Surprise Guest Eminem Fires Up Crowd Before Pistons Opener [VIDEO]
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
The Pistons broke out a surprise guest for their first game in downtown Detroit in nearly 40 years.
As Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' played on the Little Caesars Arena loudspeakers just before opening tip on Wednesday night, the rapper himself stood up from a courtside seat, wearing a blue Pistons shirt beneath a black hoodie, and fired up the crowd.
"Detroit, welcoming back for the first time in almost 40 years, to our city, to my city, to your city, make some noise for the Detroit Pistons. Let's Go!!" Eminem yelled, as he saluted the fans.
So that's one heck of a way to start the first Pistons game in Detroit in 40 years. @Eminem kicks it off on the mic. pic.twitter.com/lRsTUVK1Lp
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 18, 2017
WHAT?!?!? @Eminem just showed up for the @DetroitPistons opener at @LCArena_Detroit!!!! pic.twitter.com/MhETMGaXF0
— Joey Radio (@JoeyRadio) October 18, 2017
The Pistons responded to Eminem's rousing appearance, racing out to an early lead over the Hornets. Tobias Harris led the way.
.@Eminem got us fired up and we're starting strong at @LCArena_Detroit.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 18, 2017
16-8 with 6:33 to play in the first.
Eminem, whose freestyle slam of Donald Trump went viral last week, was spotted backstage before the game, but it wasn't know that he was part of the Pistons' pregame presentation.
Eminem backstage at @DetroitPistons opening game at Little Caesars Arena just now. pic.twitter.com/Ox5Q6paYJV
— Freep Entertainment (@FreepEnt) October 18, 2017
Another local artist, Kid Rock, was later shown on the big screen, but the crowd gave him a much different reception.
Nice round of boos for Kid Rock at Little Caesars Arena when they showed him on scoreboard. Wonder why?
— Pat Caputo (@patcaputo98) October 18, 2017
The Pistons moved from The Palace of Auburn Hills to Little Caesars Arena after the 2016-17 season. They hadn't called downtown Detroit home since 1978 when they played in Cobo Arena.