A move that has looked increasingly inevitable is about to become official, as the Detroit Pistons have reportedly agreed to move to Little Caesars Arena.
In recent months, talks between the Pistons and Little Caesars Arena operator Olympia Entertainment heated up, as the Pistons have sought to join the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings at the venue. The possibility of the Pistons moving seemed to increase several weeks ago, when owner Tom Gores suggested that this NBA season could be his team’s last at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Currently under construction in downtown Detroit, Little Caesars Arena is on track to open next fall. The Pistons’ decision is expected to be announced on Tuesday afternoon. More from the AP:
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because there had been no formal announcement. Pistons owner Tom Gores is set to appear at a news conference Tuesday with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings.
Gores acknowledged last month that the team was close to a deal to leave The Palace of Auburn Hills and start playing downtown next season. The Pistons have been in talks about playing at the new arena that is being built for the Detroit Red Wings, who are owned by Mike and Marian Ilitch. The arena site is about 30 miles from Auburn Hills.
Olympia Entertainment, a division of Ilitch Holdings, handles business operations for the Red Wings, who are in their final season at Joe Louis Arena before moving to Little Caesars Arena.
This will be the Pistons’ first permanent home in downtown Detroit since Cobo Arena, which the team left for the Pontiac Silverdome after the 1977-78 season.
Image courtesy Olympia Entertainment.
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