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July 18th, 2013                
    On Thursday, July 18th, Tara was able to secure a tour of 
The Palace of Auburn Hills for herself, Tyler, Samantha, Drew, Jayden, and 
Carlos, the exchange student that we are hosting from Spain. Since he is a big 
basketball fan (and a fan of a former Piston, Spaniard José Calderón), we 
thought that this would be a good experience for him, as well as our kids, who 
have never been on a tour like this at any sporting facility. Although I was 
unable to join them due to work, Tara said that both she and Carlos enjoyed the 
tour greatly, while our kids had fun as well. I think that everyone involved 
gained an appreciation at just how tall basketball players are as they toured 
the locker rooms and the showers, where everything is much higher than it is in 
a normal environment. And everyone walked away with a Detroit Basketball beach 
towel for taking the tour... not too shabby! 
	
		
			
			The Palace of Auburn Hills Tour
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			Samantha, Carlos, and Tyler making their way through the Palace 
			concourse.
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			A look down from the third level of the Palace towards the 
			stairs from outside up to the concourse.
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			Sam making her way to the entrance of Club 300, an entrance for 
			all of the 300 level suites.
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			Carlos peering down at the Detroit Pistons basketball court from 
			a 300 level suite.
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			Looking down at some of the advertising on the concourse level.
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			This former suite now houses the controls for the display 
			screen/scoreboard that hangs over center court as well as the sound 
			controls used during games.
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			Another look down at the court from the 300 level.
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			This photo shows the inside of a restaurant called "The Palace 
			Grille".
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			Another shot of "The Palace Grille".
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			A look at the retired names and numbers that hang in the rafters 
			at the Palace.
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			Jayden, Tyler, and Drew making their way into one of the 100 
			level suites, following their tour guide as he points out 
			interesting facts along the way.
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			A look at the bar area inside the suite shown above.
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			Another look at the court, this time from a 100 level suite.
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			This door is an entrance to someplace that I forget...
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			The Detroit Pistons world championship banners hanging in the 
			rafters.
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			Carlos, Tyler, Jayden, Drew, and Samantha following their tour 
			guide towards the entrance to the Presidents Club.
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			A look inside the Presidents Club.
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			Another club inside the Palace, the Courtside Club (an area for 
			courtside season ticket holders).
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			The inside of the Courtside Club.
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			Another look at the Courtside Club.
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			Please click here for 
			page two of the photos | 
		 
	 
 
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