Pistons reveal Courtside Club
The Detroit Pistons haven’t exactly been setting the National Basketball Association on fire in recent years, having reached the postseason just twice in their last 12 attempts. In fact, they haven’t won a playoff series since 2008, when they lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
However, on Monday the club made a significant announcement that they hope will help entice fans to Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons revealed their plans for a Courtside which includes an open-air bar and lounge that will be located behind the visiting team’s baseline. According to the club, the bar will be equipped with a full Grey Goose bar, food, seating and TVs.
“The CURE Insurance Courtside Club is a unique opportunity to reshape and enhance the fan experience,” Pistons senior vice president of corporate partnerships and engagement Brenden Mallette said in a statement, via the Detroit Free Press. “As our fans return to Little Caesars Arena this fall in full force for the first time in nearly 18 months, the club is one of many new amenities that will welcome them back to Detroit Basketball.”
The Pistons plan on debuting the new club during the team’s first preseason game in the upcoming campaign. Detroit believes no other team in the NBA is doing anything like it at the moment. The Courtside Club also comes with parking in a garage attached to the arena. An email sign-up list is already available for fans looking for more information.
With the Pistons possessing the number one pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the timing of the launch is perfect. The team are looking to build on the buzz being generated by the opportunity to select a franchise player with the first overall pick.
Detroit is expected to select Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State in the opening round of the draft. The 19-year-old took home a plethora of awards during his only season of college basketball, including Big 12 Player of the Year, Big 12 Freshman of the Year and National Association of Basketball Coaches Freshman of the Year.
Conveniently, Cunningham was in Detroit when the Courtside Club was announced on Monday as the projected number one overall pick was in town meeting with the Pistons. According to Yahoo Sports, Cunningham was given a full tour of the Pistons’ training facilities and was spotted at the Detroit Tigers game with Pistons head coach Dwane Casey and guard Saddiq Bey.
While there had been speculation earlier in the offseason that the Pistons were considering trading the first overall pick, that now seems increasingly unlikely. General manager Troy Weaver had said in June that his team would explore all options, but after Monday’s news it looks as though they believe Cunningham is the franchise-changing talent that they have been looking for. Cunningham had also stated in the past that he is looking to go to a club that will prioritize his development and he will certainly get that in Detroit. The draft takes place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on July 29th.
