We’ve fully jumped into May in this unique 2021 American sports calendar. That means figuring out how to watch Detroit sports teams is a little trickier than usual.
It’s the last weekend this spring where the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings will all be playing simultaneously. That means your remote or streaming platform could be getting quite the workout.
It’s Bally Sports Detroit or bust on TV
If you’ve been plugged into the Detroit sports scene this spring, you probably know that Bally Sports Detroit is the primary home of all major non-NFL sports teams in the city. And you also know that access can be difficult at times. We wrote all about that last month.
There’s an even more delicate dance going on this weekend. With some crossover in playing times, the Bally Sports Detroit-Plus alternate channel will be in effect, or you will need to access the Bally Sports Detroit app or online platform to gain access this weekend.
Here’s a quick breakdown of where and how to watch Detroit sports teams From May 7-9.
Detroit Red Wings (18-27-9) at Columbus Blue Jackets (17-25-12)
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
TV: Bally Sports Detroit-Plus (Friday); Bally Sports Detroit (Saturday)
Radio: WWJ-AM 950
Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Notes: This weekend marks the end of the season for the rebuilding Red Wings. There have been some strides made in general manager Steve Yzerman’s second season, but not enough to threaten a postseason berth. Is there room for future hope? That depends on whom you ask.
Detroit Pistons (20-47): at Philadelphia 76ers (45-21), vs. Chicago Bulls (27-39)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday; 8 p.m. Sunday
TV: Bally Sports Detroit-Plus (Saturday); Bally Sports Detroit (Sunday)
Radio: WOMC-FM 104.3 (Saturday); WXYT-FM 97.1 [The Ticket] (Sunday)
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia (Saturday); Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (Sunday)
Notes: The NBA Draft Lottery situation remains in full focus for the Pistons to close the season. Saturday’s game against the Eastern Conference leader is the road finale for Detroit. And there’s also a big DraftKings Sportsbook booster available for you to take advantage of. (Seriously, it’s a +76 point spread.)
Detroit Tigers (9-23) vs. Minnesota Twins (11-19)
When: 7:10 p.m. Friday; 4:10 p.m. Saturday; 1:10 p.m. Sunday
TV: Bally Sports Detroit (all games)
Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1 (The Ticket)
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
Starting pitchers — Friday: Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (0-4, 6.14 ERA) vs. Twins RHP Matt Shoemaker (1-3, 7.83 ERA); Saturday: Tigers RHP José Ureña (1-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. Twins RHP José Berrios (3-2, 3.58 ERA); Sunday: Tigers LHP Matthew Boyd (2-3, 2.27 ERA) vs. Twins RHP Kenta Maeda (2-2, 5.34 ERA)
More info: PlayMichigan writer Matt Schoch made a trip to Comerica Park during the Tigers’ most recent homestand. If TV access (or lack thereof) has you itching for a summer ballpark trip, here’s what to know before you go.
