Pistons Owner, Detroit Grand Prix Partner To Light Up Belle Isle Bridge

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Visitors to Belle Isle for the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, and beyond, will find new lights lining the MacArthur Bridge.

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, and his company Platinum Equity, donated $50,000 to replace the broken lights and fixtures which line the bridge between the mainland and the island park with high-efficiency LED lights.

"We want to thank Tom Gores and Platinum Equity for helping to light up Belle Isle and ensure that the future is bright on the island," said Roger Penske. "We have such a beautiful island park located right here in our city and we look forward to showcasing it to the rest of the world around the Grand Prix."

The bridge now has 76 LED corn lamps, which are 45-watts each, and 154 12-inch white globes. The lights surrounding the lagoon near Scott Fountain were also replaced through the partnership between the Grand Prix and Platinum Equity.

"It's important that we all work together to help improve safety and the quality of life for people who live and work in Detroit," said Mr. Gores, who is Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity and principal owner of the Detroit Pistons, in a release. "Signature events like the Grand Prix help stimulate the local economy and showcase to the world what a great place we have here. Roger and his team have done an amazing job and we are proud to play a role."

The new lighting on the bridge is also more energy-efficient and have a 70,000 hour life expectancy. Officials expect the new lights to be about a third of the cost of previous lighting system.