Spot Grand Rapids 17 to Air Pistons Games
Local viewers can access Detroit Pistons broadcasts over-the-air starting Friday.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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Beginning October 24, 2026, The Spot Grand Rapids 17 will broadcast regular-season Detroit Pistons basketball games. Residents in the area can watch the games for free using a standard television antenna.
Why it matters
The move provides West Michigan viewers an economic alternative to traditional cable and streaming subscriptions. This option allows households to bypass rising monthly bills while still accessing professional sports content.
Professional antenna installation services have been provided locally since 2009, helping residents optimize reception for the channel 17 signal. Currently, about 1 in 10 customers specifically request equipment capable of capturing professional basketball broadcasts.
The players
The Spot Grand Rapids 17
This television station serves as the local broadcast outlet for Detroit Pistons games in West Michigan.
Brad Jansen
He is a local resident who successfully transitioned to over-the-air television by installing a home antenna in 2026.
Jeramie Curtice
He is an industry professional who has provided antenna installation services to local homeowners since 2009.
The details
To receive the games, viewers must connect a compatible antenna to their television and perform a channel scan through their device settings. The installation process typically involves selecting the right hardware, orienting the antenna toward the signal source, and ensuring all outdoor connections are properly weatherproofed.
Timeline
Jeramie Curtice has been installing antennas since 2009.
Brad Jansen completed his home antenna installation in the spring of 2026.
The first regular-season broadcast airs on the night of October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This development marks a return to broadcast models that prioritize wide accessibility over gated subscription models. It positions local stations as a viable alternative for fans navigating the fragmented landscape of professional basketball coverage.
Viewers can watch the games without a paid subscription by simply installing an antenna and scanning for channel 17. This change allows families to avoid the costs associated with cable and satellite sports bundles.
The takeaway
Antenna reception quality depends heavily on physical placement and weatherproofing. Residents should consult with installation professionals to ensure their specific location can reliably capture the broadcast signal.
Further reading
Learn more about the local sports landscape in Grand Rapids Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI).
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