 
Dtwflyer
Member
Username: Dtwflyer
Post Number: 57
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:30 pm: |    |
So I had the fortune of scoring tickets to a Pistons home playoff game last week against the Bulls. I hadn't been to a game out at the Palace in probably 5-6 years.
Well, inside the building its a great atmosphere, but everything outside of there and everything before tip-off and after the final horn is terrible.
Why? Because it is stuck out there with NOTHING around it. The irony is amazing. Everyone sits in a huge traffic jam on I-75 getting to the game, with a majority not even getting there in time for tip-off since they were fighting rush hour traffic headed to Northern Oakland county. 10 times worse if its a Friday night game, fighting the Up North crowd leaving town. (Not me, I know the back way up Squirrel & Opdyke).
Then, everyone has to pay to park in that vast ocean of a parking lot surrounding the building, then dodge idiots driving way too fast through the parking lot while walking into the place.
So as the game goes on, depending on if its a blow out or not, people strategize on when to leave in order to "beat traffic." People start bolting in the 3rd qtr, just so they don't have to sit in the lot 5 minutes so they can zip out of there on I-75.
Once at your car, you just zip out of the lot which has direct access to the on-ramps to I-75 and everyone is on there way home.
The worst part is, this is what you have to do! With the exception of Hoops, which runs a shuttle, but its just a stand-alone bar wedged next to I-75, you are forced to hop in your car as soon as the game is over. Nowhere to meet up before or after the game. No way to linger around. Also bad since it causes all those who've been downing $8 beers at the game to immediately jump in their cars.
I go to a lot of Tigers games and a few Wings games, and its 1,000,000 times better to be able to hang out downtown before & after the games. So much more to do, get a bite to eat, get some more drinks, hit the casino, or even get a hotel room to make a full night of it and not have to worry about driving home.
Seriously, the Palace displays exactly what is wrong with this region - poor planning that overly emphasizes the use of the automobile!
<end> |
Detroit_stylin
Member
Username: Detroit_stylin
Post Number: 4161
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:34 pm: | |
I agree... |
Gotdetroit
Member
Username: Gotdetroit
Post Number: 50
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:49 pm: | |
I think you're preaching to the choir here.
So, yeah, I agree. It's a great facility in a shitty location. |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 850
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:50 pm: | |
Scotiabank Place in Ottawa has the exact same problem: arena with parking lots and an off ramp near the highway. It stinks.
I am a big hockey fan but I will only attend one or two games a season due to the hassle and parking situation. I will likely attend the same number of Senators games as Tigers games this year: 1 (and I live in Ottawa...). |
Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc
Post Number: 2493
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:51 pm: | |
I always had a miserable time at the Palace. At every event, we had to strategically park our car, then plan our exit, and sprint through the lot just so we wouldn't get stuck in a traffic jam.
Going to games (and drinking $7 beers) is a lot more fun when you get to take public transportation home. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1272
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:56 pm: | |
yeah, but we're stuck with the Palace for at least a couple more decades...love it or leave it...perhaps when they build a new arena in 2030 they'll plan it a little better... |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 937
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 3:58 pm: | |
Love it or leave it is a jingoistic statement. I think what you're trying to say is like it or lump it. |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 822
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:04 pm: | |
The Palace is already 20 years old. It won't be around another 30 years. It seems like arenas have a life expectancy of no more than 30 years nowadays. Anybody remember the Silverdome? lol. |
Zephyrprocess
Member
Username: Zephyrprocess
Post Number: 391
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:05 pm: | |
In a couple decades, perhaps the development around OU will have sprawled up as far as the immediate area around the Palace. |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 2792
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:08 pm: | |
Amen, Dtw. That sums up the list of complaints very well. The only thing you didn't mention is that is just plain far from the majority of the population. 33 miles from downtown Detroit. At least 20 miles from anywhere south of 8-mile, although there are few if any roads that can get you directly there, so it's more like 25+ at a minimum. Taking the shortest but not quickest possible route (Telegraph), it's over 40 miles from people who live downriver/south of I-94, and it's over 45 miles from Ann Arbor. Who does this location benefit??? Next to nobody. Even if you live with a mile or two of the place, you couldn't walk because you'd get killed trying to cross highways. It doesn't even have advantages for those who are in the "neighborhood," other than the fact that those people will actually have something to do nearby (at their homes) before/after the game, since there are no activities in Auburn Hills that make a Palace event an experience. The rest of us know damn well that our pregame/postgame activities will be a 30-90 minute drive, which rules out having enough drinks at the game to forget the fact that you're in northern Oakland county. |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 823
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:19 pm: | |
>Who does this location benefit???
The oil companies. |
Swingline
Member
Username: Swingline
Post Number: 824
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:20 pm: | |
The Palace, built in the late '80s, was at the tail end of a 30 year trend to locate sports arenas outside of CBDs. The thinking was that locating closer to the ticket buying customers would improve attendance. The economics of sports was different in those days and revenues were driven largely by ticket sales.
Things have changed, and now revenue from television, luxury suites and concession sales play a role that is just as or maybe more important as ticket sales. The Palace was the last of its trend. Dozens and dozens of arenas have been built since then and 95% of them have been built in CBDs.
The Palace organization is very well run, and Detroit is lucky to have Mr. Davidson as owner of the Pistons. From management on down, the man knows how to hire winners. The inside the arena experience is first rate too. But yes, the isolated location and captive parking really suck. Sold out crowds and/or bad weather can create 30-45 minute waits to get out of the lot. Then, plenty of folks have to drive another 45 minutes or longer if they live Downriver or on the west side. Pretty unappealing. But it won't change for a long long time. The Palace is a cash cow and well maintained. The Olympia lasted, what, about 55 or 60 years. The Palace will last far beyond that. |
Dtwflyer
Member
Username: Dtwflyer
Post Number: 58
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:21 pm: | |
Yeah the whole distance thing was implied, based on the driving deal. I had some friends come out there to the game from Ann Arbor and they were dreading the ride home at 11:30pm on a stormy/rainy night.
Anyone care to refresh my memory as to how the Palace ended up there specifically. I know that it was during that time when surburbanites didn't want to come to the downtown, and other cities were too building their stadiums in the middle of acres of asphalt out in the boonies too. But seriously, what a horrible idea the Palace was and truly has become, seeing what it could be if it weren't there.
Plus its not even like bars & restaurants nearby get a boost from the Palace, even if there were any. Since its so car-focused, no one even stays in the area. And when there aren't any games, that places is DEAD at night. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1275
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:23 pm: | |
"The Palace is already 20 years old. It won't be around another 30 years."
Probably not...but it will probably be around another 20 at least...btw, they just invested $30 million in it to build that glass pavilion and I've heard there are more renovations in the works...it's also very well designed with all those suites...
http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/seventhings_comcastpavillion.html
(Message edited by thejesus on May 23, 2007)
(Message edited by thejesus on May 23, 2007) |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 938
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:26 pm: | |
What kind of suits? Armani? Or just that Men's Wearhouse stuff? |
Dtwflyer
Member
Username: Dtwflyer
Post Number: 59
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:27 pm: | |
The other thing that I found to be very interesting was during the TV coverage of Game 1 on Monday night.
Anytime TNT went to a commercial they would show outside shots of the Ren Cen, downtown, Greektown, Comerica Park, the Fox. Every single piece of footage was from downtown, almost attempting to give the appearance that the game was indeed being played in downtown Detroit.
Yeah, as if there were any wonderful shots to show of Auburn Hills, ha! |
Bearinabox
Member
Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 199
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:29 pm: | |
For what it's worth, nearly everyone I've talked to who lives in that area absolutely loves the Palace's location and can't understand my obsession with downtowns. To them, downtowns are where you speed through with locked doors and shit your pants every time someone looks at you funny. Not saying all north Oakland residents feel this way, but the ones I've talked to about this overwhelmingly do. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1276
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:31 pm: | |
dtwflyer:
I don't find that interesting, nor do I think the network had a motive to mislead people...it's customary to show aerial shots of a city's most recognizable landmarks during sports broadcasts...
people in other places watching the game can give two shits about this silly ass city v. suburbs feud that people in metro Detroit have |
Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc
Post Number: 2494
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:33 pm: | |
The Palace's location was chosen to minimize Bill Davidson's helicopter commute from Bloomfield Hills. It has the be the worst-located arena, including New Jersey. I've never had an otherwise fun event be such a chore. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1277
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:34 pm: | |
Bearinabox:
I'll second that...Oakland county residents love it (which wasn't the case w/ the Silverdome)...and for all the negative things people have to say about it being located in the 'burbs, the location doesn't seem to be affect Davidson's business...that arena has done well ever since it was built...it gets the bulk of the concerts and other events in the area too, even though there are other options available...so I guess he did something right
(Message edited by thejesus on May 23, 2007) |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 939
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:44 pm: | |
Brave words suitable for a mighty epitaph: "He did something right."
(Message edited by detroitnerd on May 23, 2007)
(Message edited by detroitnerd on May 23, 2007) |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4373
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 4:53 pm: | |
Bill Davidson is now in his 80's... I wonder what it will be like post-Davidson? |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1278
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 5:03 pm: | |
I don't know, but billionaires tend to live long lives for some reason...just look at Max Fisher...
(Message edited by thejesus on May 23, 2007) |
Clark1mt
Member
Username: Clark1mt
Post Number: 79
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 5:22 pm: | |
Don't forget a few things:
-Bill Davidson's business, Guardian Industries, is pretty much next door to the Palace. I'm sure that influenced his choice of location.
-The Pistons were already playing at the nearby Silverdome.
-Auburn Hills was only 5 years old as a city. It certainly provided all kinds of incentives as the city attempted to build an identity. |
Ddaydave
Member
Username: Ddaydave
Post Number: 470
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 5:38 pm: | |
this is also one of the worst venues for concerts also ..
if you have great seats you have to show your ticket 2 or 3 times to get back to your seat every time you grab a beer or pee .. and every time I go to a show I always run into an old friend and we always end up talking where you cant see the band ...and then after the show I`m they herd you out like a bunch of cattle to wait in a traffic jam ..
I`ll take a show downtown over the palace any day and bar after in downtown midtown or corktown.. |
Rjk
Member
Username: Rjk
Post Number: 719
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 5:39 pm: | |
"Things have changed, and now revenue from television, luxury suites and concession sales play a role that is just as or maybe more important as ticket sales."
Davidson was on the cutting edge of revenue from suites when The Palace was built. No other arena back in the late 80's had anywhere close to the number of suites that were at The Palace if they had them at all. As far as bringing in revenue he was a maverick and a model for other sports owner to follow even to this day.
He's such a genius about entertainment venues that it even enabled him to get his name on the Stanley Cup. He saw the arena down in Tampa Bay as such a financial moneymaker that he wanted to purchase it. The problem was that it was a package deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning being part of the purchase. He wanted the arena so bad that he did in fact buy the Lightning and they won the Cup some year later. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 747
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 5:50 pm: | |
The Palace: Home of the Detroit Pistons of Auburn Hills.
Seriously, they should change their name. Or be like the Warriors: The Great Lakes State Pistons. ha. |
Terryh
Member
Username: Terryh
Post Number: 298
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 6:02 pm: | |
Agree 100%. We have way too much urban sprawl. I guess thats the price we pay for liveing in free market society. Have to keep the money flowing at the expensive of the environment. There are some cases in which cities and townships stand up to overzealous greedy developers who want to tear into trees and wetlands to make stinky factories and snobby exclusive sub-divisions. |
Wolverine
Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 325
Registered: 04-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 6:21 pm: | |
I hate having to pay to park there. It's different having to pay to park in the city for a sports event, because I can either find a cheaper spot nearby or walk there. But the palace gives little or no options of getting there. Only one choice for X price. |
Mrjoshua
Member
Username: Mrjoshua
Post Number: 1354
Registered: 03-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 7:01 pm: | |
Keeping in mind the continued renaissance of Detroit's CBD, what are the odds of the Pistons returning to a downtown location in the next decade or two? I find it absurd that they're still called the "Detroit" Pistons (as Rhymes notes above). |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4376
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 7:10 pm: | |
Colorado Avalanche, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Michigan Pistons... |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1279
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 7:17 pm: | |
Mr. Joshua:
They'll probably return to Detroit but probably not for a while since the stadium is in really good shape, and certainly not under Bill Davidson's ownership...the worst thing that could happen is that Davidson lives for another 20 years and decides to build a new arena during that time way the fuck out in Lake Orion... |
Dbc
Member
Username: Dbc
Post Number: 48
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 8:04 pm: | |
Yep, terrible location.
There's nothing like sitting in traffic on the expressway, exit ramp, and parking lot and doing it all over again mere hours later.
Professional sports stadia belong in their urban centers, where you can grab a beer and a bite to eat before and after the game or get a little good old exercise actually walking around and getting to and from the game. Going to the Palace is a sterile, uninspiring endeavor. |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4378
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 10:09 pm: | |
I have to admit that I have never been to the Palace (and was only at the Silverdome once for a Rolling Stones concert that sucked because of the poor sight lines).
If memory serves me correctly, one of the ways that Bill Davidson got Pine Knob, was to coerce them by letting them know that he was going to build a similar "bowl" type venue behind the Palace.
There is that big mound of dirt behind the Palace. What is that all about? Land fill? Future ski slope? Or what? Is that owned by Davidson? |
Clark1mt
Member
Username: Clark1mt
Post Number: 80
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 10:37 pm: | |
It's a landfill. |
Dtwflyer
Member
Username: Dtwflyer
Post Number: 60
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 12:01 am: | |
Its a landfill, and it has gotten significantly taller in recent years.....fitting that its directly adjacent to the Palace.... |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4383
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 12:16 am: | |
Are we talking a trash landfill? Or just rubble and dirt? Wondering if there is any "lingering aroma"... |
Illmatic774
Member
Username: Illmatic774
Post Number: 90
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 1:20 am: | |
so the only hope for a change in location would be time, resulting the the death of Davidson?
I've never made it to the Palace, and I probably never will thanks to where its at. It's a shame, as I heard that it is actually a great place to watch a game (especially for an 80's stadium) |
French777
Member
Username: French777
Post Number: 172
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 6:55 am: | |
Yeah the PALACE has had almost no economic impact |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2342
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 9:04 am: | |
You all are a buch of louts. It is where it is because it is Mr.Davisdons money and he can build it where ever he damn well pleases.If y'all don't like it buy the team and buld it where ever you like |
Johnlodge
Member
Username: Johnlodge
Post Number: 457
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 9:08 am: | |
I don't see the Palace going anywhere anytime soon. After it was built, many arenas copied its ideas because it was so successful. One of the main reasons, the number of suites available with decent views. They are huge money makers for the Palace. The location is crap, but think how much he saved just paving acres of land instead of having to build structures in a city proper. I just don't see it going anywhere for awhile. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1282
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 9:52 am: | |
"I just don't see it going anywhere for awhile."
Nobody does...there's one idjit who said something earlier about it being at the end of its 30-year life cycle, but they always posts dumb ass shit...
Most likely it will be around for some time...I just hope Davidson doesn't live long enough to decide to build another arena in Oakland county... |
Alexei289
Member
Username: Alexei289
Post Number: 1310
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 10:59 am: | |
... If theres nothing to do before and after the game... then people have no choice but to come when the game starts, and leave when it ends.. |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 945
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 11:41 am: | |
Yes, it's their team to do what they like with it. And we, since we don't own the team, can't do anything.
Except, uh, until these "team owners" want us all to bend over backward to finance their new stadia. Then it's OUR team. |
Kevgoblu
Member
Username: Kevgoblu
Post Number: 6
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 12:33 pm: | |
Great point about OUR team, Detroitnerd. It doesn't seem to matter how many "Fire Millen" posters I see at Ford field, the owner doesn't seem to listen. I'm still (hopefully) waiting to see a team owner's security guard chasing a fan in the publically subsidized stadium because of a unpopular sign. That was the highlight of the season!
Back to the subject at hand. Its playoff time and I've got tickets, so traffic jam...here I come! |
Chitaku
Member
Username: Chitaku
Post Number: 1363
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 12:41 pm: | |
the hallways at the Palace are painfully thin, at the Bulls game it was like herding cattle |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 984
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:11 pm: | |
The biggest problem there is that there is one concourse for all 22,000 people. Other arenas, especially baseball, realized the problem with this and have separate concourses, and only mix upper and lower in much larger common entrance/exit areas. |
Perfectgentleman
Member
Username: Perfectgentleman
Post Number: 860
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:31 pm: | |
You can all say it sucks but clearly there are hundreds of thousands of people who go there every year who disagree. At least there are no panhandling bums in the parking lot!
 |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4386
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:37 pm: | |
Yeah, those 3 seconds of NOT saying "sorry I don't have any change" are WELL WORTH being stuck in a snarl of stop and go traffic in a parking lot for 45 minutes!
DUH!!! |
El_jimbo
Member
Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 174
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:38 pm: | |
I've been to the Palace and I hate it. I just happen to like the Pistons. Just because someone goes to the stadium doesn't mean they like it. How many people go to Tiger games but don't like CoPa? |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 834
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:42 pm: | |
"At least there are no panhandling bums in the parking lot! "
Yeah, they're replaced by parking attendants... who cost even more! |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 947
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:50 pm: | |
Good point El Jimbo. It's called not having any choice.
Or, I guess 1 billion Chinese people all love Communism. |
Perfectgentleman
Member
Username: Perfectgentleman
Post Number: 862
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:55 pm: | |
No huge arena is going to be easy to get in and out of and paying for parking is par for the course no matter where the place is located. Jeez. |
El_jimbo
Member
Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 175
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 2:56 pm: | |
I remember a few years back when the Pistons played the Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. My dad and I had tickets for a wednesday night game. It started at 8pm. At the time we lived in South Lyon. Normally this is a somewhere between 30 and 45 minute drive to get from South Lyon to Auburn Hills. We decided that if we left at 6 that two hours would be plenty of time to get there, get parked and get situated in time for the game to start.
We cruised along just fine, got onto northbound I-75 and a few miles before the exit...BOOM. it was like hitting a brick wall. We sat there...and sat there...and sat there. Oh so slowly creeping along. Eventually we made it through all the traffic, got parked, got inside and got to our seats. The time...8:30pm and we had already missed the majority of the 1st quarter.
From that day on, I decided that I will never attend another Pistons game at the Palace...at least not on a weekday. |
El_jimbo
Member
Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 176
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:01 pm: | |
PerfectGentleman,
Joe Louis holds roughly the same as the Palace, Comerica Park holds twice as many people, Ford Field holds over 3 times as much, and Michigan Stadium holds over 5 times as many people. I have NEVER had the problems I had getting into the Palace at any of these other venues.
The only other venue that I've had a worse problem was in 1996 when I went to the Silverdome to see the Lions play a Monday Night Football game against the Bears. Gee, I wonder where that stadium is located? |
Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc
Post Number: 2504
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:02 pm: | |
quote:No huge arena is going to be easy to get in and out of and paying for parking is par for the course no matter where the place is located. Jeez.
Verizon Center is actually a piece of cake to get out of. |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 1286
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:04 pm: | |
El_Jimbo:
There's a "back way" that few people from Wayne county know about...I know you said you lived in SL but you seem to come the same way...
When going North on I-75, just pass the sign that says "Palace exit" and drive another 2 miles north on I-75 and get off at the Jocelyn road exit (same one as Great Lakes Crossing), then turn right and follow the sign that says "to Palace"...
it's insanely quick...we figured this out two years ago after my company scored season floor tickets from one of our "vendors"...I hadn't been there for a while after that, but then I went to the game on Monday and we took this way again and it was still as quick and painless as ever
(Message edited by thejesus on May 24, 2007) |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 986
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:08 pm: | |
I have been able to leave the Pepsi Center in Denver, United Center in Chicago, and Quicken Loans in Cleveland fairly quickly, without any of the strategizing required at the Palace.
Again, I attribute this to the Palace being designed with only one, NARROW, concourse for all 22,000 people.
Too bad I can't stand all of the teams that play in those buildings. |
Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4387
Registered: 08-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:11 pm: | |
I agree Thejesus, it is quicker, but it's still an extra 5 or 6 miles you have to drive! That would be like going to a game downtown from the far eastside, but going around the westside MCS train station (which is 2 miles west of downtown) first!
(Message edited by Gistok on May 24, 2007) |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 987
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:11 pm: | |
Yeah, the "back way" is money. Also the ramp entrance/exit from the 75 ramp. Let's not tell EVERYONE about it though ;) |
French777
Member
Username: French777
Post Number: 174
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:24 pm: | |
Why would some1 not like CoPA |
Detroitnerd
Member
Username: Detroitnerd
Post Number: 949
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:26 pm: | |
Less bleachers, setbacks too far |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 2799
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 4:15 pm: | |
What's really bad about the Palace area is that the huge road and spread out area is not conducive to parking competition. Even if zoning laws allowed it (and I doubt they would since Auburn Hills owes most of its life to Davidson), a massive parking garage across the street (highway) would be a difficult proposition because who will want to try to cross that highway and then walk through the Palace parking lot? Still, I would love to see what happened if someone charged $9 for parking across the road.
So, PG, are you contending that someone from, say, Wayne County, who has to make a 70 mile round trip costing $10-20 in gas, and then pay $10 for parking, should have peace of mind when it comes to dropping up to $30 just to get to the Palace because of the fact that they probably won't see a bum? Yeah totally worth it. If I go to Comerica Park I spend a $3-4 on gas, park in the street, walk 4-5 blocks, and if I run into a bum perchance I drop a dollar. And the scenery is better. And I'll have some options for dinner afterwards. That's a good time. |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 989
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 5:11 pm: | |
I seem to remember you're not even allowed to walk onto the grounds, is this the case? |
Awfavre
Member
Username: Awfavre
Post Number: 121
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 5:25 pm: | |
Interesting discussion. I have the sad misfortune to live about 6 miles from the Palace off Jocelyn Road (I absolutely hate the area & would really love to be downtown where I can see the boats & the river 24/7, but family reasons don’t allow me that luxury  ).
As a “local,” I hate Pistons game nights – especially during the playoffs. Traffic is bad on a good day, but it’s a complete nightmare on game days. Having said that, I second what Thejesus & Focusonthed have said about getting off at Jocelyn Road. People who sit on the freeway to get off at Lapeer Road lose more gas in idling & lose so much more in patience & lost game time than what it costs to go the extra two miles to Jocelyn (Lapeer Rd is Exit 81, Jocelyn is Exit 83 – only two miles’ difference). I marvel at the people who sit so long barely moving from almost the University exit all the way to Lapeer, when they could get in the left lane & scoot around pretty quickly, by comparison. But as a “local,” by all means, please avoid Jocelyn everyone!
As for the arena, I used to go there for Fury games, & it wore on me quickly. It just feels like it has no personality. Say what you want about the Joe, but it’s always been an interesting place to me. Also, I have a prodigious posterior, & the lower bowl seats are uncomfortable for me because of the cupholders. Silly & a minor annoyance to no one but the fatties like me, but it’s enough to keep me from going there regularly.
Back in the summer of 2002, my best friend & I went on what we called the Great Sports Adventure. We tried to hit every professional & semi-professional sports franchise in the State of Michigan: hockey, baseball, football, volleyball, soccer, etc. (didn’t seem too bad until we realized just how many semi-pro football teams there are out there). We managed to see all but a few of the semi-pro football teams. It was an eye-opening experience, visiting all the different venues across the state. After seeing all the different offerings for concessions, entertainment, & so on, as well as the atmosphere in the various arenas & stadiums, the Palace seemed quite boring. My favorite concession stand was for the semi-pro football team that played in Redford behind the Detroit Diesel factory – they had the best BBQ! My favorite team mascot was the one for the Downriver Diesels: a huge diesel semi truck (no trailer).
But I digress. Sorry to thread-jack, Dtwflyer.
(Just remember to avoid Jocelyn, everyone.) |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 2801
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 5:42 pm: | |
Focus, that would explain a lot, and just speaks volumes about the fact that you are literally in captivity when you go to the Palace. |
Trainman
Member
Username: Trainman
Post Number: 403
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 7:37 pm: | |
The reason is because we do not have a taxing mechanism to pay for mass transit and the political will to fight for mass transits fair share of the fuel tax. Without county and local tax increases such as sales, income, property, mass transit is just a dead issue and will never happen. Of course unless someone can think of a way to pay for it at the fare box. There is not a single mass transit system in the USA where this is done. So, lets all get to work and tell our leaders to get our transit providers and industries to do more by filling the SMART and DDOT buses. |
Scs100
Member
Username: Scs100
Post Number: 1053
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 8:14 pm: | |
Trainman, there is a bus that goes to the Palace. Enough said. |
Diehard
Member
Username: Diehard
Post Number: 54
Registered: 03-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 8:38 pm: | |
What honks me off the most about the Palace's location is that basketball is the one game that appeals immensely to less-than-wealthy kids living in Detroit, and they put it out where it's almost impossible to get to if you don't have a dependable car. Can you imagine how many kids would LOVE to go watch their heroes play, but not only can they not afford the tickets, they can't even get there. |
Waxx
Member
Username: Waxx
Post Number: 173
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 3:55 pm: | |
I agree with the majority of the people said about the Palace. Beautiful, atmospheric but the location sucks! And some people I know bitched about why the Pistons have the Detroit name and they play out in Auburn Hills?!? Some have said that it should've been called 'Auburn Hills Pistons'. Now I personally think that if the Pistons wanted 2 score some brownie points, as it were, they could move into the old Tiger Stadium and save some cash instead of buying off lands and properties and building a new stadium from the ground up. Last I heard that last deal with the-dare I say it-condenmed Tiger Stadium fell through, so maybe it'll work maybe it won't. It'll be closer to home for most of us, and like most b-ball teams in the U.S., the Pistons can actually play in the city again. From what I was told, their last game was in the late-70s and they went to the Pontiac Silverdome. They came 2 JLA one time in '87 when the roof of the Silverdome caved in after a very nasty storm. And the silverdome was so huge, the Pistons game took up half the football field...... Hope something happens soon. |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 991
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 4:31 pm: | |
Mark my words, the Pistons will NEVER play at Tiger Stadium. I will put $1 million down on that. |
Vetalalumni
Member
Username: Vetalalumni
Post Number: 50
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 8:57 pm: | |
I saw the Detroit Pistons play in the Pontiac Silverdome many years ago. The basketball court was on one half of the football field with a huge temporary wall/curtain covering up the other side. I thought it was ridiculous.
I was in the nosebleed section and could not catch any player details. Having never been to the Palace, I must assume fans have a clear view of the players and the action. If a fan is so far away that they cannot see fouls occurring, then they are to far away. Especially at the exorbitant ticket prices paid to support the team Owner's profit margins.
The old Olympia Stadium (tore down) was one of my favorites. Granted, though it did not have the best in terms of amenities, it did have a warm place in many hearts and many great Red Wings memories. Concerts were great as well.
Sure hope something positive happens to the old Tiger Stadium. I've heard that some movie scenes have been shot in there. |
Waxx
Member
Username: Waxx
Post Number: 175
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 25, 2007 - 9:56 pm: | |
Focusonthed, just thinkin' out loud with the Tiger Stadium bit. the Olympia, on the other hand, even though I'm too young 2 remember their last few games, I do remember passing by on Gd. River and McGraw, seeing the 'Big Red Barn' with the Red Wing logo on it brings back the last of the good memories of that area. 87 was when they tore it down-the same year that the roof caved in @ the Silverdome. |
Pythonmaster
Member
Username: Pythonmaster
Post Number: 46
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 11:49 am: | |
Holly got it right. " Plantation Basketball". |
Japes
Member
Username: Japes
Post Number: 21
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 10:45 pm: | |
When the new hockey arena is built you will see concerts move back downtown, the problem is that with the suite make up at JLA the revenue can't be generated from the acts. So it is uncompetitive for the bidding. |