Pistons Announce 2006-07 Local Television Schedule

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The Detroit Pistons announced their 2006-07 local television schedule with 70 of the team's 82 regular-season games being televised by FSN, WMYD-TV20 and WDIV-TV. FSN and TV20 will also combine to air six of the Pistons' eight preseason games. Including the five exclusive ABC telecasts and six Turner Sports exclusive telecasts as part of the NBA's national television schedule, 81 of Detroit's 82 regular-season games will be available on television.

"We are thrilled to present to our fans throughout the State of Michigan and Northern Ohio this extensive broadcast line-up," said Peter Skorich, Pistons Senior Vice President of Broadcasting. "In addition to our game broadcasts, shows such as Pistons Insider on FSN, The Pistons Weekly on WDIV and Primetime Pistons on WMYD-TV20 will keep our fans closer to our team than ever before. Tickets are harder to come by at the Palace than ever before as indicated by our 136 straight sellouts. The at-home viewing experience has never been more important and that's why all of our home games will be broadcast in stunning High Definition."

FSN Detroit will televise the most Pistons games - 37 regular season and three preseason contests - and all regular-season home games and select road games will be produced in High-Definition. Highlights of their regular-season broadcast schedule include all four games of Detroit's first West Coast road trip at Utah (November 6), at Sacramento (November 8) at L.A. Lakers (November 10) and at Golden State (November 11). Three match-ups against Jermaine O'Neal and the Indiana Pacers (December 13, December 29 and January 28) will also be televised on FSN as will the New Year's Eve match-up against reigning NBA MVP Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. FSN will also carry three of Detroit's four games against Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and playoff rival New Jersey Nets (December 26, January 31 and March 30). Pistons Insider will air prior to all FSN broadcasts.

"FSN is thrilled with our Pistons schedule this season," said Greg Hammaren, General Manager of FSN Detroit. "Once again, FSN is televising more games than anyone and with the addition of HD this season, Pistons fans have a lot to be excited about. The Pistons are great partners and we're looking forward to another great season."

WMYD-TV20 will televise 27 regular-season games this season and three preseason contests - 17 of which are available in High Definition. The station kicks off its regular-season television schedule on Wednesday, November 1 with a one-hour Season Preview Special beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pistons' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks at 8:00 p.m. (EST). Other schedule highlights include Piston great Isiah Thomas' return to the Palace as head coach of the New York Knicks (December 1) and Detroit's first match-up against former Piston Ben Wallace and division rival Chicago Bulls (January 6). TV20 will also air three of four meetings between Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards (November 17, January 26 and January 30) and televise both games between Detroit and new Piston Nazr Mohammed's former team, the San Antonio Spurs (February 14 and March 23). Pistons Game Night pre-game show will air prior to 15 of the telecasts and each game broadcast will be replayed at 12 midnight and 3 a.m.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with the Palace organization, and offer our viewers and community an opportunity to enjoy their basketball team on television," said Sarah Norat-Phillips, President & General Manager of WMYD-TV20. "We have our game on! We are excited for the new season to begin."

WDIV-TV will televise six selected weekend Pistons match-ups. The network will televise two Friday night contests and four Saturday night games including at Minnesota (January 19) and at NBA Champions Miami Heat (March 2). Detroit's first match-up against the first pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, Andrea Bargnani, and the Toronto Raptors (February 10) will also be aired on WDIV. Three of the six games will include a special Pistons Game Night pre-game show and three games will be shown in High Definition. Each Pistons game on WDIV will be replayed at 1:00 a.m.

"WDIV/LOCAL 4 is delighted to once again being a partner with the Detroit Pistons and offering our viewers a schedule of terrific games," said Steve Wasserman, Vice President and General Manager of WDIV-TV. "Bernie Smilovitz and the LOCAL 4 Sports Department consistently do an excellent job covering the Pistons all through the season and having these games further enhances our commitment to this outstanding sports franchise."

Prior to the beginning of the season, TV20 will air a special one-hour training camp special, while FSN Detroit will present a one-hour season preview. Additional programming throughout the basketball year will include The Pistons Weekly, aired Sunday nights at midnight on WDIV and Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. on FSN Detroit beginning October 29, and Primetime Pistons, which will air Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. on TV20 Detroit beginning November 18.