The Pistons last night played their first regular-season game at Little Caesars Arena, a 102-90 win over the Hornets, and rapper
Eminem welcomed the team "back to 'our city'" after "four decades in Detriot's suburbs." Following player introductions, Eminem, wearing a Pistons shirt, "surprised the crowd by striding courtside to the sounds of 'Lose Yourself.'" He "hyped up the crowd" after "taking the mic from announcer
John Mason" (
DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/19).
Meanwhile, Pistons Owner Tom Gores "has heard the grumbling" that the building "has a Red Wings feel," from the bright red seats to the statues of hockey greats. But he also "expressed confidence that it won't take long for the Pistons to establish LCA as the franchise's true home." Gores: "The first day is when it becomes home" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/19).
The DETROIT NEWS writes it was “good to have the Pistons back in the city where so many Detroiters felt they belonged.” The DETROIT FREE PRESS writes it was a “night of pomp and circumstance celebrating the Pistons' return.” The DETROIT NEWS goes with the header, “Opening Win Makes Pistons Feel At Home At LCA.”
