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Detroit Sports Scene Goes Into High Gear in the Month of March

By Matt Snyder

Feb 6, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) moves the ball defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) in the second half at Crisler Center. Michigan State won 89-73. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) moves the ball defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) in the second half at Crisler Center. Michigan State won 89-73. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit sports scene will kick into high gear during the month of March with every major team seeing activity.

The month of March is a big one for sports fans in the Detroit area (and around the state of Michigan). The snow (hopefully) begins to melt and the first signs of spring arrive.

The Detroit Tigers are a big sign of spring for most Detroit sports fans. They’ll spend the month in Lakeland, FL preparing for the 2016 season by playing spring training games.

The Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings come into the home stretch of their seasons. Both are making strong pushes for playoff spots and every game will be critical.

The Detroit Lions will begin to sign free agent players when the new league year will begins for NFL teams in the middle of the month.

The Michigan and Michigan State football programs hold their opening spring practices as they look forward to the 2016 college season.

Here’s a look at key dates for our local sports teams this month:

March 1: Tigers open Grapefruit League exhibition play with their first game of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

March 1-5: The Michigan football team practices in Florida during spring break.

March 7: NFL deadline for teams to designate players with franchise tag.

March 5-8: Horizon League men’s basketball tournament at Joe Louis Arena.

March 9-12: MAC men’s and women’s basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH.

March 9-13: Michigan and Michigan State participate in the Big Ten Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

March 12: NFL teams are permitted to contact upcoming free agents but can’t officially sign them until March 15.

March 13: The NCAA Tournament field is announced with CBS’s “Selection Sunday” show airing at 5:30 p.m.

March 15: NFL free agency begins with the start of the new league year at 4:00 p.m.

March 15-16: NCAA Tournament kicks off with “First Four” games in Dayton, OH.

March 16: The Pistons begin a nine-game home stand (ending on April 1) as they make a move to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

March 17-18: NCAA Tournament begins in earnest with the first round proper.

March 19-20: Second Round of the NCAA Tournament takes place with winners advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.

March 20-23: Annual NFL spring league meetings take place.

March 22: The Michigan State football team begins spring practice drills.

March 24-25: March Madness resumes with the Sweet Sixteen round from regional sites (Louisville, Chicago, Anaheim, and Philadelphia).

March 26-27: The NCAA Tournament Regional Finals take place with the Elite Eight round of games. The winners will head to Houston, TX for the Final Four.

It is going to be a great month here on Detroit Jock City so be sure you’re connected with us on twitter and facebook. If not, use one of the handy buttons above to make it happen!

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