Officials: Pontiac Silverdome Press Box Fire Was Arson

PONTIAC (AP) - A fire in the press box area of the decaying Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Detroit is being called arson.

Waterford Regional Fire Department Assistant Chief Matt Covey tells The Oakland Press of Pontiac for a story Friday that it appears someone intentionally started the blaze in a storage room.

It was discovered Tuesday morning by security personnel.

Covey says the "room was still full of old Silverdome merchandise such as pamphlets, books and other items that were combustible."

Covey has said it was the first fire reported at the stadium since 2012.

The Silverdome opened in 1975, north of Detroit. The Lions played football there until 2002, and the Detroit Pistons spent a decade playing basketball in the stadium.

Officials last year announced that the Silverdome would be demolished.

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