Oct. 5, 2004

FAIRFAX, Va. - Bands, games, great food and the beginning of basketball season will be featured the night of Oct. 15, as George Mason University's Intercollegiate Athletics Department offers US Army Presents Mason Midnight Madness.

Doors open at 10:30 p.m., with the start of the festivities at 11 p.m. The event is FREE and open to the public.

Mason Midnight Madness is being held for the eighth straight year and is the annual rite of fall on the Fairfax campus. Over 3,000 fans are expected to attend the festivities, which feature pre-practice games for fans, events and interactive competitions. Mix in dance routines from the nationally recognized George Mason cheerleaders and Masonettes dance team, innovative introductions of the basketball teams and an atmosphere that promotes boisterous fun, and the stage is set for a resounding sendoff for another Patriot basketball season.

An impressive indoor fireworks display will welcome the men's and women's basketball players when they are introduced at the stroke of midnight. The late-night session will end with brief scrimmages by both teams.

The 2004-05 Patriot men's basketball team will welcome five newcomers to its ranks, after last year's team won a school record 23 games and advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Mason narrowly missed out on an NCAA berth after dropping a one-point decision in the CAA Championship game. Head coach Jim Larranaga, who has led the Patriots to four postseason berths in the past six seasons, is entering his eighth year at the helm. He owns a 321-253 overall record in 20 seasons and is 123-84 at Mason. He needs just eight wins this year to become George Mason's all-time winningest coach, surpassing John Linn (1971-80) who earned 130 victories.

Mason's 2004-05 women's squad will greet seven newcomers to the roster and returns six veterans. The Patriot women had a stellar season last year, advancing to the CAA title game, and earning a Women's NIT invite for their second postseason appearance in four years. Both of the Patriots' postseason berths have come under the tutelage of head coach Debbie Taneyhill (103-89 overall record in seven years at Mason), who is listed second all-time in wins at Mason.

The Patriot women's basketball team will also have the privilege of hosting the 2005 CAA Women's Championship at the Patriot Center, Mar. 9-12.