Planet Fitness to Open Inside Detroit Pistons Practice Facility in New Center

The Detroit Pistons have announced Planet Fitness will build a new publicly accessible fitness center inside the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center at Second Avenue and Amsterdam Street in Detroit’s New Center.
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Planet Fitness location in the Detroit Pistons Performance Center
A Planet Fitness will open in the Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Detroit’s New Center. It will be open to the public. // Photo courtesy of Planet Fitness

The Detroit Pistons have announced Planet Fitness will build a new publicly accessible fitness center inside the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center at Second Avenue and Amsterdam Street in Detroit’s New Center.

Construction on the retail space, delayed by COVID-19 restrictions since March 2020, is expected to resume this month with an anticipated opening of the new location in late 2021.

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers, has more than 80 locations throughout Michigan and the metro Detroit area.

The fitness center will feature a large selection of cardio and strength equipment, a free weight area, a 30-minute circuit, a multi-function training area, and ample room for stretching. In addition, the two-level facility includes full high-end locker rooms and the Planet Fitness Black Card spa area, which offers Hydromassage, tanning, and a relaxation lounge area.

Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem says the opening of the new location aligns directly with the organization’s vision to bring business and basketball together in a space that allows for community access and impact.

“We are pleased to work with Planet Fitness as a new retail partner at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center and look forward to growing our existing partnership for years to come,” says Tellem. “We are focused on connecting our team to the community and we want our practice facility and team headquarters to be a destination that is inviting to the public.  Planet Fitness’ vision aligns perfectly with our operational usage for the PPC – a hub for fitness, health and basketball programming that engages and provides opportunity for everyone in the local community.”

Planet Fitness joins Plum Market, which opened a café and retail store in December 2019, as the second retailer to open a publicly accessible location inside the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our marketing partnership by bringing the Judgement Free Zone to the new Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center,” says Bryan Rief, co-owner and CEO of PF Michigan Group, the Northville-based franchise group responsible for the new location.

“We have been looking for several years for the right location to open our first Planet Fitness in the downtown Detroit area,” Rief adds. “The Pistons Performance Center is perfectly situated to provide convenient access to large area employers, including the Detroit Pistons and Henry Ford Health System Headquarters, in addition to the residential population in New Center.”

Planet Fitness offers prices starting at $10 a month, including a variety of benefits such as a welcoming, Judgement free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, and 24/7 fully staffed operation. The Planet Fitness Black Card membership includes additional perks, such as access to any club at no additional charge, the ability to bring a guest anytime, and additional amenities.

“I’m thrilled that Planet Fitness chose the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center as the place to open its newest location in the city,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “The facility will be a great addition for those who live and work in the New Center area.  As our economy continues to re-open, the new workout facility will be a great place to exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2020, Planet Fitness had approximately 13.5 million members and 2,124 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Australia.

More than 95 percent of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

The Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center opened in September 2019 and serves as the organization’s practice facility and corporate headquarters. The team plays its home games at Little Caesars Arena. The team has been owned by Tom Gores, chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, since 2011.