In Detroit, Michelle Munoz noted renovations at the Pistons’ The Palace of Auburn Hills include “an improved locker room; a new lounge, saunas and spas for the players; new dressing rooms for performers; and a new floor on the basketball court.” Palace Sports & Entertainment President Dennis Mannion said that these “are just some of the changes to come in a rebranding effort at The Palace.” Pistons VP/PR Kevin Grigg said that “about $9 million has been allocated for renovations and enhancements” (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 12/23). Also in Detroit, Terry Foster wrote the theme of The Palace “seems to be newer and hipper," in hopes to lure a "sluggish fan base blasé about the upcoming season.” Among the changes are that late owner Bill Davidson’s name “is no longer on the court” (DETROIT NEWS, 12/23).
BALANCING ACT: In Sacramento, Dale Kasler reported a Southern California company “won court approval Thursday to buy Power Balance LLC and will continue negotiating to keep the Power Balance name on the Sacramento Kings' arena.” Power Balance attorney Marc Winthrop said that a bankruptcy judge in Santa Ana “cleared the way for Hanyang LLC to purchase Power Balance.” A source said that the new owner “was trying to negotiate new financial terms with the Kings” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/23). Also in Sacramento, Tony Bizjak reported city officials said that they “will wait until January to solicit private company interest in leasing downtown garages as part of an arena financing deal -- despite a push by the mayor's office to move more quickly.” Assistant City Manager John Dangberg said that city staffers “were initially looking at Dec. 22 as the potential date for soliciting private company interest but moved the date to Jan. 9 after consultants advised waiting until companies have offices up and running again in the new year” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/24).
ON YOUR OWN: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said that Bradley Center, “which is trying to find ways to generate additional revenue in support of its tenants, has the ability to raise money ‘on its own merits.’" In Milwaukee, Don Walker wrote that is Walker's “way of saying the Bradley Center shouldn't necessarily count on any kind of public support.” The governor’s Press Secretary Cullen Werwie said in an e-mail, “There are a lot bigger issues facing the state right now than the Bradley Center, (and) the governor is going to continue focusing on those issues” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 12/23).
