The Pistons started as a Fort Wayne, Indiana, company team in 1937 and turned professional in 1941, then moved to Detroit in 1957. Since going pro they have used nine arenas: two in Fort Wayne, three in Detroit in the early years, a football dome in Pontiac, the Palace of Auburn Hills and, since 2017, Little Caesars Arena.
Here is every home in order, with the years the Pistons played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each arena with a ThrillZing guide links to it.
Every Pistons Arena, 1941 to Today
- Fort Wayne
- 1941–1952
North Side High School Gym
The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a company team since 1937, turned pro in the NBL in 1941 and played in this 3,000-seat gym. They won NBL titles in 1944 and 1945, joined the BAA in 1948 and the NBA in 1949.
Today: The gym hosted games until 2004, when a school renovation turned it into the library
- 1952–1957
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Built in 1952 partly to keep the Pistons in Fort Wayne. It hosted the 1953 All-Star Game and the 1955 and 1956 NBA Finals, but owner Fred Zollner judged the city too small and moved the team to Detroit in 1957.
Today: Still in use, home of the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets
- Detroit
1957–1961The Red Wings' Old Red Barn on Grand River Avenue was the Pistons' first Detroit home. It was the only time the two teams shared an arena full-time until Little Caesars Arena opened in 2017.
Today: Demolished in 1986; the Michigan National Guard's Olympia Armory occupies the site
Stadium history →- 1957–1961
Memorial Building
The University of Detroit's arena, opened in 1952 and used as the Pistons' alternate home when the Olympia was booked.
Today: Renamed Calihan Hall in 1977; still home of Detroit Mercy basketball
1961–1978The arena of the riverfront Cobo Hall convention center, home for 17 seasons. Owner Bill Davidson grew unhappy with it and, rather than follow the Red Wings to Joe Louis Arena, moved the team to Pontiac.
Today: The arena space was rebuilt as meeting halls and a ballroom in a 2015 renovation of the convention center, now Huntington Place
Stadium history →- Pontiac
1978–1988Ten seasons in the Lions' 80,000-seat football dome. A March 1985 snowstorm damaged the air-supported roof and sent the Pistons to Joe Louis Arena for the rest of that season.
Today: Demolished in 2017–18; an Amazon distribution and delivery center stands on the site
Stadium history →- Detroit
- 1985
Joe Louis Arena
A stand-in home after the Silverdome roof failed: 14 of the last 15 home games of 1984–85, from March 6 to May 10. The Pistons had also played a 1984 playoff game here during a scheduling conflict.
Today: Demolished in 2019–20; the Residences at Water Square, a 25-story tower, opened on the site in 2024
- Auburn Hills
1988–2017Privately financed by owner Bill Davidson and opened in 1988. Home of the 1989, 1990 and 2004 title teams; its address, 6 Championship Drive, counted the Pistons' and the WNBA Shock's titles.
Today: Demolished in 2020
Stadium history →- Detroit
- 2017–presentCurrent home
Opened in September 2017 in Midtown Detroit, ending 39 years in suburban Oakland County and reuniting the Pistons with the Red Wings. Detroit's MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL teams now all play downtown.
Visiting guide →
Pistons Arena FAQ
Where did the Pistons play before Little Caesars Arena?
At the Palace of Auburn Hills, from 1988 to 2017, and before that at the Pontiac Silverdome (1978–1988). In Detroit proper they played at the Olympia and the University of Detroit’s Memorial Building (1957–1961) and at Cobo Arena (1961–1978).
How many arenas have the Pistons had?
Nine: North Side High School Gym and the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, the Detroit Olympia, the Memorial Building, Cobo Arena, the Pontiac Silverdome, Joe Louis Arena (for most of the 1985 home schedule), the Palace of Auburn Hills and Little Caesars Arena.
Why did the Pistons leave Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne’s small size made it hard for the team to turn a profit, and owner Fred Zollner decided after the 1956–57 season that it could not support an NBA team. He moved the team to Detroit and kept the Pistons name because of the city’s auto industry.
Is the Palace of Auburn Hills still standing?
No. The Pistons left after the 2016–17 season and the Palace was demolished in 2020. The Pontiac Silverdome came down in 2017–18, and an Amazon distribution and delivery center now stands on its site. The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne is still in use.
Where do the Pistons play now?
At Little Caesars Arena in Midtown Detroit, which they share with the Red Wings. It opened in 2017, seats 20,332 for basketball and ended the Pistons’ 39 years in suburban Oakland County.