Visited this venue while in Detroit for the Puma Circuit basketball tournament, and it definitely…read morelived up to hosting a large-scale event. It's located downtown and easy to find due to its size, it gives major convention center energy.
They do have an attached parking garage, but with how busy the tournament was (teams and families traveling in from all over), it was often full and figured the price would be high, so we didn't park there. There is street parking and several nearby garages, but pricing varies depending on demand. If you have time, shop around for parking because some garages charge way higher.
The tournament took place on the main level (first floor), and entry wasn't cheap. They offer both day passes and weekend passes, with different pricing for adults and students. Payment was convenient, they accept both card and cash. For 1 adult weekend pass, it was $75.99.
Before entering the main courts area, there were several stands set up where you could purchase drink/snacks. Staff at the entrance checked for wristbands, but I didn't notice strict bag checks so outside bags, food, and drinks seemed to be allowed, at least from what I observed.
Once inside, the setup was impressive. There were around 20+ courts (I'd say about 22), signs and maps were available to help navigate. Each court had visible numbering on the basket posts, along with digital scoreboards and shot clocks. I did notice that some games enforced the shot clock more consistently than others which confuses players.
Restrooms were located along the perimeter walls, clearly marked and easy to find. For the most part, they were clean and well maintained despite the heavy traffic. Seating was available for spectators, which made it easier to move between games and still find a place to sit.
I really enjoyed stopping by the Visit Detroit booth while in Detroit! They had a nice variety of freebies: stickers, pens, and plenty of booklets, maps, and pamphlets highlighting things to do around the city.
My adventurous side (and love for a good freebie ) was definitely excited! It was a great way to get a quick feel for what Detroit has to offer, and it honestly made me want to come back and explore the city even more.
This is a well-organized venue for a tournament of this size, just be prepared for crowds, parking challenges, and higher entry costs during major events.