Last weekend the lowly Tigers played the lowly Indians in Baseball. For 3 games the average attendance was +30,000. Plenty of those folks were from Oakland county. And the Lions, who were right next door to the Palace constantly sold out at Ford field, that is until the only won 2 games in 2 years. Win just a few games and they will sellout again.
Not saying their isnt a nice Pistons base at the Palace, but downtown is very much a draw today.