By Pat Caputo

1. The Palace still holds more than 20,000, but it is a basketball arena first, not a football field. That is refreshing.

2. There is a tremendous basketball tradition. The Pistons have won three NBA titles since it opened duirng the late 1980s, and Michigan State played at The Palace in 2000 on its way to the NCAA title.

3.The Michigan and MSU basketball programs are both rolling. This state deserves to host a round, and The Palace is a neutral venue for both schools.