sports, The Palace was a popular venue for concerts, attracting a wide range of musical artists and performers. From rock and pop to country and R&B, the arena hosted performances by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The Palace also hosted other events, such as circuses, ice shows, and family entertainment programs, making it a versatile venue for a variety of audiences. The arena’s demolition marked the end of an era for many residents who had cherished memories of attending events there. The “Malice at the Palace” incident, while negative, became a part of the arena’s cultural narrative, sparking discussions about sportsmanship, security, and fan behavior.
Notable Residents
While not residents in the traditional sense, the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Shock were the most prominent “residents” of The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons experienced a period of significant success while playing at The Palace, winning NBA championships in 1989, 1990, and 2004. Players such as Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, and Chauncey Billups became iconic figures associated with the arena and the team's success. The arena served as their home court, where they cultivated a strong connection with their fans.
The Detroit Shock also called The Palace home, achieving success in the WNBA, winning championships in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Players like Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, and Plenette Pierson contributed to the Shock’s success and helped to establish the WNBA as a growing force in professional sports. Beyond the athletes, Bill Davidson, the owner of both teams, was a significant figure associated with The Palace, as his investment and commitment were instrumental in the arena’s creation and operation. Many performers and artists also developed a connection to the venue through repeated performances.
Economy
The Palace of Auburn Hills had a considerable economic impact on the surrounding area. The construction of the arena created jobs and stimulated economic activity in Auburn Hills and Oakland County. During its operation, The Palace generated revenue through ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, and event rentals. This revenue benefited the arena’s owners, employees, and local businesses. The presence of The Palace also attracted other businesses to the area, such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, further boosting the local economy.
The arena’s demolition also had economic consequences, resulting in job losses and a decline in revenue for local businesses that had relied on event attendees. The future redevelopment of the site presents an opportunity to create new economic opportunities, but it also requires careful planning and investment. The land’s value and potential for future development are significant, and various proposals have been considered, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The economic impact of The Palace extended beyond Auburn Hills, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the Detroit metropolitan area.
Getting There
Access to The Palace of Auburn Hills was primarily facilitated by its proximity to major highways. Interstate 75 (I-75) provided direct access to the arena, with an exit specifically designated for The Palace. M-24 (Lapeer Road) also served as a major thoroughfare, connecting the arena to surrounding communities. The extensive parking facilities surrounding the arena accommodated a large number of vehicles, making it convenient for attendees to drive to events.
Public transportation options to The Palace were limited compared to locations within the city of Detroit. While some bus routes served the area, they were not as frequent or direct as those available to downtown venues. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, became increasingly popular options for getting to and from The Palace in its later years. The arena’s location, while convenient for drivers, presented challenges for those relying on public transportation. The demolition of The Palace has altered transportation patterns in the area, and future development of the site may necessitate improvements to public transportation infrastructure.