The Pistons and Henry Ford Health System on Friday announced a new multi-use facility that will "house corporate headquarters, a new practice facility, and a comprehensive sports medicine facility managed by the health system," according to Vince Ellis of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. The proposed site of the Henry Ford-Detroit Pistons Performance Center is in New Center, two miles from Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons will join the Red Wings starting next season. Palace Sports & Entertainment Vice Chair Arn Tellem estimated the 100,000-square-foot project would cost around $50-60M in what was "promised to be the best facility of its kind in the league." The plan is to "begin construction this summer" and to open before the '18-19 season. The Pistons are the "latest franchise to either build a new facility or propose a new place" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/25). Tellem said, "In every sense, Detroit will be our home. We intend to build something all Detroiters will be proud of." In Michigan, Aaron McMann noted the Pistons will "continue to practice and operate" at The Palace of Auburn Hills during the '17-18 season (MLIVE.com, 2/24). In Detroit, John Gallagher noted Henry Ford will "become the official health provider for the Pistons beginning with the next season" as part of the joint development. The Pistons' new HQ will "bring 200 to 250 Pistons-related employees to New Center." The facility will be "privately financed and will be owned by the Pistons organization." Detroit-based Rossetti architects will "serve as the lead architects" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/25). Gallagher wrote the Pistons' move could "equal or exceed the importance of other recent downtown relocations" in Detroit, such as the recent move by Microsoft to the One Campus Martius building (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/25). Lagardère Sports negotiated the deal on behalf of Henry Ford Health System (THE DAILY).
