By Scott DeCamp | sdecamp1@mlive.com
It’s tough to see our legends die. Same goes for legendary sports venues.
Neither the Pontiac Silverdome nor Joe Louis Arena qualify for “legendary” status in terms of aesthetics, but they’ve been home to some spectacular moments for sports fans in Michigan through the years.
And Tiger Stadium, despite its quirks, will always hold a special place in our hearts.
The Palace of Auburn Hills is the nicest facility of the bunch, and the Pistons won all three of their NBA titles in that building, but it’s never received the same level of affection as the Joe or the ballpark at the “Corner of Michigan and Trumbull.”
With the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons having played their final games ever in the Joe and Palace, respectively, this week, what better time than now to reflect.
Let’s memorialize those venues that have hosted the state of Michigan pro sports teams. Two of them are loooong gone, in the words of Ernie Harwell. Two others are decaying and in disrepair, facing demolition. Others still exist, but they may not be as recognizable anymore and/or they’re facing uncertain futures.
The eras associated with those venues are gone. At least the memories remain.
