Watch CBS News

Pistons Open Practice For Fans

AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) - The Detroit Pistons held an open practice before thousands at the Palace Sunday afternoon with free parking, free hot dogs and pop.

Pistons Team President Dennis Mannion told WWJ's Beth Fisher: "Well I think it's on us, the lockout and probably the way we've played the last few years,  it's not on the fans -- it's on us."

D'Andre Givhan, 18, had a front row seat: "I wanted to see the Detroit Pistons players in person, I never got a chance to see the championship Pistons ... and a front row seat, and I wanted to see how big the gym was ... and it's a good chance to meet some of the players."

Givhan said the Pistons defense is better this year - but said they need to tighten it up a bit.

Fans like Richard Marciniak of Clinton Township enjoyed it ...

Marciniak wasn't too upset by the lockout but he and others are glad to see their Pistons back on the court.

"Oh, it's great - I think it's perfect, I mean  for something like this - it's nice that they offer something like this for the people - plus you've got some free food coming too, that's great," said Marciniak.

The Pistons held the open practice in an effort to bring fans back to the team after the lockout.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.