Detroit Pistons plans to build practice facility in New Center

American professional basketball team Detroit Pistons announced its plans to get a new place to hone their craft.

The Pistons and Henry Ford Health System said they will build a brand new multi-use facility in New Center that will house corporate headquarters, a new practice facility, and a comprehensive sports medicine facility managed by the health system.

The proposed site of the Henry Ford-Detroit Pistons Performance Center is two miles from still under-construction Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons will join the Detroit Red Wings starting next season.

“Our practice facility is like our second home,” said Pistons center Andre Drummond, who was at the announcement. “We spend countless hours there on the basketball floor and in the training room, taking care of our bodies in the cold tub, the hot tub. You do whatever it takes to play at a 100% each and every night. I know that the facility that they’re building down here is going to be even more suitable than what we have now.”

The announcement means the franchise truly will become New Center stakeholders. Palace Sports & Entertainment vice chairman Arn Tellem estimated the 100,000-square-foot project would cost around $50 to $60 million, in what was promised to be the best facility of its kind in the league.

The will feature: a more modern player locker room and lounge; a full-service kitchen and personal chef; a weight room facility with state-of-the art equipment; film and study meeting rooms; advanced training room capabilities with full hydro and cryogenic treatment systems; green space and courtyard locations for outside access and views of the city; a new sports medicine building – connected to the training facility.

The plan is to begin construction this summer and to open before the 2018-19 season. The Pistons become the latest franchise to either build a new facility or propose a new place.

The Philadelphia 76ers opened a new facility in Camden, New Jersey before this season.The Chicago Bulls opened a $25 million practice facility across the street from the United Center in 2014.

The facilities are more than just places for players to practice, rehab and work on their games. Meshing basketball, business operations and medical care under the same roof is reason for excitement.

More details on the project will be unveiled at Coliseum Summit AMERICAS, April 19-20, 2017 at Las Vegas, Nevada.

Continue to follow Coliseum Summit, a global series of stadium and arena business conferences, for latest updates from around the world.

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