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Detroit Pistons to Host 'Meet the Team' Event, Presented by Sprite, on October 8

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons are hosting an outdoor “Meet The Team” event, presented by Sprite, at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit on Wednesday, October 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., giving fans their first look at the 2014-15 Detroit Pistons team. Admission is free and will include appearances by Pistons players and coaches, entertainment teams, live music, interactive digital displays and opportunities to take a shot on the court.

The Sprite Ultimate Challenge will take place at 11:00 a.m., and feature 12 participants who previously entered at Sprite point-of-sale locations. The challenge will feature a three-point shooting competition with the winner being awarded a trip for two to the 2015 NBA All Star Game.

“Programs like ‘Meet the Team’ to promote movement and fun are exciting ways for youthful Pistons fans to celebrate their love of the game,” said Matt Barribeau, Vice President of Sales for the Michigan Market Unit. “This program allows Sprite to share this message of active, healthy living, while building upon its long-standing partnership with the NBA.”

As part of a kick-off for a season-long partnership with the United Way, a Pistons Fit Clinic featuring students from Cornerstone Schools and the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will begin at 11:45 a.m. with appearances by Pistons Legends Rick Mahorn, John Long and Earl Cureton.

The 2014-15 Detroit Pistons will take the Campus Martius Park stage at 12:30 p.m. for a program that will include full team introductions and addresses by Palace Sports & Entertainment CEO Dennis Mannion and Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Stan Van Gundy. Following introductions, Van Gundy will lead the team through interactive offensive and defensive concepts - giving fans a look behind the curtain into the types of plays and defenses the team will deploy throughout the season. The on-court session will also include interactive shooting contests, drills and opportunities to meet players around the court.

“We are excited to host our “Meet The Team” event downtown and give our fans the opportunity to see the new faces on this year’s roster,” said Stan Van Gundy, Pistons Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations. “Our players and coaching staff are looking forward to interacting with our fans, giving some insight into how we’ll play this season and providing a fun event.”

For in-depth analysis by website editor Keith Langlois and special video interviews, visit www.pistons.com, the official source for news and features on the Detroit Pistons.

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