Fans of all ages came to the store to meet the 6’9”, long and lanky future All-Star and brought everything from hats and t-shirts to shoes and glass Coke bottles for the Prince to sign.

“We just came in to grab something for dinner, and now we’re meeting Tayshaun Prince!” exclaimed Emily Black from Sterling Heights who came in with her mom and stood in line holding a Prince poster.

The 2006-07 season marks the third year in a row that Meijer and the Detroit Pistons have teamed up for “Pistons Days at Meijer.” Events are designed to give Meijer shoppers a chance to meet Pistons players up close and personal. The Palace Patrol, Automotion Dance team members and Pistons mascot Hooper joined Prince at the Rochester Hills location and kept the crowd lively as they waited in line.

Prince sat at a long table and warmly, but quietly, greeted fans as they stepped forward for autographs, handshakes and pictures.

“Having the opportunity to expand the Meijer--Pistons partnership to the store level with events like this, as well as the Meijer Free Ticket Zone, is a benefit to both parties,” said James Baker, retail marketing manager for the Detroit Pistons.

One stalwart at every Pistons Days at Meijer is the prize wheel, a spinning wheel that gives fans a chance to take home prizes by answering Pistons trivia questions. Fans answer questions like Who is the new starting center for the Pistons and who was the MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals or what college did Tayshaun Prince attend? Correct answers earn the participants bobbleheads, Pistons gear and other Pistons SWAG.

“The excitement creates great awareness for the team as well as for apparel we sell in store,” said Roger Lamont the Rochester Hills store director. “It’s also great to see Piston players out working in the community. Localization is a big part of professional sports today. Without it, your fans will only see you in the arena.”

Check Pistons.com for locations and times of upcoming Pistons Days at Meijer. The appearances are a great opportunity to see two great partners working together. And who knows? You just might get an autograph in the process.