Anima

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Back in the mid-1980s, when arenas were built for less than $100 million, one of the good guys helped out the Bad Boys. Gregg Lukenbill incited the coup that produced the Palace. The Detroit Pistons might not even be here were it not for ... the Sacramento Kings.

True story.

Miracles can happen.

"We had started talking to Gregg," recalled Pistons president Tom Wilson, referring to the Kings' original Sacramento owner. "He actually made a presentation to the Board of Governors. 'Here's what I'm doing. We're still in the warehouse I built for $10 million, and this new one is going to be a newer version (which cost approximately $40 million).' And nobody was building any buildings at that time. But he said it could be serviceable for concerts, for other entertainment areas, and more than anything else, he would own the building. So (Pistons owner) Bill Davidson and I started talking."

That conversation concluded with the Pistons moving from the Pontiac Silverdome into their current home, a 22,076-seat arena that remains a physically stunning yet functional facility that was built for the ages. While virtually all of their contemporaries have become obsolete - those in Orlando, Milwaukee and Sacramento were completed within months of the Palace's final touches in 1988 - Davidson's privately financed project cost more ($90 million) but was worth the investment. An annual face-lift enables the place to retain its sheen. The interior is spacious without being a monstrosity. The concourses are inviting, the press accommodations exceptional, the parking abundant.

So, OK, the visitors locker room is cramped, and the location is shaky. Situated on 61.1 acres approximately 30 miles north of downtown, the only hint the Pistons actually represent Detroit is the interstate exit sign for 8-Mile Road. (Think Eminem). Nonetheless, the last of the NBA's suburban arenas works for the Pistons. They pack the place, they make money, they win titles.

So how about a belated thank-you card to the Kings? Given the inability of their ownership, the city and county, and every other source of public and private leadership, for that matter, to facilitate what obviously requires a creative, collaborative effort, it's time for the Pistons' brain trusts to return the favor. Offer suggestions. Lend an assist. Recommend a shrink if it would bring the parties together - and accelerate the process.

Motivate, encourage, enlighten us.

Build us an arena.

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports...13931051c.html