BURBANK, Calif. -- On the March 9 edition of NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," host Jay Leno announced his plan for "stimulating" America with what he does best -- tell jokes. The comedian -- with a big boost from the event sponsor Pepsi -- will appear in the Detroit area to perform his standup for people who have found themselves out of work due to the current economic crunch. NBA's Detroit Pistons have donated their home court, the Palace of Auburn Hills, to house the night of free entertainment.

In addition, Leno has even had the fees for parking waved.

"I'm watching our president and he's saying what we should do to help. We got this bad economy thing and well, I tell jokes…so how can I help out? So I was thinking, an awful lot of people unemployed, out of work, don't have any entertainment dollars…Well, one of my favorite places is Detroit, and there are so many out-of-work autoworkers. People work hard their whole lives, they're saving their money and so I thought, why don't I go to Detroit and do (my comedy) show?" said Leno before Monday's "Headlines" segment. "I want to do a show for the, not just the auto workers, but anyone out of work in Detroit. But it'll be free. It won't cost you a dime. Not that I'm the greatest comic in the world, but it's free. If you don't like it, you get your money back!"

As the event sponsor, Pepsi will be underwriting the show. Consistent with its "Refresh Everything" campaign, Pepsi is partnering with Jay Leno to provide the audience a sense of renewal and optimism through this special event.

Tickets for the event which is produced in cooperation with Gail & Rice Inc., a global, full service communications and entertainment agency, will be available at the Palace of Auburn Hills box office beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16. When receiving the tickets, participants must provide their photo ID. Tickets will be limited to four per person. For more information please visit "The Tonight Show" website, www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno.

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.

Click here for more info on the free comedy show.