Interesting Article On Gores and Detroit

**emu steve** · June-06-15, 04:13 AM

Reading the lines [[and between the lines):

1). He wants to be a player downtown with Ilitch Holding and Gilbert.

2). Sitting out in Auburn Hills [["not being in an 'urban corridor' Dan Gilbert") is not consistent with his vision for basketball. Basketball is an urban sport. Maybe hockey can be in the distant 'burbs like downriver, but not basketball...

How does he get to be a big player downtown and how does he get the Pistons downtown [[given that he also owns the Palace)?

Detroit can never have enough folks with deep pockets...

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/spo...city/28578363/

**Scottathew** · June-06-15, 05:47 AM

Yawn... wake me up when Gores actually does something, instead of talking about doing things.

**Gannon** · June-06-15, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by 48307

Yawn... wake me up when Gores actually does something, instead of talking about doing things.

Yeah, because he's obviously never accomplished anything in his life.

How many professional sports teams do YOU own? Stadia?!

Ok then. Keep sleeping.

**emu steve** · June-06-15, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

Yeah, because he's obviously never accomplished anything in his life.

How many professional sports teams do YOU own? Stadia?!

Ok then. Keep sleeping.

Didn't he just contribute a nice sum for some worthy cause?

EDIT: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/...e-isle-bridge/

**Hypestyles** · June-06-15, 09:38 AM

well, kudos for the gift to the Jalen Rose Academy..
... i don't see the Pistons leaving AH for at least several more years, and of course they'd pretty much have to be bad seasons/low attendance.. which no one wants, right?
Joe Louis Arena can be replaced with a new Pistons stadium. Seek land just east or west of downtown.
it would be cool if Gores contributed to the blight removal initiative in the city.

**emu steve** · June-06-15, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Hypestyles

well, kudos for the gift to the Jalen Rose Academy..
... i don't see the Pistons leaving AH for at least several more years, and of course they'd pretty much have to be bad seasons/low attendance.. which no one wants, right?
Joe Louis Arena can be replaced with a new Pistons stadium. Seek land just east or west of downtown.
it would be cool if Gores contributed to the blight removal initiative in the city.

??? How about the new arena at Woodward and Fisher?

One of the things about Ilitch/Gores is if they become close in terms of sports and development and could have their teams [[plural) in the same building.

I'm sure this is a story which will develop over the next 5 or 10 years...

**Mind field** · June-06-15, 04:16 PM

A few years back, there was an article about Gores affiliated [[owned?) Platinum Equity buying a company and moving 500 jobs to Detroit. And AFAIK, nothing ever came of that. Hopefully he wants in on the action that Gilbert, and to a much lesser extent, Illitch are seeing with the revitalization of the core.

**Gistok** · June-06-15, 05:00 PM

He lives in Beverly Hills CA, but owns a home on Grosse Isle as well.... hmmmm...

According to latest Forbes figures....
Dan Gilbert worth... $4.8 Billion
Mike Ilitch worth.... $4.2 Billion
Tom Gores worth.... $3.2 Billion

**rb336** · June-06-15, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Mind field

A few years back, there was an article about Gores affiliated [[owned?) Platinum Equity buying a company and moving 500 jobs to Detroit. And AFAIK, nothing ever came of that. Hopefully he wants in on the action that Gilbert, and to a much lesser extent, Illitch are seeing with the revitalization of the core.

I know they had something to do with Four Winns.

they ARE Gores - listed as owners of Palace Entertainment

**Jason** · June-06-15, 05:59 PM

From my understanding of how these things work, an increase in attendance from moving downtown plus any branding/experience benefits would have to be worth the loss of concessions control.

**emu steve** · June-06-15, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jason

From my understanding of how these things work, an increase in attendance from moving downtown plus any branding/experience benefits would have to be worth the loss of concessions control.

I'm speaking with limited knowledge, but Gores having a pro team in the new arena at Woodward/Fisher would mean he would have a lot more skin in the game as far as downtown/mid-town.

It would be great to have Gilbert, Ilitch Holding, and Gores all in the area.

I'm just curious what Gores' interests are.

**Hypestyles** · June-06-15, 10:25 PM

get more creative with the hat colors/designs as well as the T-shirts. Go way beyond the "official" team colors.

**mwilbert** · June-06-15, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Jason

From my understanding of how these things work, an increase in attendance from moving downtown plus any branding/experience benefits would have to be worth the loss of concessions control.

You are correct. That is why it is hard for me to believe it will happen. Otherwise, it would make perfect sense.

**KJ5** · June-07-15, 01:34 AM

Originally Posted by hypestyles

get more creative with the hat colors/designs as well as the t-shirts. Go way beyond the "official" team colors.

no teal!!!

**emu steve** · June-07-15, 04:16 AM

As they say, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls:"

"Though he hasn't been asked yet, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores said he'd be open to playing some games downtown once a new arena that's part of a larger $650-million project is open for business in 2017.
Forging possible partnerships with the Ilitch family, which owns the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and is behind the new downtown arena and entertainment district, is job one for super-agent Arn Tellem, hired by Gores last week as vice chairman of the organization."

http://www.freep.com/story/money/bus...tons/28595777/

"Tom Wilson, president of Olympia Entertainment, said in a statement today: "With The District Detroit, we're planning and building a vibrant, walkable and active sports and entertainment district that will feature events throughout the year across numerous venues and public spaces. We appreciate what Tom Gores and the Pistons organization have accomplished, and we're absolutely open to any partnerships that bring exciting, unique events to Detroit and its fans."

Good point that Ilitch and Gores have entertainment interests which overlap significantly:

"Because Gores and the Ilitches have similar business interests, they are both competitors and potential partners..."

**emu steve** · June-07-15, 04:29 AM

Next, we need to figure out what ways besides sports and entertainment Gores wants to go.

**Dbest** · June-07-15, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by emu steve

As they say, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls:"

"Though he hasn't been asked yet, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores said he'd be open to playing some games downtown once a new arena that's part of a larger $650-million project is open for business in 2017.
Forging possible partnerships with the Ilitch family, which owns the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and is behind the new downtown arena and entertainment district, is job one for super-agent Arn Tellem, hired by Gores last week as vice chairman of the organization."

http://www.freep.com/story/money/bus...tons/28595777/

"Tom Wilson, president of Olympia Entertainment, said in a statement today: "With The District Detroit, we're planning and building a vibrant, walkable and active sports and entertainment district that will feature events throughout the year across numerous venues and public spaces. We appreciate what Tom Gores and the Pistons organization have accomplished, and we're absolutely open to any partnerships that bring exciting, unique events to Detroit and its fans."

Good point that Ilitch and Gores have entertainment interests which overlap significantly:

"Because Gores and the Ilitches have similar business interests, they are both competitors and potential partners..."

This is kind of huge news if accurate. This new arena would have a lot more "bite" if it were home to the Pistons as well. Give more sports fans an opportunity to enjoy the new facility outside of hockey. Gilberts comments a while back seem to have gotten to Gores.

I hated when they installed the new scoreboard at the Palace, not the equipment, but ownerships commitment to hanging loose in AH for a longer period. I really despise the whole set up being an out of state visitor. I thought many times if I moved to the city or inner ring suburb there would still be little incentive to drive that far for just a game. It's so antiquated in every aspect.

My question is this:

Is this Gore's play to sell the Pistons to illitch?

Franchise values in the NBA are at an all time high following the Balmer Clipper purchase for 2 Billion.

This is who Gores is, and how he makes his money, BUY LOW AND SELL HIGH. See platinum equity.

Maybe in the deal they agree to split the concert bookings in the future?

Illitch doesn't strike me as the type who likes to share.

Illitch was supposedly interested in the team when they were sold to Gores.

Illitch would love those concession profits from Pistons game.

A Pistons move would be so splashy, another nice headline for the city nationally. Moving from one of the wealthiest counties in America, back to the core.

Fingers crossed EMUSTEVE..

**emu steve** · June-07-15, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Dbest

This is kind of huge news if accurate. This new arena would have a lot more "bite" if it were home to the Pistons as well. Give more sports fans an opportunity to enjoy the new facility outside of hockey. Gilberts comments a while back seem to have gotten to Gores.

I hated when they installed the new scoreboard at the Palace, not the equipment, but ownerships commitment to hanging loose in AH for a longer period. I really despise the whole set up being an out of state visitor. I thought many times if I moved to the city or inner ring suburb there would still be little incentive to drive that far for just a game. It's so antiquated in every aspect.

My question is this:

Is this Gore's play to sell the Pistons to illitch?

Franchise values in the NBA are at an all time high following the Balmer Clipper purchase for 2 Billion.

This is who Gores is, and how he makes his money, BUY LOW AND SELL HIGH. See platinum equity.

Maybe in the deal they agree to split the concert bookings in the future?

Illitch doesn't strike me as the type who likes to share.

Illitch was supposedly interested in the team when they were sold to Gores.

Illitch would love those concession profits from Pistons game.

A Pistons move would be so splashy, another nice headline for the city nationally. Moving from one of the wealthiest counties in America, back to the core.

Fingers crossed EMUSTEVE..

Thanks.

As I posted somewhere, basketball is an URBAN game. It is not designed to be played in Trenton, AH, Canton, etc.

Man, anyone who has been to a Wizards' playoff game knows that. Folks love the Verizon Center and Gallery Place area. It is the urban environment Detroiters, including the Ilitches, would dream. Subway to the arena, bar hop before and after, food places galore. Like NYC.

And, I'd assume, the NBA players want to be downtown. They have 'urban bones'. Would a James every want to play in say Green Bay?

I'll repeat a point I've made before about the teams, arena area and Ilitch holdings: Lot of the future will be in the hands of Miriam and Chris.

I don't think Miriam is big into sports.

When the day comes, and control passes for the Tigers and Wings, things have to go smoothly.

I doubt there is any interest in acquiring the Pistons now [[or even something small like a soccer team).

**professorscott** · June-07-15, 10:34 AM

Be careful not to read more than what has been written. There is an enormous difference between the Pistons "playing some games downtown", as Mr. Gores put it, and moving the Pistons to Detroit, which nobody in any official capacity with the Pistons has mentioned at all, so far as I can tell.

The Pistons also play some games in Chicago and some games in Boston but aren't moving to either of those locations.

**Dbest** · June-07-15, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by professorscott

The Pistons also play some games in Chicago and some games in Boston but aren't moving to either of those locations.

Huh?

Bottom line is this, THEY ARE DRAWING FLIES IN A.H. Even when the team was winning games and battling to overcome a wretched start to the year, fans chose to stay home. They have some of the worst attendance in the league. Even before Lebron "came home", the Cavs had drawn better attendance than the Pistons the past few years. This franchise is stuck in neutral, if not reverse. It's time to change course.

Emusteve, were you part of this thread below? Might be time to bump it....

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ghlight=palace

**Junjie** · June-07-15, 12:19 PM

I won't hold my breath for a move to downtown given the ownership of the Palace, but a few games a year would be great to see. Anything to boost the number of days/evenings that the arena is drawing people into the city and helping support nearby businesses.

**emu steve** · June-07-15, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Dbest

Huh?

Bottom line is this, THEY ARE DRAWING FLIES IN A.H. Even when the team was winning games and battling to overcome a wretched start to the year, fans chose to stay home. They have some of the worst attendance in the league. Even before Lebron "came home", the Cavs had drawn better attendance than the Pistons the past few years. This franchise is stuck in neutral, if not reverse. It's time to change course.

Emusteve, were you part of this thread below? Might be time to bump it....

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...ghlight=palace

I was not.

At the time of that thread, I don't think I was on this forum. I came on this forum when things started heating up for a new arena. Maybe 2011????

**Gistok** · June-07-15, 12:43 PM

Hockey and Basketball arena's are different.... and there are sight lines/seating issues to contend with when a stadium is set up for both. Brooklyn's Barclay's Arena is getting a retrofit to add on the NY Islanders Hockey games.

So I think of the talking between the Gores and Ilitch organizations as a way for them to make some changes to the new arena configuration now, should basketball ever move to that facility, either occasionally or full time.

Smart move.

**emu steve** · June-07-15, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Gistok

Hockey and Basketball arena's are different.... and there are sight lines/seating issues to contend with when a stadium is set up for both. Brooklyn's Barclay's Arena is getting a retrofit to add on the NY Islanders Hockey games.

So I think of the talking between the Gores and Ilitch organizations as a way for them to make some changes to the new arena configuration now, should basketball ever move to that facility, either occasionally or full time.

Smart move.

I don't want to quibble, but most arenas SHOULD be constructed to suit both hockey and basketball.

IF this arena is not [[so designed), bad, bad mistake as it will be a popular site for tourneys [[e.g., Horizon League, NCAA, etc.) from the 'get go' even before if we know if it will be a future site for the Pistons and some 'Detroit' games for MSU, [[maybe) UofM, etc.

**TTime** · June-07-15, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by emu steve

Thanks.

As I posted somewhere, basketball is an URBAN game. It is not designed to be played in Trenton, AH, Canton, etc.

Man, anyone who has been to a Wizards' playoff game knows that. Folks love the Verizon Center and Gallery Place area. It is the urban environment Detroiters, including the Ilitches, would dream. Subway to the arena, bar hop before and after, food places galore. Like NYC.

And, I'd assume, the NBA players want to be downtown. They have 'urban bones'. Would a James every want to play in say Green Bay?

I'll repeat a point I've made before about the teams, arena area and Ilitch holdings: Lot of the future will be in the hands of Miriam and Chris.

I don't think Miriam is big into sports.

When the day comes, and control passes for the Tigers and Wings, things have to go smoothly.

I doubt there is any interest in acquiring the Pistons now [[or even something small like a soccer team).

I had a little chuckle when I read your "urban bones" comment as I pictured a NBA player with a multimillion dollar contract choosing a not ready for prime time downtown over a mansion on Orchard Lake or or a pad in downtown Birmingham. Those so called urban bones apparently go bye bye when someone has the world by the short ones and the means to satisfy their ego. It also doesn't help that there aren't many [[if any at all) truly high end living options downtown. I'm not in the biz of guessing where someone wants to live but other than John Salley and Sergei Federov way back in he day I can't think of a major local athlete who has lived in the city recently. Someone please educate me if I'm wrong and try not to make it some player no one has heard of.