Pistons release 2012-13 schedule
Courtesy of the Detroit Pistons
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons, led by the young core of Greg Monroe, NBA All-Rookie first team selection Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey will open the 2012-13 season at home against Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Wednesday, October 31 (7:30 p.m. EST), it was announced today by the National Basketball Association. Rookie center Andre Drummond, the ninth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, headlines a group of five new players that are signed and set to make their Pistons’ debuts this season. Veteran swingman Corey Maggette, 2011 second round selection Kyle Singler, free agent center Slava Kravtsov and 2012 second round selection Kim English all look to make an impact while bringing depth and versatility to the roster in the coming year.
Highlights of the Pistons’ home schedule include single-game match-ups against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the NBA Champion Miami HEAT (December 28), Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers (February 3) and Kevin Durant and the Western Conference Champion Oklahoma City Thunder (November 12). The Chicago Bulls visit The Palace twice (December 7 and April 7) along with the Boston Celtics (November 18 and January 20) and Orlando Magic (November 16 and January 22). Other notable single-game match-ups include appearances by Blake Griffin, Chauncey Billups and the Los Angeles Clippers (December 17), Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs (February 8) and Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudamire and the New York Knicks (March 6).
Pistons “Black” and “Red” season packages, starting at $180, are on-sale now by calling 248-377-0100 or visiting www.pistons.com/seasontickets. These two fan communities enjoy exclusive events and privileges that complement their ticket package and can take advantage of a six-month interest free payment plan. Members at both levels also receive a one-of-a-kind authentic on-court Pistons team jacket. Using advanced-microchip technology embedded in the sleeve, ticket holders can use the jacket at all games to receive 20% off food and beverage items and 30% off merchandise purchased at The Palace. Individual tickets for 2012-13 regular-season games will go on-sale at a later date.
The club will continue the popular “Pistons Concert Series” halftime shows that last year included performances from award-winning musicians Taio Cruz, Wyclef Jean, The Temptations, Flo Rida and Gladys Knight. Friday theme nights at The Palace will include limited edition poster giveaways featuring Pistons players along with entertainment centered around Golden Oldies, Super ‘70’s, I Love The ‘80’s, Totally ‘90’s, Star Wars and the Pistons Beach Party. Fans will enjoy refreshed gathering spaces along the remodeled main concourse and Club West area at The Palace while also having the opportunity to experience a newly constructed open-air lounge that delivers direct views of the playing court from its third-level suite location. Newly installed Twitter boards located on the fascia in each endzone of the arena bowl will give ticket holders the opportunity to interact during games while an updated game program will include game information and a collectable Pistons’ player poster, special merchandise and food and beverage offerings as well as the opportunity to win team memorabilia. Enhanced food items will include Mac-A-Mania, The Palace’s signature macaroni and cheese dish along with a new line of healthy food options tabbed “The Training Table.”
“We are excited to announce the 2012-13 Pistons’ regular-season schedule and pleased that 21 home games will be played on weekend or holiday dates,” said Dennis Mannion, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “We look forward to showcasing the new renovations currently underway at The Palace while thrilling our fans with compelling game night entertainment, exciting interactive opportunities and outstanding customer service.”
Detroit hosts the Toronto Raptors during the Thanksgiving holiday (November 23) and plays three games over the Christmas break as part of a season-long five-game homestand featuring match-ups against Miami (December 28), Milwaukee (December 30), Sacramento (January 1), Atlanta (January 4) and Charlotte (January 6).
The Pistons begin the season with an extended road stretch from November 2 through November 10 where they play six games visiting Phoenix (November 2), L.A. Lakers (November 4), Denver (November 6), Sacramento (November 7), Oklahoma City (November 9) and Houston (November 10). Detroit also travels for a four-game west coast swing in March visiting the L.A. Clippers (March 10), Utah (March 11), Golden State (March 13) and Portland (March 16).
Detroit will make three national television appearances with two games on ESPN and one game on NBA TV. ESPN will broadcast the Pistons’ games vs. Orlando on Friday, November 16 (7:00 p.m. EST) and at Washington on Wednesday, February 27 (8:00 p.m. EST). NBA TV will broadcast Detroit’s match-up at Philadelphia on Monday, December 10 (7:00 p.m. EST). The club’s local television schedule on Fox Sports Detroit will be announced at a later date.
The club will play 19 sets of back-to-back games this season. Six of its back-to-back sets fall on the road, six begin on the road and conclude at home and seven are home-and-away back-to-backs.
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