The Detroit Pistons invited Crew Members to a Fan Forum on Thursday, July 12th to discuss The Palace parking situation, particularly as it related to game nights. Several members who had attended previous Forums and expressed parking concerns were invited for a complimentary lunch and discussion with Director of Parking Frank Weisse and some of his staff. The goal of the forum was to bring to light any and all issues that Crew members had and potentially rectify them before the 2007-08 Pistons season.

During the round table discussion, Crew Members brought up issues including the preseason change of VIP and Crew parking, the lack of communication regarding parking between The Palace and Crew members, and ideas on how to get a better flow out of exits to the surrounding streets.

One member also expressed his concern about the convergence of cars at parking lot intersections. His suggestion was to utilize more attendants to act as traffic cops to organize and control the flow of cars that come from all different directions. Other Crew members also discussed the idea of placing signs at the Harmon exit to instruct drivers that two lanes are available for exit. They had experience with inexperienced visitors who don’t know how to navigate the parking lot and the idea of “traffic cops” and signage was going to be placed high on the priority list.

Another Crew member expressed his frustration about the parking attendants. Several nodded in agreement as he explained that when he arrives closer to tip-off, attendants point him in a direction where spots are “supposed” to be available but he has found himself driving around never to find them. He suggested better communication between all parking attendants so that late arrivals can be told right away where the best parking is available. Of course, the ultimate solution to this is to arrive earlier.

Parking representatives took all concerns and suggestions into consideration for the upcoming season. Weisse and fellow reps expressed their intent to do everything possible to make Crew members happy and handed out business cards as a point of contact for any later concerns or ideas. They also promised members that if any parking changes are made during the season, they will communicate sooner and more often to ensure every member knows before arriving at The Palace.

All members left the forum with tips on how to enter and exit the parking lot more efficiently and were happy to have had the chance to share their ideas and be heard.

For more information regarding parking at The Palace, call 248-377-0100.