[Booth Newspapers]
Pistons bring back Dupree
By A. Sherrod Blakely
AUBURN HILLS -- When Rasheed Wallace or one of his Detroit Pistons teammates cracked jokes during training camp last year, chances were pretty good that, at some point, they would be directed at Ronald Dupree.
The 6-foot-7 forward was well-liked by his teammates in Detroit.
Apparently, the Pistons front office also feels pretty good about him because Dupree is back in Detroit, with a two-year contract that includes a player option after next season.
[Sun-Sentinel]
The Game of Catering to Rich
To pump up revenue, pro sports franchises and facilities create new spaces and ways to pamper those in the elite seats
By Greg Johnson
The Detroit Pistons converted storage lockers beneath the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills and built "bunker suites" there. Although patrons can't see the live action from these suites, it's a short walk between the suites that resemble private clubs and courtside seats. The suites lease for more than $350,000 a year.
Interesting take on the earnings from facilities. The Palace of course is an anamoly in American sports because it was built with 100% private money (no help from the municipality), and at the time it opened, was one of the most revolutionary arena designs. Rumour has it that when new arenas are built, architects and marketers pick the brain of the Palace front office for tips and ideas to improve upon the original "modern arena".