featured-image

The Palace of Auburn Hills Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) will celebrate The Palace’s 20th anniversary with a concert performance by Neil Diamond on Thursday, July 31 followed by a two-hour prime time television special, “20 Years of Memories: A Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of The Palace of Auburn Hills,” to be broadcast on WDIV-TV4 on Saturday, August 2 at 9 p.m. The prime time special will be taped live from Diamond’s sold-out concert and will also feature special guest interviews and a glimpse at the latest renovations and improvements taking place on The Palace concourse.

Diamond is The Palace’s most attended performer with 15 sellouts, and his 2008 summer tour will deliver a familiar yet unique fan experience featuring amazing production, innovative stage design and, of course, an unparalleled set list of his most beloved hits.

“Neil Diamond is The Palace’s top attendance draw ever, so who better to kick off our 20-year celebration than the man who has drawn more fans to our facility than any other concert act,” stated PS&E President & CEO Tom Wilson.

In addition, radio partners WOMC, WVMV, WYCD and WWJ will be broadcasting live from The Palace during the night of the concert.

Produced by PS&E’s Emmy-winning broadcast team, the prime time television special will be hosted by the long-time “voice of the Detroit Pistons” and recent Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inductee George Blaha and WOMC morning show host and Radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan.

The telecast will feature taped live cut-ins to Diamond’s performance, and in addition to a backstage interview with the pop music icon, artists such as Kid Rock and Anita Baker will reminisce about their experiences at the renowned concert and sports entertainment venue. Also included during the broadcast will be videos highlighting the venue’s 20-year history and a rare interview with PS&E owner William Davidson.

Concertgoers and viewers of the TV special will also catch a sneak peek at The Palace’s $3 million concourse renovation, which is set to be complete in early October. A section of the concourse will be complete when fans are in attendance next Thursday. Highlighting the renovation will be the refurbished concourse level corridors featuring larger-than-life murals of Detroit Pistons and Shock players and coaches from past and present as well as several artists who have performed at the venue.

“The Palace has been able to maintain its prevalence through the years due to our continuous improvements, in the end, enhancing the entire fan experience for people who enter our doors, whether it be for a concert, a Pistons or a Shock game,” added Wilson.

Improvements will also be made to concourse stairwells leading spectators to arena seating as they are painted blue and red to coincide with the primary team colors. New illuminated highly polished silver signage throughout the venue will allow people to easily commute to their selected destination within the venue or back to their vehicle in the parking lot. Existing portable concessions will have an enhanced sleek contemporary look, uniform for all locations on the concourse.

As patrons enter The Palace parking lot, they will notice 12 banners draping the light poles around the perimeter of the venue, commemorating the 20th anniversary and artists who have recorded the most sold out performances at The Palace.

PS&E ownership includes The Palace and DTE Energy Music Theatre, as well as the management of Meadow Brook Music Festival on the campus of Oakland University. Combined, PS&E’s Michigan venues average 300 events and 3.5 million guests annually.