The Detroit Pistons today announced their 2026 NBA Playoff activations and new offerings for the postseason presented by Henry Ford Health and Ticketmaster, set to debut across their first two home games of Round 1.
The festivities tip off with a pregame fan fest outside at Little Caesars Arena Plaza beginning at 3:30 p.m. for Game 1 on Sunday, April 19 (game time is 6:30 p.m.). Their opponent will be known on Friday, and will be either the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, or Orlando Magic.
Family-friendly activities including an airbrush tattoo station, sneaker cleaning and customizations, a photo booth activation, free coffee and smoothies from Cappuccino Man, a live art experience with Bandy Lee, and a halfcourt basketball court will transform the Little Caesars Arena Plaza into a pregame party. Select “fan favorites” food and beverage also will be available in Plaza for purchase.
In turn, Ford will display an F-150 in “Arena Live” outside the Comerica Entrance and will give away “Detroit Wasn’t Built in a Day” t-shirts while supplies last.
When doors open to LCA open at 5 p.m. for Game 1, the first 10,000 fans will receive thundersticks and all fans will receive a t-shirt presented by Henry Ford Health at their seats.
For Game 2 on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m., the first 10,000 fans will again receive thundersticks as well as a rally towel presented by BetRivers, and all fans will receive a t-shirt presented by Ticketmaster at their seats.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be seated in their seats prior to tipoff to participate in special surprise playoff elements during introductions and throughout the in-game entertainment production at all Pistons’ home games.
Michigan-native LaToya Turrentine-Brown will sing the National Anthem at Game 1, and Game 2 will feature the Detroit Youth Choir as both the National Anthem performer and halftime entertainment.
The Detroit Pistons and Delaware North — the food, beverage, and retail partner at Little Caesars Arena — unveiled new postseason-inspired retail offerings for fans, including exclusive Playoff merchandise that will be available at the Team Store at Little Caesars Arena and online at Pistons313Shop.com.
New merchandise includes the Pistons’ team roster lineup t-shirt, the Pistons caricature graphic t-shirt, the Nike NBA Playoff Mantra Shirt, and a “Detroit Dub” shirt which will be available only after Pistons playoff wins immediately following the final buzzer in the Team Store and on Pistons313Shop.com for 24 hours following each playoff win.
The Pistons also are teaming up with Twozzday to launch two Team Store exclusive Detroit Pistons 2026 NBA Playoff hats. With the purchase of either limited-edition snapback hat, customers will receive a pass to claim a 2026 Playoff pin from a digital vending machine. The hats will be available exclusively for purchase at the Detroit Pistons Team Store for Game 1 starting at 5 p.m. for ticketed guests while supplies last.
As the Pistons begin their playoff run, the Team Store at Little Caesars Arena will be open starting April 18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and will open early on Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Guests can expect an elevated selection of limited-time food and beverage offerings across Little Caesars Arena from the Detroit Pistons and Delaware North, featuring Detroit-inspired flavors, including:
- All The Time Fry — Seasoned fries topped with All The Time Spice Blend, All The Time Sauce and fresh scallions. Available at The Coop (Portals 18 and 19).
- Full Court Press Sundae — Vanilla ice cream topped with red or blue soda, sprinkles and a Pistons‑branded topper, served in a souvenir sneaker cup. Available at The Scoop (Portals 18 and 19).
- Playoff Run‑ning Taco — An elevated walking taco featuring an extra‑large bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos loaded with your choice of proteins, cheeses, and toppings. Available at Portal 26.
- Arena Cantina Pizza Box Nachos — House‑fried cantina‑style tortilla chips served with protein options including smoked pulled chicken or barbacoa, two queso choices, and a full lineup of classic toppings. Available at Portable 42.
New for the playoffs, fans can visit Detroit Street Lab (Portal 28), a concept inspired by Detroit’s street food culture and built for speed, flavor and creativity, which will also include a collaboration with influencer Eric Loves Cooking. Menu highlights include:
- Korean Corn Dogs
Bad Boy Blue (Pistons Exclusive) — Brick cheese, Blue Takis, crispy potato crust, takoyaki sauce, and Kewpie mayo
Street Lab Coney – All‑beef hot dog, chili cheese Fritos, crispy onions, and mustard - Sandos
Assembly Line Steak Sando — Grilled tenderloin, rice wine slaw, Kewpie mayo, and takoyaki sauce on RSA milk bread - Side Street Snacks
The Foundry Fried Rice — Bacon lardons, kimchi, yum yum sauce, and takoyaki drizzle
- Eric’s Motor City Crisp — Eric Loves Cooking’s Two Fairway Packing Co. beef patties, melted brick cheese, shredded lettuce, Eric’s 313 sauce, and mild pepperoncini
- Eric’s Deli Steak Sandwich — Eric Loves Cooking’s Shaved tri‑tip with Havarti, garlic horseradish sauce, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, and giardiniera
Playoff beverages and souvenirs include:
- You Don’t Want This Smoke — A cocktail featuring tequila, Blue Curaçao, cream of coconut, and a smoke bubble, served in a basketball shoe cup.
Available at Beverage Cart (Portal 13). - 20‑oz Draft Cups with Pistons Player Images — Available at multiple locations throughout the arena.
Limited tickets are available for Detroit Pistons first round playoff games, and can be purchased online at pistons.com/playoffs or ticketmaster.com, or by calling the ticket office at 313-PISTONS. Tickets also can be purchased at the Xfinity Box Office at Little Caesars Arena during business hours (Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.).
For more information, visit pistons.com.
