Peter Karmanos, the President of Compuware and owner of the Detroit Whalers, arranged to build the Whalers a new home as soon as the 1995-96 season ended after playing that season at two temporary venues, the tiny Oak Park Ice Arena and the massive Palace of Auburn Hills. The Compuware Sports Arena was constructed in 6 months time, ready for the 1996-97 season. The team remained the Detroit Whalers after moving to Plymouth Township and then were renamed the Plymouth Whalers in 1997-98.