DETROIT – There’s a buzz around downtown Detroit, and Visit Detroit says tens of thousands of fans are expected to be at the center of it as the Pistons return home for a playoff game at Little Caesars Arena.
Former Detroit Pistons and TV color commentator Greg Kelser said the team’s run has been “dramatic” and “nerve-wracking,” but the momentum is still building.
The former Michigan State Spartans national champion said the Pistons should get an extra lift from the home crowd, and that’s something the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to deal with, too.
“This crowd is really good,” Kelser said. “They come with the noise, the energy.”
That energy is already paying off for nearby businesses.
Collin Breen, with The Post, said the playoff atmosphere has been “big, big for Detroit,” and he pointed to the crowds during Game 7 against the Magic.
“People came down an hour early. Every table was full,” Breen said.
Tuesday (May 5) night could be even busier.
With the Detroit Tigers also playing at home and Cinco de Mayo falling on the same day, Breen said the bar expects to serve multiple crowds.
“Tomorrow’s going to be fun, a lot of margaritas, Pistons gear,” Breen said.
Fans say they’re planning to make a night of it.
Detroiter and Pistons fan Nick Waelchli said he’s going out for Cinco de Mayo, “have a couple margs,” and cheer on the Pistons and Cade Cunningham.
Solana Bryson said the energy downtown has been “so lively.”
Visit Detroit said it expects tens of thousands of visitors to eat out and stay in city hotels, calling the playoff run a major boost for restaurants and other establishments as the main tourism season approaches.
For the playoff run, arena doors will open 30 minutes earlier than usual.
Pistons fans attending the game at Little Caesars Arena can take their seats at 5 p.m., and the fan fest outside the arena runs from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.