Pistons and Wings together forever?
by Apocalyptic0n3 on Aug 9, 2010 10:52 AM CDT
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Per Detroit Bad Boys, MLIVE is reporting that the Illitch family wishes to buy the Pistons and move them to Detroit.
As we all have heard, I am sure, Karen Davidson put the Pistons (and Shock, who moved quite quickly to Tulsa) on the market almost immediately after her husband, the great Bill Davidson (coincidentally, the only owner to win a championship in 3 different pro leagues), passed away. Since then, many have speculated that an out-of-towner would purchase them, perhaps even moving them to Las Vegas. With how quickly the Shock moved to Tulsa and were dismantled, I think it would be logical to think something like this is possible.
Looks like Detroit sport fans are in luck, though. As was rumored (and prayed for by many a Piston fan), Illitch has said that he wishes to purchase the Pistons and move them to Detroit , likely paving the way for the City of Detroit to finally approve and contribute some cash to a new arena for the Wings (and now Pistons) who would be playing a total of 82 games in the arena. Not only that, but it would also give the Wings a temporary home at the Palace while the new arena is built. We all love the Joe, but I doubt anyone will deny it is long past due that the Wings moved on.
Either way, this will be a huge buy for the city if it happens. Illitch would own 3 of 4 pro teams in the city, as well as Olympia Entertainment and Palace Sports and Entertainment as well as the Palace and DTE/Pine Knob. With that kind of real estate under the Illitch family's control, we might even be lucky enough to get another sports team (likely a minor/d league team) playing at the Palace.
Davidson says she wants the team sold before the opening tip off for the 2011 season, so expect to hear more soon enough.
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that would be sweet
and wow golddig much Karen Davidson ?
The Red Wings will come back stronger
RESTORE THE ROAR 2010 Detroit Lions
I like the move
Getting a new arena downtown would be awesome. I don’t understand why the Wings would play at the Palace though. Why not just play at the Joe until the arena is built? Is it a matter of signing another lease with the city?
Pretty sure the lease thing was the case earlier, not sure whats up now though. I agree though, I’d rather stay at the Joe than move to Auburn Hills. Would be cool, the Pistons moving to Detroit makes the city the fifth in the nation to have all four major sports teams playing in the city proper.
The only thing I don't like about a two-sport stadium
is that I’ve heard the constant changing from hockey to basketball and vice versa can affect ice conditions, especially when there are home games on the same day.
by handsomerob1 on Aug 9, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
There are worries that the Joe may not be physically fit to handle much more use. If the Wings want to continue playing in there, I’ve head estimates as high as $20 million to retrofit the Joe for sustained use. It makes no sense to retrofit when there’s a new stadium so close. I could see the Wings playing a season at the Palace in an effort to save money.
I have no idea what the new lease says, though, so it may not even be possible at this point.
by Apocalyptic0n3 on Aug 9, 2010 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Should probably make a mention that I was unaware he also won a championship as owner of the Vipers (greatest hockey team ever minus the Wings) and was also part owner of the Fury. Davidson won championships in 4 different leagues. Multiple championships in 3 separate leagues, too. No matter how you look at that, that is freaking impressive.
I’m surprised no one cares about the fate of the Palace…
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Wings play at the Palace for at least one season to see if it’s a good fit for them, plus it will give Illitch time to figure out the long term plans of both organizations.
And I quote: "Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans" - ralphgoblue
One of Illitch's motivating factors in this deal
is bringing the Pistons downtown. Word is that the city will only approve a new stadium if the Pistons and Wings are going to share it. The Wings would likely only spend a year or two at the Palace before moving into Little Caesars Arena (because, let’s face it, that’s what it will be called).
Damnit, I hope not. Really, there will be two of the most storied franchises in pro sports sharing the same building. I would love to see something like Spirit Arena/Pavilion (named after the Spirit of Detroit, obviously).
The Joe and The Palace are both in the top 5 of arena names in pro sports right now. You can’t do something crappy like that with the new one.
And word is that Ilitch is interested more in getting his hands on DTE than anything. Sounds to me like he’s got something up his sleeve for it.
by Apocalyptic0n3 on Aug 9, 2010 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
DTE alone would be worth buying the Pistons
That’s a valuable chunk of property right there. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s 99% hands off with the Pistons (he’s not much of an NBA fan), with that 1% used solely for signing checks.
I was just going to mention DTE
The main reason for this deal is real estate
In life, a man is either the hammer or the anvil. Ndamukong Suh is both
Pride of Detroits village idiot
He’s definitely going to have a monopoly in this South East side of Michigan…but you know, I’m not complaining. The ’Wings will get a well deserved new arena and Pistons will be staying in Detroit (Michigan).
And I quote: "Detroit Bad Boys is full of HOMOS ,JACKASSES and NON-sports fans" - ralphgoblue
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