The ultimate Detroit sports lover’s dream just came true when Pistons owner, Tom Gores announced Tuesday that the Detroit Pistons’ long anticipated move downtown will soon become reality.
“This is a historic day for our franchise and the city,” Gores revealed to a packed press conference at Cass Technical High School, located just a few blocks from the future arena. “I’ve always believed that a sports franchise is a community asset with the power to inspire people.”
While the additional city revenue in tourism dollars and welcome addition to the Motor City’s already buzzing entertainment and sports scene certainly sweetens the deal, here are four major reasons relocating the “Bad Boys” downtown is a win-win for the city.
- History in the making – When the ink dries on the dotted line and the team packs up to head south on I-75, Detroit will be the only city in North America to have all four of its professional sports teams located within four city blocks of the city’s center. Talk about major trendsetting keys!
- World-class bragging rights – Now that “Deeetroit Basskkkeettbaalll” will ring out in the heart of downtown, Detroit will reclaim its reputation and fame as a world-class entertainment and sports mecca. And Detroit will get the respect it deserves.
- More jobs, more money – As part of a 10-point plan, the Detroit Pistons organization will pledge $100K to community job development efforts for Detroit residents and support the “Grow Young Detroit’s Talent” summer jobs program. The plan also involves a commitment to employ at least 51 percent of city residents during the construction of the team’s practice facility with at least 30 percent of the practice facility’s construction contracts being awarded to Detroit companies. However, the buck doesn’t stop there on the organization’s commitment to its new home in Detroit. Reports of mentorship opportunities in partnership with the Detroit mayor’s office, for young Detroiters, also comes with the package deal.
- Community first – Unsurprisingly in a continued effort to keep the community at the forefront, the Pistons will invest $2.5 million over six years into building, renovating and restoring 60 basketball courts in parks across the city. Children of city residents will benefit from free youth basketball camps, clinics and other events catering to city residents as well. Another initiative highlighted in the 10 pledges to the city involves 20,000 ticket donations each regular season to educational programs and initiatives for Detroit youth and city dwellers, showing the team’s giving spirit is truly all about the kids.
