The Pistons this summer will begin a $15M arena improvement project at the Palace of Auburn Hills that will eliminate 16 suites while renovating 40 others. The total number of suites at the arena will be cut from 180 to 164. The 16 suites will be cut from the arena’s 300 level, cutting the total number suites on that level to 64. The space from the eliminated suites will be converted into a lounge for gameday ticket buyers. The 40 renovated suites are located in the 100 level area of the building. In addition, the Pistons will remodel the main concourse level of the Palace of Auburn Hills along with an overhaul of the Club West lounge located above the West Atrium entrance. The project is slated to be completed by the start of next season with no interruption of any events inside the arena this summer. Pistons officials will consider cutting more suites and making other arena changes. “We will look more closely at that next season,” said Palace Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Dennis Mannion. “It is most prudent not to do a wholesale change. It will be an evolution.” The team has hired architectural firm Rossetti, the arena's original designer, for the project and Int'l Facilities Group will provide project management consultation. Since opening in '88, the arena has undergone more than $117M in renovations.
