AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Detroit Shock opens its 2003 WNBA preseason May 6 on the road against 2002 WNBA All-Star guard Katie Smith and the Minnesota Lynx. The Shock hosts Minnesota May 14 in a 7:30 p.m. home preseason game held off-site at the Birch Run Expo Center. Detroit closes out its three-game preseason May 18 at 7:00 p.m. against the Cleveland Rockers at Gund Arena.

2003 Detroit Shock WNBA Preseason Schedule Tues. May 06 at Minnesota Lynx 1:00 PM Weds. May 14 vs. Minnesota Lynx 7:30 PM* Sat. May 18 at Cleveland Rockers 7:00 PM *Home Game at Birch Run Expo Center

“Our preseason schedule will challenge our team as Minnesota and Cleveland have a history of being excellent defensive teams,” said Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer. “The Shock is also excited to showcase WNBA basketball in the Flint and Tri-City area. Both Flint and the Tri-City area have a strong basketball tradition with tremendous fans and the Birch Run Expo Center is a first-class facility.”

Tickets for the Shock’s May 14 7:30 p.m. preseason game at the Birch Run Expo Center can be purchased by calling (989) 624-4665, and are priced at $10 for all general admission and $25 for VIP seating. The Birch Run Expo Center, home to the Great Lakes Storm of the Continental Basketball Association, has a capacity of 2,550 for basketball. Located half-way between Flint and Saginaw, the Birch Run Expo Center is one-quarter mile west of I-75 (Exit Birch Run Road, #136, travel west on Birch Run Road and turn right on to Beyer Road which takes you directly to Birch Run Expo Center). Log onto www.birchrunexpos.com for more information.

The Shock’s 2003 WNBA training camp opens Sunday, April 27. The Shock’s 2003 Media Day is TBA. Detroit opens the 2003 WNBA regular season Saturday, May 31 at The Palace versus the 2002 WNBA Playoff participant Charlotte Sting at 7:30 p.m.