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OVERTIME

On August 13, 1988, The Palace hosted it’s first event - a sold-out concert with

Sting. In its first 20 years, The Palace has hosted 5,042 events and nearly 51 million guests. When it opened, The Palace of Auburn Hills was the

second highest NBA arena in attendance to Charlotte. It is currently number one in the league in listed capacity.

OVERTIME • 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Points of interest:

The Palace, which is completely privately financed, has invested more than $110 million in a continuous program of venue enhancements and enlargements throughout the years. This total surpasses the building’s original construction cost, estimated somewhere between $75-$90 million.

The first basketball game at The Palace wasn’t a Pistons game. Eight days after it opened, it hosted an exhibition game with the USA Olympic Men’s Basketball team taking on a group of NBA All-Stars on August 21, 1988.

The first Detroit Pistons regular season home game was a 94-85 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on 11/5/88. Ironically, the first regular season home game of the WNBA’s Detroit Shock was also against a team from Charlotte (the Sting) on 6/13/98. In this instance, the Detroit team fell to Charlotte 78-69.

The Palace increased its seating capacity by approximately 500 seats in 1997 by adding a ring of one row of seats to the front of the loge (200-level) seating sections at the cost of approximately one million dollars.

Though only 20 years old, The Palace enters the upcoming NBA season as the third oldest home arena in the league, behind only Madison Square Garden (NY Knicks) and Izod Center (NJ Nets).

Performers with the most sellout shows at The Palace in the first 20 years: Neil Diamond (16), Elton John (14), Billy Joel (12), Rod Stewart (9), Bon Jovi (8), Tim McGraw (8), Aerosmith (8) and Eric Clapton (8).

In The Palace’s first 20 years, guests have consumed: • An estimated 3.8 million gallons of soda • An estimated 3.4 million hot dogs • An estimated 3.3 million gallons of beer • An estimated 2.6 million jumbo pretzels • In addition, Centerplace, The Palace’s official concessionaire, has popped more than 600,000 pounds of popcorn seed

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OVERTIME • THE PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS THE PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS • OVERTIME

2008-09 DETROIT PISTONS MEDIA GUIDE • 315

PALACE FACTS

CAPACITY: Basketball – 22,076; Hockey - 20,804; Concert and Family Shows - 6,000 to 23,000 depending on configuration.

NUMBER OF EVENTS: An annual average of 200.

PROFESSIONAL TEAMS: Detroit Pistons (NBA) and Detroit Shock (WNBA).

ACREAGE: The Palace sits on 61.1 acres (2,662,717 square feet) and was cited by conservationists for its work in preserving natural wetlands areas throughout the property during the building’s construction in 1988.

OVERALL BUILDING AREA: 570,000 square feet.

ATRIUM ADDITION: 100,000 square-foot addition which opened on September 13, 1996.

ATRIUM HEIGHT: 117 feet.

CAESAR’S WINDSOR CLUB ADDITION: 12,000 square feet.

COMCAST PAVILION ADDITION: 65,000 square feet.

SUITES: 193, some as close as 16 rows from the floor. This trend started with The Palace’s construction and is now widely copied in nearly every arena built today. The first and third level suite concourses underwent a face-lift during 2002 and were then named the Traverse Bay Entertainment Suite Levels.

COURTSIDE LOUNGES AND COURTSIDE CLUB ADDITION: 5,600 square feet.

• The Palace’s air conditioning system is powerful enough to cool 500 single-family homes or turn one million galons of water into ice.• There are more than 300 miles of electrical wiring throughout the Palace.• The Palace has approximately 8,400 parking spaces on site.• The amount of concrete used in constructing The Palace is enough to pave a two-lane highway 23 miles long.

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The Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the Detroit Pistons (NBA), Detroit Shock (WNBA) and numerous concerts, family shows and special events, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008-2009.

Built and operated by Arena Associates, The Palace was headed by Pistons managing partner, William Davidson, along with the late David Hermelin and the late Robert Sosnick. An all-encompassing entertainment venue, it quickly became one of the nation’s top concert facilities. After just one season, The Palace was honored by two entertainment trade publications, being named “New Venue of the Year” by Performance and “Best New Concert Venue” by Pollstar.

Overall, The Palace has been nominated “Arena of the Year” 10 times by Performance magazine and won the award seven times. It has also earned 10 “Arena of the Year” nominations from Pollstar magazine and won the honor in 1992. Since its inception, The Palace has hosted almost every major touring concert act.

Since opening in 1988, The Palace has undergone more than $110 million in venue renovations throughout the years. For its 20th birthday, guests will enjoy a totally refurbished main concourse and its original club/banquet area will be updated and re-launched as the “Chairman’s Club.” With the cost of the building and every dollar spent on additions and improvements being privately financed, The Palace continues to uphold its reputation as one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment venues. Among the more notable additions include the West Entrance Atrium, which was completed in 1996 and contains three levels of offices, a storage facility and an expanded entrance with numerous amenities. This was followed by the addition of the 12,000 square-foot Casino Windsor Club on the concourse level and the Casino Windsor suite levels for both the 100 and 300-level suites. In 2004, a Light Emitting Diodes (LED) board was installed, allowing for the display of electronic signage around the entire arena and around the state-of-the-art hanging scoreboard during events.

The Palace continued its legacy as America’s most innovative arena in 2005 by undertaking its largest enhancement project since its opening. The $30 million new phase included the addition of two sets of exclusive courtside lounge and clubs. The first to open was the KeyBank Club, located under the arena’s east seating area, which opened November 2005. The KeyBank Club services five attached 450 square-foot luxury suites as well as all front row season ticket holders.

The project also included a 65,000 square feet expansion of the North Entrance, named the Comcast Pavilion, which opened April 2006. The pavilion’s lower level is home to the other set of exclusive club/suites. Club 53, which opened in February 2006, boasts a central club/bar area and eight luxury private suites averaging 1,000 square feet. It is accessible via a private entrance in the Comcast Pavilion and through a tunnel entrance leading to 100 level suite corridor and an exclusive entrance into the arena. The pavilion’s concourse level created a dramatic new grand entrance/lobby, which provides guests with additional concourse space, additional box office windows and a new retail area. The new area also increased dining options and amenities in The Palace with café areas featuring Big Boy and Buffalo Wild Wings, the Red Bull Bar and Bacardi Barl. The upper level of the pavilion is the luxurious Ameriprise Financial Club, which has approximately 700 members. Opening approximately the same time was the Sanders Dessert Stop, located on the concourse at the top of the West Entrance stairs, offering sweet treats to guests for all Palace events.

Throughout the years, the organization has added more than a dozen branches. The growth led to a name change, Palace Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (PS&E), to reflect its ever-widening scope of operations. This expansion culminated in 1990 when it purchased DTE Music Theatre (then known as Pine Knob). Since its first summer operating the venue in 1991, the amphitheater has been named the nation’s busiest or top-grossing outdoor venue every summer by Amusement Business or Pollstar. Winner of Pollstar’s “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” in 2000, DTE has been nominated 11 consecutive times for this award which is voted on by a reader’s poll. The award capped off the amphitheater’s most successful year in which it posted its highest-ever total attendance and was listed as the top amphitheater in Amusement Business’ year-end charts and the top-selling outdoor venue on the year-end list of Pollstar.

In 1994, PS&E took over management of Meadow Brook Music Festival, which is housed on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills. Both The Palace of Auburn Hills and Meadow Brook Music Festival have been named “Prime Site Award” winners by Facilities magazine in two consecutive years, 2003 and 2004. The Shock joined the PS&E family in 1998 and made an immediate impact by posting the highest winning percentage at the time by an expansion team in any professional sport during its inaugural season. They accomplished that feat by going 17-13 for a 56% winning percentage. The Shock later delivered the organization’s third championship by winning the 2003 WNBA title and the fifth champion-ship by winning again in 2006.

The company continues to grow as minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, a Class A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, was added to PS&E ownership during the summer of 2005.

2008-09 PALACE SEATING CONFIGURATION

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BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS During the month of October the Pistons teamed up with National City, MyTV20 and Karmanos Cancer Institute to encourage women to be proac-tive by getting regular check-ups. During the course of the month, 50 women who could not normally afford regular screening received free mammogram at Karmanos thanks to the Pistons and National City donating $25,000 to the institute. Breast cancer survivors were recognized during a Pistons pre-season game on October 17th in Grand Rapids and also at a home game October 24th with a special on-court recognition from the Pistons players and wives. Jason Maxiell also teamed up with National City for their “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign.

PISTONS AND AMERICAN RED CROSS MICHIGAN HEROES The Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes program started dur-ing the 2004-05 season and continued into 2007-08 with powerful on-court rec-ognitions and numerous standing ovations. The program encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The hero is then recognized at a Pistons home game for their accomplishments. To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, during the 2008-09 season, fans should to complete an on-line nomination form www.pistons.com/community.

HOLIDAY INITIATIVES Each year, the Pistons hold numerous holiday initiatives to benefit area youth. Many of these events are coordinated by a player’s personal foun-dation while others are initiated by the organization. Typical events in-clude Thanksgiving dinner celebrations, toy drives, clothing drives, food drives and shopping sprees for underprivileged children. Look for this season’s holiday initiatives to get even bigger as the team plans to expand upon initiatives from years past to make an even greater impact during the time of giving.

PISTONS CARES TELETHON The first ever Pistons Cares Telethon made history on March 14, 2008 as it embarked the first outreach program of its kind for any professional sports team. The Pistons Cares Telethon was a community effort to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foun-dation of Michigan during a Pistons home game. The event was in conjunctions with the Pistons 50th anniversary and the goal was to raise enough money to grant 50 wishes to children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. Donations were collected before and during the game with online donations, radio station broadcasting, in-arena call centers and fan donations during the game. The event was broadcasted on WDIV TV-4 and included the help from Palace Sports and Entertainment employees, sponsors, lo-cal radio and TV stations and fans. The event raised over $480,000 and granted 60 wishes to children facing life threat-ening medical conditions, an average of one wish granted every six days, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“KNOW YOUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOUR” The Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Shock teamed up with Rick Mahorn and Patrick McIn-nis and sponsors Rock Financial and Fathead, to encourage students in southeast Michi-gan to know their black history and give them an opportunity to win college scholarships. The 2008 tour touched the lives of more than 1,500 students at 15 southeast Michigan schools and five students were presented with a total of $5,000 in scholarships. Runner-ups also received a $100 Visa Gift card with a total of $1,500. Students compete for the

scholarships by delivering a presentation on what black history means to them in the form of a speech, rap, poem, dance or other artistic element. All winners were honored during halftime of a Pistons game.

WHAT IS NBA CARES? NBA Cares is the league’s global community outreach initiative that addresses important social issues with an emphasis on programs that support education, health-related causes and youth and family develop-ment. The NBA, its teams and players implement and execute programs that impact and inspire children and families worldwide.

Through NBA CARES, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, do-

nate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide and build more than 250 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years.

WHAT IS READ TO ACHIEVE?Part of the league-wide NBA Cares initiative, Read to Achieve stresses the importance of literacy and education to youth. The Pistons launched Read to Achieve in October 2001, and since then, the team has read stories and distributed books to thousands of children. The Pistons have also renovated multiple Live, Learn and Play Centers and provided books and funds to doz-ens of schools and non-profits. Reaching an estimated 50 million children per year nationwide, Read to Achieve is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. The Pistons Read to Achieve sponsors (07-08) included Rock Financial, Sprite, Belle Tire, Ticketmaster, Bowl-ing Centers Association of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Absopure, National City, Tim Hortons and Metro PCS.

PISTONS-PALACE FOUNDATION MISSION…Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons are dedicated to enriching the lives of our communities’ youth and families through our unique resources, teamwork and good-will. We positively impact lives by developing and supporting programs that promote education, recreation and a healthy lifestyle, inspiring excellence through role models and serving as a catalyst for constructive community change.

DETROIT PISTONS LIVE, LEARN AND PLAY CENTER RENOVATIONS The organization has renovated a league-high 19 Live, Learn and Play Centers. For each renovation, the Pistons commission new paint, carpet, furniture and technology as needed for the existing site. The Pistons also develop

graphics of players, Pistons personalities and basketball-themed visuals to bring new life into each room. To top it all off, the Pistons provide hundreds of new and gently used books for each renovated library or resource center. Previous Live, Learn and Play Center renovation locations include local school libraries, the Boys & Girls Club of Flint, Ronald McDonald House of Detroit, Hur-ricane Katrina Habitat for Humanity House in New Orleans, Tay’s Town Suite at the Palace of Auburn Hills and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

To learn more about Live, Learn and Play Center renovations, please visit www.pistons.com/community/rta.

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PLAYER TICKET SECTIONSLast season nine players purchased blocks of tickets that were donated to organizations and non-profits in the local community. Each game a different organization was recognized and spent the night as that players biggest fan. Player ticket sections for the 2007-08 season were as follows: Chauncey Billups, Jarvis Hayes, Tayshaun Prince, Jason Max-iell, Amir Johnson, Antonio McDyess, Lindsey Hunter and the rookies Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo.

TAY’S TOWNTayshaun Prince and his wife, Farah, teamed up with Meijer to purchase a full season Palace suite 322 for the 2007-08 season. The suite invites children with cancer and their families to experience a Pistons game for free. The suite was redesigned as “Tay’s Town” and features unique graphical and in-teractive elements for up to 16 children each Pistons home game. Each child receives a Tay’s Town t-shirt, autograph card and pre-game courtside access. The group is selected by Kids Kicking Cancer, which is a non-profit that helps children and families cope when faced with cancer. The grand opening of the suite took place on November 21, 2007 during the Pistons vs. Knicks game.

CHARITABLE DONATION PROGRAMThe Detroit Pistons support the community through donations of tickets and team merchan-dise. Thousands of individuals from local community organizations and schools attend Pis-tons games through ticket donations from the Pistons community relations department and the Pistons-Palace Foundation. In addition, in-kind donations such as autographed team merchandise and memorabilia are donated to registered nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit www.pistons.com/community

PISTONS-PALACE FOUNDATION SILENT AUCTION PROGRAMThe Pistons-Palace Foundation in-arena silent auction program offers unique, auto-graphed memorabilia from area sports teams including the Pistons, Shock, Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, college teams as well as items signed by players that made history from all sports teams. These items are available at every home game. The silent auction station is located on the concourse at section 108/109. Both framed and unframed items are available for a range of costs.

Most items are open for bidding, while other “BUY NOW” items are available for purchase on the spot. More than 45 items are available every game and bidding closes at the end of halftime. Items are also available at www.pistons.com/community through an online auction. All proceeds benefit the Pistons-Palace Foundation to be reinvested back into the community for education, youth and literacy initiatives.

RIP CITY FOUNDATION The Rip City Foundation’s mission is to enhance lives through education and recreation with a special emphasis on healthy living in the geographical areas where Rip Ham-ilton has lived and played. Through the foundation, Hamilton has held basketball camps and clinics, coordinated an an-

nual Thanksgiving dinner at Detroit’s Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center and held holiday shopping sprees to benefit area children. The founda-tion also raised money through Bowling for Kids in 2006 and helped to renovate Burns Elementary School’s resource center. Hamilton’s foundation is also very active in his hometown of Coatsville, Penn. For more information about, please visit www.ripcityfoundation.org.

For information regarding these programs, contact Jamie Murdoch, Community Relations Assistantat (248) 375-4055 or visit our website at www.pistons.com/community

PISTONS, ALLSTATE AND MYTV20 MITTEN DRIVE This past year the Pistons, Allstate Insurance Company and MyTV20 part-nered together to collect hundreds of new mittens, gloves or scarves Pis-tons home game during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Collected mittens were donated to youth groups, such as Orchards Children’s Ser-vices. Last season, more than 600 winter accessories were collected.

Fans may drop off these winter accessories at the designated bins at the Comcast Pavilion during the 2008-09 season.

SEATS FOR SOLDIERSDuring the 2007-08 holiday season hundreds of season ticket holders donated their tickets to the Seats for Soldiers program. Tickets went to soldiers of Selfridge Air National Guard Base as well as their family members. Fans could also purchase tickets at a discounted price to donate to the soldiers. More than 400 servicemen enjoyed the Pistons game where they also received a special recognition for their hard work and dedication to our country.

LINDSEY HUNTER REACHING HIGHER PROGRAMThe Detroit Pistons, the Pistons-Palace Foundation and Lindsey Hunter teamed up for the Reaching Higher program at a local high school in Pontiac. Reach-ing Higher is a nine-week program designed to motivate emotionally troubled youth so they live a life with more passion and confidence by teaching life skills and providing unconditional support and positive reinforcement. Throughout the program issue and topics such as self-esteem, goal setting, limiting be-liefs, positive life choices and managing stress are addressed. In the past, high school students who have completed the course have shown significant improvement in grades, attitudes and relationships by demonstrating the pro-grams effectiveness and lasting impression.

MARCH IS READING MONTH The Detroit Pistons, its Read to Achieve sponsors and WJBK FOX 2 team up to collect new and gently used books during “March is Reading Month.” The campaign encourages fans to donate books at all Pistons home games during the month of March. Books are also collected at various Read to Achieve sponsor locations. In the past six years, the March is Reading Month program has donated more than 100,000 books to schools and non-profit organizations.

The Pistons teamed up with Rock Financial & Made in Detroit to offer limited time underground Pistons-themed t-shirts to raise money for the Pistons-Palace Foundation. T-shirts names were “Pistons Rock Detroit,” “Sheed Happens” and “Smooth CB1.”

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16 STATEWIDE 4-DAY YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMPS

The purpose of the Detroit Pistons Training Camp Tour is to impact youth and improve their skills in the game of basketball as well as in the game of life. A typical camp puts emphasis on the fundamental skills of basketball such as passing, shooting, ball handling, rebound-ing and defense. The coaching staff conducts con-tests such as: Hot Shot, Free Throws, Knock Out and Beat the Pro for campers to win trophies and prizes. Campers are also judged for week-long camp honors such as the Attitude Award, Hustle Award and the Most Valuable Player Award. Campers also play in action-packed games against players in their age range and of similar skill level.

Basketball is not the only topic of discussion during 4-day Pistons Training Camps. Life skills such as teamwork, building confidence, positive peer pressure, good work ethic and other topics that are important to today’s youth are stressed and encouraged by staff members.

Over the past 12 years, the Pistons Training Camp Tour has reached more than 24,000 campers at camps statewide and in nearby Ohio. The camp has made stops in Ypsilanti, Battle Creek, Utica, Howell, Flint, Lansing, Cadillac, Midland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Gaylord, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Toledo, Traverse City, Holly, Fenton, Plymouth/Canton, Rochester, Lake Orion, Brighton, Hillsdale, Holt, West Bloomfield, Muskegon, Manchester, Coldwater and at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

For 2008 Detroit Pistons Training Camp Tour information, please call our Camp Hotline at (248) 377-8653.

STEVE MORELANDDIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND CAMPS & CLINICS

Steve Moreland enters his 13th season as Director of Development and Basketball Camps/Clinics for the Detroit Pistons. Moreland directs the Detroit Pistons Training Camp Tour, which consists of 16 summer youth basketball camps throughout the state of Michigan and northern Ohio. More than 24,000 boys and girls have participated in the Training Camp tour since its inception 12 years ago. These pre-mier camps include guest appearances by Pistons players, coaches and staff.

Moreland also oversees the Detroit Pistons Partner Program. Targeting school-aged children K-5, the programs provides daily tips to help improve student’s lifestyle by focusing on physical fitness, health and sports. In the last 12 years, Moreland has been delivering motivational and educational messages from the Pistons to more than 1,200 schools.

“Coach Steve” has also become a highly respected motivational speaker for organizations and businesses throughout the state of Michigan. He was appointed to the Michigan’s Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports by former Governor John Engler. Moreland is actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce and served as President of his local elementary school PTO in past years.

Moreland joined the Pistons prior to the start of the 1996-97 season, coming from Disney’s Wide World of Sports. He and his wife, Lori, have three children; Christa, Tyler and Shane and reside in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Campers participate in a one-on-one exercise.

THE DETROIT PISTONS PARTNER PROGRAM PRESENTS…“SKILLS FOR SUCCESS”

The Detroit Pistons are bringing their basketballs, jerseys, whistles and chalkboard as part of our com-plimentary “Skills For Success” Assembly to your school. Creating a championship environment among students, teachers, staff members and parents is the goal for this highly recognized and award-winning three-part program. The special events will be conducted by Steve Moreland, who is in his 13th year as the Detroit Pistons Director of Development and Basketball Camps/Clinics. The Pistons have appeared at over 1,200 schools statewide during the past 12 years.

Sharing our recipes for success as they relate to building a championship team, our topics will include: setting goals, being on time, working hard and practicing your skills, studying the game plan, playing the game and continuing to improve. Also as part of the fun, selected students and teachers will wear our Detroit Pistons jerseys as they demonstrate good sportsmanship during our Pistons shooting contest.

HERE ARE THE THREE PARTS TO THE PISTONS PARTNER PROGRAM:For taking the first step in becoming a “Pistons Partner,” your school will be awarded a complimentary afternoon Detroit Pistons “Skills For Success” Assembly conducted by “Coach Steve” and his staff. This year’s presentation will help establish a successful foundation for learning and everyday living. You will receive an exclusive Detroit Pistons plaque acknowledging your school as a “Detroit Pistons Partner.” This 40-minute assembly is available to the first 40 schools that register for the entire program.

The second step of the Pistons Partner Program consists of an after-school basketball clinic held in your school’s gymnasium on the same day of the assembly. Our Pistons camp coaching staff will teach the ABC’s of basket-ball to K-5 boys and girls during this 1-1/2 hour session. Clinic participants receive a free Pistons game ticket, a special Detroit Pistons T-shirt, a certifi-cate of participation and various prizes for basketball skill contests.

*Investment for each clinic participant is only $25 (regular value of $70) The $25 fee includes: • A 1-1/2 hours clinic (regular price $25) • Special Detroit Pistons T-shirt (regular $20) • 1 regular season game ticket (regular $25) • Pistons certificate of participation and prizes for contest winners

The third and final step of our Pistons Partnership with your school wouldn’t be complete without an invi-tation for all students, faculty, families and friends to experience an authentic Pistons Game Day at The Palace of Auburn Hills. For only $20, all fans can attend a Pistons regular-season home game selected by your staff. Make this a memorable night for all to enjoy!

We will acknowledge your school during a pre-game presentation. Your Principal, a selected staff mem-ber and several students will represent your school down on the Pistons’ home court prior to the game. After the ceremony, everyone can sit back and enjoy exhilarating, action-packed Pistons basketball!

To schedule dates and times for the Pistons Partner Program, please contact Curtis Rybski, Manager – Basketball Camps/Clinics, at (248) 377-8653. Assembly/clinic dates, times, and Pistons game dates are limited to the first 40 schools on a first-come, first-serve basis!

Coaches demonstrate dribbling techniques to campersparticipating in a clinic at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

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GEORGE BLAHA • PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCERA local broadcasting icon and one of the most recognizable personalities in Detroit and the NBA, George Blaha begins his 33rd consecutive season as the television and radio play-by-play voice of the Detroit Pistons in 2008-2009. The “Voice of the Pistons” is the longest tenured play-by-play announcer in the State of Michigan following the retirement of legendary Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell. Blaha brings a high-energy style to go with his extensive basketball knowledge and demonstrates a true passion for Pistons basketball. His trademark colloquialisms such as, “two and twenty-two to play” and “a high glass gun that goes” have thrilled Pistons fans of all ages for three decades.

Blaha enjoyed a banner year in 2008 when he was named Michigan’s Sportscaster of the Year for the second time by The Detroit News (2003, 2008) and enshrined in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He was also honored by Michigan State as an honorary letterman and member of the “S” Club. Blaha was honored with the Ty

Tyson Award for broadcasting excellence by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association in 2003.

Blaha handles play-by-play duties on either television or radio for all 82 regular-season games plus pre and post-season games on FSN Detroit and WDFN - the Pistons flagship stations. He also hosts the “Pistons Weekly” television program, which airs Sunday nights on WDIV TV4 at midnight, and has handled play-by-play duties for Michigan State Football since 1971. In 2002, he was made an honorary alumnus of Michigan State University.

During the Pistons off-season, Blaha stays active as a Pistons ambassador making appearances at charitable and community events. His annual “High Hopes” golf outing for the Vista Maria home for abused young women in the metropolitan area, has raised well over a half million dollars for the charity. He is also an honorary chairman of the annual golf outing for the St. Louis Center for the developmentally disabled. Blaha serves as spokesman and fundraiser for the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, benefiting neglected and abused animals in the City of Detroit.

Born in Detroit, Blaha was raised in Marshalltown, Iowa and Grayling, Michigan. He graduated with a B.A. in economics from Notre Dame University and earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. He resides in Troy and Gaylord Michigan.

GREG KELSER • TELEVISION ANALYSTGreg Kelser joins George Blaha for his 12th season as television analyst on FSN Detroit. Kelser has worked Pistons games on television and radio since 1988. Kelser has established himself as a veteran NBA color commentator working the past 16 seasons for the Pistons’ cable partners. In addition to his analytical duties, Kelser also lends his expertise during segments of the pre-game show and is frequently featured as an NBA analyst for FSN Detroit’s Sports Report which airs nightly at 10:00 p.m.

Kelser worked six seasons with PASS Sports prior to his FSN Detroit engagement. He served as the Pistons color commentator for WWJ radio during home games nine seasons ago and has also worked on collegiate television broadcasts in a variety of settings, including the NCAA tournament.

A former All-American and Academic All-American at Michigan State University, Kelser, along with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, captained the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA Championship. He was drafted by the Pistons in 1979 and played in Detroit until he was traded to the Seattle Supersonics for Vinnie Johnson.

An active member in his community, Kelser conducts several basketball camps during the summer and is involved in various charities throughout the state of Michigan.

STAN FRACKERPISTONS BROADCASTING

DANA GAURUDEROAKLAND PRESS

GREG KELSERFSN DETROIT

RICK MAHORNWDFN RADIO

CHRIS MCCOSKYDETROIT NEWS

GEORGE BLAHAFSN DETROITWDFN RADIO

A. SHERROD BLAKELY

BOOTH NEWSPAPERS

MARK CHAMPIONWDFN RADIO

VINCE ELLISDETROIT FREE PRESS

PETE SKORICHPISTONS BROADCASTING

ELI ZARETPISTONS BROADCASTING

RYAN FIELDFSN DETROIT

TREVOR THOMPSONFSN DETROIT

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DSBA / MICHIGAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME • OVERTIME


2008-09 DETROIT SPORTS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATIONACTIVE MEMBERS:WDFN-AM & WDTW-AM: Clarence Black, George Blaha, Mark Champion, Matt Dery, Denny Kapp, Mike Stone, Bob WojnowskiWXYT-AM/FM & WWJ-AM: Jim Brandstatter, Dan Dickerson, Sonny Eliot, Ken Kal, Tom MazaweyWJR-AM: Frank Beckmann, George Blaha, Gus Ganakas, Will TiemanWAAM-AM: Al FellhauerWPON-AM: Ron CameronWTKA-AM: Jim HuntWMIC-AM/FM & WTGV-AM: George Benko, Robert BenkoWDNN: Jim HendrickWOMC-FM: Frank Beckmann, Jim Brandstatter, Tom MazaweyWKAR-FM: Earle RobinsonWPHS-FM: Jennifer StanczykWSDP-FM: Bill KeithMCW Communications: Terry MooreFOX Sports Net Detroit: George Blaha, Ken Daniels, Mario Impemba, Fred Pletsch, Shireen Saski, Trevor ThompsonWDIV-TV: Bernie Smilovitz, Rob ParkerWJBK-TV: Dan Miller, Jennifer Hammond, Ryan ErmanniWXYZ-TV: Mike StoneWCS-TV: Candise WattsESPN/ESPN2: John CwiklaTV-10: Rich KincaideOTHER MEDIA: Mike Alberts, Ron Angel, T.C. Cameron, Paul Carey, Butch Davis, Dave Diles, George Eichorn, Ben Eriksson, John Fountain, Dave Frisco, Frank Garza, Dan Graschuck, Jim Grossman, Ernie Harwell, Jim Hendrick, Larry Henry, Buck Jerzy, Don Kremer, Pete Krupsky, Ray Lane, Budd Lynch, Nick Martines, Dominic Menzo, Scott Morganroth, Geoff Nail, Jim Ramsey, Tom Ryan, Bob Tripi, Dana Wakiji, Carol Yerby, Jon Yerby, Dan York

OFFICERS:President: Rich KincaideVice President: James ReinSecretary: Jim GrossmanTreasurer: Bill WischmanSergeant-at-Arms: Bill HarringtonExecutive Director: George Eichorn

DETROIT PISTONS IN THE MICHIGAN SPORTS HALL OF FAMEName Year of InductionGeorge Blaha 2008Ray Scott 2007Greg Kelser 2006Joe Dumars 2003George Yardley 2001Bill Laimbeer 1999Isiah Thomas 1998Vinnie Johnson 1997Chuck Daly 1996Bob Lanier 1989Dave Bing 1984Dave DeBusschere 1977Fred Zollner 1976

OVERTIME • BROADCASTERS

MARK CHAMPION • RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAYMark Champion enters the ninth year of his second stint with the Detroit Pistons as the radio voice in 2008-2009. He functions in this capacity when George Blaha is handling tele-vision duties for the Pistons. Champion first joined the Pistons organization in 1992 sharing the airwaves with Blaha until the end of the 1995-96 season. He rejoined the organization for the 2001-02 season in his new capacity.

A radio veteran who brings more than 37 years of sports broadcasting experience to the microphone, Champion served as the radio voice of the Detroit Lions, a post he held for 16 seasons. He has also served as the voice of Michigan State Men’s Basketball and has worked in three Winter Olympics Games.

In addition to his duties with the Pistons and Lions, Champion handled television play-by-play duties for the Detroit Fury of the Arena Football League (AFL). Most recognized among NFL announcing circles for his work with the Lions and earlier with the Tampa Bay

Buccaneers, Champion serves as the voice for Disney asking the Super Bowl MVP “Where are you going next?”

A Muncie, Indiana native, Champion resides in Lake Orion. RICK MAHORN • RADIO ANALYST

Rick Mahorn begins his seventh season as a color analyst for the Pistons radio broadcast on WDFN. Mahorn brings his extensive NBA experience and joins George Blaha and Mark Champion to deliver insightful commentary during Pistons home games.

Following an 18-year NBA playing career, Mahorn served as head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the 1999-00 season. He led the Lightning to a 15-7 overall record and the American Conference title, which earned them a No. 2 seed in the 2000 CBA Playoffs. Mahorn’s coaching excellence was recognized in two CBA Coach-of-the-Month Awards. He then joined the coaching staff of the Atlanta Hawks under Lon Kruger during the 2001-02 season.

In 2005, Mahorn joined the Detroit Shock coaching staff, helping take the team to a sixth straight playoff appearance and second WNBA Championship.

Mahorn was drafted by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft. He came to Detroit prior to the 1985-86 season and helped the franchise win its first championship as a member of the original “Bad Boys” team in 1988-89. He also earned All-NBA second team defensive honors that season. He later had a second stint with the Pistons from 1996-98.

A Hartford, CT, native, Mahorn was a four-year letter winner at Hampton Institute (VA). He was a three-time NCAA Division II and NAIA All-American and owned 18 school records. He graduated with a degree in business administration in 1980.

ELI ZARET • SIDELINE REPORTEREli Zaret enters his third season as sideline reporter with the Pistons, partnering with George Blaha and Greg Kelser during broadcasts on FSN Detroit. He began his career in 1974 as the first FM sportscaster in Detroit, first heard on WABX-FM. In 1979, while work-ing at WRIF-FM, he won a nationwide audition to host the first ever nationally syndicated FM sportscast.

Zaret began his television career in 1980 at WDIV-TV while still at WRIF, and became the lead sports anchor there in 1984. He later became the lead anchor at WABC-TV in New York. Upon returning to WJBK-TV in Detroit in 1988, he also began a seven- year stint at WCSX-FM with a variety of morning show hosts including JJ and Lynn.

Zaret hosted the first locally produced half-hour baseball pre-game show in America on WDIV-TV. He also hosted the Emmy-winning Eli and Denny Show on WJBK-TV with former 31-game winner Denny McLain. In 1997 he created the LockerRoom show on WDIV with Kirk Gibson and Gary Danielson that ran on both radio and television until 2004.

He has published three books, including 2003’s “84 -- The Last of the Great Tigers, Untold Stories from an Amazing Season,” 2004’s “Blue Collar Blueprint – How the Pistons Created their Championship Formula,” and his latest “I told you I wasn’t perfect” with Denny McLain which debuted in 2007 and made it to the top ten in the ESPN/Borders best-seller list.

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HOOPER / DETROIT SHOCK • OVERTIME


DETROIT SHOCK • 2003 & 2006 WNBA CHAMPIONS

HOOPER • PISTONS MASCOTHOOPER STATSHeight: A head above the restWeight: “1 Ton of Fun”Position: Center…of attentionNBA Debut: Nov. 1, 1996

Hooper brings fun and excitement to birthdays, schools, weddings, bar mitzvahs, grand openings, festivals, parades and much more! Call to book him for your next event!

To book Hooper for an appearance or community event, please call (248) 377-8607 or e-mail: [email protected].

Hire the “Hardest Workin’ Dance Team” in the NBA for your next event!

The Detroit Pistons Dance Team Automotion is celebrating more than 10 years of entertaining fans at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Their high-energy performances increase the level of spirit and enthusiasm inside The Palace at all Pistons home games.

During the past decade the Detroit Pistons Dance Program has grown by leaps and bounds, by not only providing show-stopping performances but by reaching out in the community. As Goodwill Ambassadors for the Detroit Pistons, Automotion participates in numerous community events, including the award-winning NBA Read-To-Achieve program promoting literacy throughout the state of Michigan. Each year, Automotion makes over 300 community appearances.

Known as the “Hardest Workin’ Dance Team in the NBA,” their rigorous rehearsal schedule and intense training seminars leave very little down time for this talented group of ladies. Their commitment to excellence and tireless work ethic makes them strong role models for young women everywhere.

Automotion is a well-rounded group of intelligent, diverse and highly-talented individuals who provide professionalism, class and enthusiasm wherever they go. Their passion and dedication along with their training and preparation are the main ingredients for Automotion’s success and popularity.

To book the Detroit Pistons Dance Team *Automotion* for your next event, please call The Palace at 248-377-0100 or go to Pistons.com!

Front row left to right: Sarah, Liz, Chelsey, Megan Middle row left to right: Melanie, Jerin, Alexis, AllyBack row left to right: Jillian, Brittany, Stephanie K., Rene, Stephanie C., Cortney, Jessica, Val, Kathryn, Rachel, Caitlin, Alicia

Rebecca Girard,DANCE TEAM DiRECToR

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