AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons, Asheville Tourists and Palace Sports and Entertainment mourn the passing of pioneer owner William Davidson. The 86-year-old passed away at home on March 13, 2009 with his family by his side.
“The entire Palace family is mourning the loss of Mr. Davidson,” said Tom Wilson, President of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Pistons. “He was truly a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live forever.”
Mr. Davidson purchased the Asheville Tourists and began operation before the 2006 season. Under the ownership of Palace Sports & Entertainment, McCormick Field has been upgraded with amenities such as the Asheville Citizen-Times Clubhouse and the state-of-the-art scoreboard. The team has increased its attendance each season and reached a franchise high 175,000 fans in 2008.