Cranes on the skyline: New Detroit Pistons arena

In 2019 Wayne State Athletics entered into a partnership with the Detroit Pistons to build a new arena on the Wayne State campus, slated to be completed in 2021.

The arena, near the corner of Warren and Trumbull, will host home games for a G league Pistons affiliate. It will also be the new home for men's and women's basketball and host inner-city athletics, tournaments and competitions. When we are able to gather again, some graduation ceremonies may also be held there!

The new structure will have more than double the capacity of the nearby Matthaei Center, built in 1965 and currently housing swimming and basketball.

The $25 million construction was financed by bonds, private donations and a 30-year lease agreement between Wayne State and the Pistons. In addition to bolstering athletics, Wayne State anticipates that this arrangement will provide internships in marketing, management, physical therapy and rehabilitation. But one detail has yet to be resolved - the name of this new facility.

If you always dreamed of endowing a building on the Wayne State campus now is your chance! You can follow updates on the construction of the new arena.