It's official! The Detroit Pistons have announced they will be moving to downtown Detroit in the fall of 2017.
The team and Ilitch Holdings held a joint press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores joined Ilitch Holdings President Christopher Ilitch and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan at the announcement.
The official announcement was made at Cass Tech High School.
“This is a historic day for our franchise, and for the City of Detroit,” Mr. Gores said. “We’re moving to a beautiful new arena that will provide a state-of-the-art fan experience, and we’re investing in the future of Detroit.
“I've always believed that a sports franchise is a community asset with the power to unite and inspire people," he added. “There’s a big responsibility that goes with that, but there’s also a big payoff. Not just for the city of Detroit, but for the whole region. Detroit is rising, reinventing itself. The Pistons are doing the same. We’re in this together, and we couldn’t be more excited about that.”
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson issued the following statement, responding to the impending Pistons move: “We wish the Pistons well. Thanks for all the memories.”
