When the Detroit Pistons open their 2009-10 regular season at The Palace on Friday, October 30, the venue will be buzzing with activity as 10 metro-Detroit radio and television stations will broadcast live and conduct interviews with Pistons personnel and Palace staff. Beginning at 6 a.m., the broadcasts will continue throughout the day as the Pistons take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. (Complete broadcast schedule attached). Doors open at 6 p.m.
An annual tradition since the building opened its doors in 1988, several metro-Detroit radio stations transport their equipment to Auburn Hills and make The Palace their studio for the day, allowing them a chance to take in all the excitement as Palace staff prepares for another exciting season of Pistons basketball.
Pistons personnel including PS&E President & CEO Tom Wilson, Head Coach John Kuester and Pistons guard Will Bynum, TV and radio voice of the Pistons George Blaha, radio broadcaster Mark Champion and color commentator and former Pistons “Bad Boy” Rick Mahorn, Automotion and Spare Tires dance team members and many others will be made available to discuss happenings around The Palace as well as expectations of the Pistons as they begin their 2009-10 campaign.
The game can be heard on the new flagship radio affiliate for the Pistons this season, WXYT 97.1 FM, “The Ticket.” Mark Champion returns as the radio voice of the Pistons and will be joined once again by former Pistons “Bad Boy” and color analyst Rick Mahorn. Matt Dery helps provide coverage during pre-game and halftime, and after the game, he will take calls from fans as he broadcasts live from The Canadian Club Terrace, located on the concourse above the East exit. The complete list of Pistons flagship radio stations throughout the state of Michigan can be found on www.pistons.com.
FSN Detroit, in its 13th season of broadcasting Pistons games, will be the exclusive local television provider for Pistons Basketball, with the broadcast also available in high-definition on FSN HD. Prior to the game, viewers can catch Pistons In Focus at 7 p.m. followed by Pistons Live at 7:30 p.m. Long-time “voice of the Pistons” George Blaha will deliver play-by-play and Greg Kelser will provide color commentary. After the game, Pistons Live delivers post-game commentary, coaches’ press conferences and live interviews from the Pistons and opposing teams’ locker rooms.
The first 5,000 fans entering the Pistons home opener will receive a special Halloween edition black and orange Charlie Villanueva youth jersey with glow-in-the-dark numbers courtesy of DataMail. Singer, songwriter, recording artist, actress and Detroit native Thornetta Davis is scheduled to perform the national anthem.
The opening night program, “Let’s Go To Work For A Cure,” highlights breast health awareness and will benefit breast cancer research programs at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Before the game and throughout the evening, breast cancer survivors will be celebrated and honored for their courage and inspiration. Breast cancer survivors will be involved in pre-game activities: forming a fan tunnel to welcome the players on the court, involvement in player introductions and being on court during the National Anthem. All breast cancer survivors will be on the court during a special halftime presentation.
Tickets are still available at Palacenet.com, The Palace Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets may also be charged by phone to American Express, Visa, Discover and MasterCard by calling 1-800-745-3000.
National City Corporation, now a part of PNC, one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, is the presenting sponsor for the Detroit Pistons. For more information about National City, please visit www.nationalcity.com.
OPENING DAY RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCAST SCHEDULE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009
Below is a list of the radio stations that will be on-site at The Palace the day of October 30.WYCD – 99.5 FM – “Detroit's Best Country Music!”