🏛 Historic Stadium
The Palace of Auburn Hills was a 22,076-seat multi-purpose indoor arena located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Designed by Rossetti Architects and built at a cost of $90 million, it opened on August 13, 1988, as one of the most modern sports facilities in the United States. For nearly three decades the arena served as the home of the Detroit Pistons of the NBA, becoming a cornerstone of Detroit’s sports identity.
The Palace closed on October 12, 2017, after the Pistons relocated to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. Beyond basketball, it hosted the Detroit Shock (WNBA), Detroit Vipers (IHL), and world-class concerts by artists including Michael Jackson, U2, and Madonna. Demolition was completed on July 11, 2020, when roughly 800 pounds of explosives brought down the arena’s roof and its 22 supporting columns.
Stats at a Glance
- Primary Tenant: Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan
- Opened: August 13, 1988
- Closed: October 12, 2017
- Demolished: July 11, 2020
- Basketball Capacity: 22,076
- Concert Capacity: Up to 23,000
- Construction Cost: $90 million
Bad Boys and Big Moments
The Palace was home to some of the most celebrated chapters in Detroit Pistons history. The arena hosted the franchise during its ‘Bad Boys’ era, when back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 established the team as one of the league’s dominant forces. The Pistons won a third title in 2004, giving the Palace the distinction of hosting three NBA championship runs over its lifespan.
One of the arena’s most infamous moments came on November 19, 2004, during a Pistons-Pacers game. A brawl between players and fans escalated into one of the worst incidents in NBA history, forever known as the ‘Malice at the Palace.’ The altercation resulted in the longest suspensions ever handed down for an on-court incident and sparked widespread debate about player-fan relations in professional sports.
A Concert and Entertainment Legacy
Beyond basketball, the Palace earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier concert venues. Its capacity of up to 23,000 for concerts attracted legendary touring acts across its 29 years of operation. Performers including Michael Jackson, U2, Madonna, Sting, and Pink Floyd all took the stage there over the decades.
The final concert at the Palace was held on September 23, 2017, featuring Michigan rock icon Bob Seger — a fitting farewell for a beloved local landmark. After sitting vacant for over two years, the arena was demolished in a controlled implosion on July 11, 2020, marking the definitive end of one of Michigan’s most storied sports and entertainment destinations.
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The Palace of Auburn Hills FAQs
When did the Palace of Auburn Hills open and close?
The Palace opened on August 13, 1988, and closed on October 12, 2017, when the Detroit Pistons relocated to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit.
What was the seating capacity of the Palace of Auburn Hills?
The Palace had a basketball seating capacity of 22,076, an ice hockey capacity of 20,804, and could accommodate between 6,000 and 23,000 for concerts.
What was the ‘Malice at the Palace’?
The ‘Malice at the Palace’ was a major player-fan brawl that erupted on November 19, 2004, during a Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers game. It resulted in record suspensions for multiple players and remains one of the most controversial incidents in NBA history.
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.