Detroit Sports Scene Cranks Up in Month of March
By Matt Snyder
Here’s a look at the jam-packed Detroit sports calendar as we flip from February to March.
March is a busy month for the Detroit sports scene. The NHL and NBA continue in full swing. MLB teams play spring training games in preparation of final roster cuts and the season ahead. College basketball wraps up the regular season, heads into conference tournaments, and then the NCAA Tournament. This year we also get to see the return of the World baseball classic.
Here’s a look at the month’s schedule.
Wednesday, March 1
The NHL trade deadline will pass at 3:00 p.m.
The Michigan Wolverines will try to lock down tournament positioning when they head to Northwestern for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.
Detroit Pistons travel to New Orleans for an 8:00 p.m. game.
The Michigan State Spartans travel to face the Illinois Fighting Illini at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 3
The NFL Scouting Combine begins in preparation for April’s draft.
The Detroit Red Wings play a road game in Calgary at 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 4
Michigan State wraps up the men’s basketball regular season at Maryland (2:00 p.m.)
The Pistons remain on the road and travel to Philadelphia for a 6:00 tipoff.
The Red Wings remain on the road to face the Edmonton Oilers at 10:00
Sunday, March 5
The Michigan Wolverines head to Nebraska (8:00 p.m.) for the final contest of the regular season.
Monday, March 6
The World Baseball Classic begins at 4:30 a.m. (ET) with a Pool A matchup between Israel and South Korea (in South Korea).
The Pistons return home to square off with the rival Chicago Bulls.
Wednesday, March 8
The Big Ten men’s basketball tournament begins with first round games at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
The Pistons tip off in Indiana against the Pacers at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9
The new NFL league year begins with free agency and trading periods opening at 4:00 p.m.
Big Ten tournament continues with second round games.
The Pistons return home on a back-to-back to host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Friday, March 10
The United States begins their World Baseball Classic campaign at Marlins Park in Miami with a Pool C contest against Colombia.
The Big Ten tournament reaches the quarterfinal round.
The Red Wings return home to host the Chicago Blackhawks.
Saturday, March 11
The Big Ten tournament semifinals take place at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
The Pistons host the very famous but not very good New York Knicks at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 12
World Baseball Classic second round games begin for the top two teams of Pool A and Pool B (Asia).
The Big Ten Tournament concludes with the championship game at 3:00 p.m.
NCAA Tournament brackets are announced during the selection show.
Tuesday, March 14
World Baseball Classic second round games begin for the top two teams of Pool C and Pool D (North America).
The NCAA Tournament begins with First Four games in Dayton, Ohio.
The Pistons travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers at at 7:00.
Wednesday, March 15
The NCAA Tournament field pares down to 64 teams with the conclusion of the First Four.
The Pistons return home to begin a three-game homestand beginning with the Utah Jazz.
The Red Wings head to Denver to renew their rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche.
Thursday, March 16
The NCAA Tournament begins in earnest with first round games in Buffalo, Milwaukee, Orlando, and Salt Lake City.
Friday, March 17
The Pistons remain at home and host the Toronto Raptors at 7:30.
Saturday, March 18
The Avalanche come to Joe Louis Arena to face off with the Red Wings at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 19
The Pistons close out their home stand by welcoming the Phoenix Suns to Auburn Hills.
Monday, March 20
The World Baseball Classic semifinals will be held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Monday, March 21
The World Baseball Classic semifinals continue at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Pistons begin a four-game road trip with a trip to Brooklyn.
Tuesday, March 22
The World Baseball Classic concludes with the championship game in Los Angeles.
The Pistons head to the central time zone to play the Chicago Bulls at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 24
The United States Men’s National Soccer Team will play Honduras in San Jose, California in a World Cup qualifying match.
The Pistons head to Florida to take on the Orlando Magic at 7:00 p.m.
The Red Wings host the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30
Saturday, March 25
The first two teams punch their ticket to the Final Four with the West and Midwest regional finals.
Sunday, March 26
The Final Four field is finalized with regional finals in the South and East regions.
Monday, March 27
The Pistons close out their road trip in the city in which it began. They’ll take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30.
The Red Wings travel to Carolina to play the Hurricanes on back-to-back nights.
Tuesday, March 28
The Pistons return to the Palace of Auburn Hills to host the Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29
The Detroit Tigers play their final home game of the Grapefruit League spring training season in Lakeland, FL.
Thursday, March 30
The Pistons remain at home to host the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 31
The Pistons travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks at 8:00 p.m.
Next: Detroit Lions Seven Round Mock Draft
Things will stay busy in April as the Pistons and Red Wings wrap up the regular season. Will playoff berths be in the cards?