The Detroit Pistons' recently earned Eastern Conference Champion title has had East Lansing businesses scrambling to catch up with the fan-based hype.
Stores are expanding their selection of Pistons merchandise, while restaurants are adding TVs to handle the influx of fans expected for the NBA Finals, which started Sunday.
"We have already sold most of what we have," said Jerry Collins, manager of MC Sports, 5002 W. Saginaw Highway in Lansing. "The day after (Tuesday's) game, sales went up."
Championship T-shirts, jerseys, hats and other Pistons merchandise on display at local sports stores have had fans in a frenzy to show their pride.
The Pistons' fourth Eastern Conference title, the first since 1990, had businesses prepping for Sunday's game since Detroit eliminated the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals on Tuesday.
"It's been extremely busy," said Katie Riley, manager of Galyan's Trading Company, 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos. "Everything has just been flying off the shelves."
By Friday, kid-size jerseys were out of stock at the Meridian Mall store; so were small-size adult Pistons wear. Just shipped in on Thursday, championship T-shirts have been distributed and sold at Galyan's chains across Michigan and are out of stock in cities close to Detroit.
"Having this merchandise has been huge," Riley added. "For every title won, we will be having new shipments sent in. I predict that if we keep winning like this, we are just going to be having constant business."
About seven new Pistons styled-shirts have arrived at local MC Sports stores since Thursday. Collins predicted sales will continue to rise.
"If we win the finals, I am sure everyone will just be jumping on the bandwagon," Collins said.
Restaurants and bars, too, have also been feeling the rush and were prepared for Sunday.
"We've bumped up staff throughout this week for all the games," said Heather Alonge, manager at Reno's East Side Sportsbar & Grill, 1310 Abbott Road in East Lansing. "We have huge Pistons fans here."
Twelve servers were expected to be on hand at Reno's for Sunday night's game, double the usual amount.
In addition to new televisions set up on the patio and throughout the bar, Reno's has been taking reservations for the past week for the 130-seat establishment.
"We have a large capacity, so we aren't too worried about the show up, but we are definitely prepared for a large turnout," Alonge said. "These next few nights are going to be really busy."
With an 86 person capacity, Harrison Roadhouse, 720 Michigan Ave., manager Tom Bramson said he predicted they would be full a few times during the week. And manager Jeff Williams expects packed houses during the finals at Maggy's Sports Grill, 16800 Chandler Road in East Lansing.
Though some fans walked around Lansing sporting their jerseys following the game last Tuesday, none were in comparison to Sunday's burst of pride.
Whether relaxing by the pool or running throughout the mall, children and adults Sunday represented Pistons such as Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace.
Wearing a Pistons jersey by the pool, East Lansing resident Bill Fischer had plans to go to Maggy's on Sunday night.
"One thing is for sure though," Fischer said. "Today, this jersey isn't coming off."
