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Motor City Cruise debuts new mascot 'Nitro'

Nitro is a youthful horse who takes after his idol ‘Hooper’

The Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate, Motor City Cruise, introduced its mascot, Nitro, a blue “Cruisedale” horse presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate, Motor City Cruise, introduced its mascot, Nitro, a blue “Cruisedale” horse presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union.

Nitro will bring entertainment, energy, and enthusiasm to every Cruise game, providing a family-friendly environment at all events as he makes his way around the Wayne State Fieldhouse in his very own Cruise jersey. Nitro will wear No. 24 in honor of his debut year with Motor City.

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A youthful horse, Nitro takes after his idol, Detroit Pistons' mascot Hooper.

Hooper, the Detroit Pistons mascot, waves the team's flag before the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Nitro conveys a fearless but goofy demeanor, ready to rile up the Motor City Cruise crowd with his mischievous antics and expert dance skills.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new mascot, Nitro, to the Motor City Cruise family this season,” said Brandon Sizemore, Director, Ticket Sales. “Nitro will provide a family fun environment and bring a great atmosphere to the Wayne State Fieldhouse. His energy and personality will create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.”

Nitro was designed by the Chicago Mascot Company, which is known for creating iconic figures such as Benny the Bull of the Chicago Bulls, Victor of the Minnesota Vikings, South Paw of the Chicago White Sox, Blitz of the Seattle Seahawks, and others.

Throughout the season, Nitro will appear at Cruise games and community events and be a guest at Detroit Pistons-related events.

To celebrate his inaugural season, the Cruise will give away Nitro posters and bobbleheads at a select game this season, which will be announced at a later date.

Nitro is set to debut for Motor City’s opening night as the team takes on the Windy City Bulls on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. ET.

Fans can purchase tickets to this game at https://detroit.gleague.nba.com/or by calling 313-PISTONS.


About the Author
Brandon Carr headshot

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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