The possibility of having all four pro sports franchises within walking distance of each other is one of the many upsides for those interested in seeing a new arena built in downtown Detroit.

Dave Beachnau, executive director of Detroit Sports, believes it would lead to the city hosting more regional, national and international sporting events.

"Whether it's a (NCAA) Women's Final Four, a U.S. or world figure skating event, or other NCAA championship events, it would certainly open the door for us to pursue new events for the region," said Beachnau, whose organization markets and sells Detroit as a sports destination.

Detroit has hosted several major sporting events the past few years, including the 2005 All-Star Game, 2006 Super Bowl, 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four and last spring's NCAA Frozen Four.

With the exception of the All-Star Game, which was held at Comerica Park, the events were at Ford Field.

Although the troubled economy has affected the area's ability to attract major events lately, Beachnau and others say the possibility of replacing aging Joe Louis Arena would make bids more attractive.

"Part of the excitement of going to a major competition is being surrounded by a metro area or a vibrant urban environment," said Jerod Swallow, executive director of the Detroit Skating Club. "It's wonderful to be close to events that are within walking distance of hotels" and other attractions.

The Detroit area is known around the world as an elite training ground for figure skating.

Swallow believes the possibility of gaining a new facility in downtown Detroit -- that is, should Mike Ilitch buy the Pistons and relocate the team to the city -- could bolster the area's chances of holding a major figure skating event in the future.

The Detroit SC was a local host organizer for the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The competition was held at Joe Louis Arena.

Bob Dunlop, senior director of events for U.S. Figure Skating, said although a number of factors play a role in bidding for one of its championships, he called the prospect of a new arena in downtown Detroit positive news.

"If a new facility were to be built, we'd be very interested," Dunlop said.

In related news, Beachnau said his organization and others are in the "very early stages" of talks regarding the possibility of hosting the 2012 Big Ten football championship game at Ford Field. The inaugural game is set for Dec. 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Contact JO-ANN BARNAS: 313-222-2037 or jbarnas@freepress.com. Read more in her Olympics blog at freep.com/olympicsblog.