Oct. 14, 2008

George Mason University's Intercollegiate Athletics will present its annual rite of fall, Mason Madness on Friday, Oct. 17, beginning at 9:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center. The doors will open at 9:00 p.m. and the event is FREE and open to the public.

Mason Madness is celebrating its 12th anniversary of the event on the Fairfax campus. Since 1970, when former Maryland coach Lefty Driesell came up with the idea to start basketball practice at the earliest time NCAA regulations allowed, Midnight Madness evolved at schools across the country. An NCAA rules change means teams can begin practicing before midnight.

Traditionally, fans are entertained by performances from select entertainment groups. Step Afrika, based out of Washington, D.C. will highlight the list of performers. Step Afrika is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Founded in December 1994, the company is critically-acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for stepping. The popular campus group UrbanKnowology will inspire the crowd with their annual act.

The Patriots cheerleaders, Masonettes and Doc Nix and the Green Machine will provide an atmosphere that will energize the crowd as George Mason ushers in the start of the new season. Patriots' players and coaches from the men's and women's teams will be introduced to their fans for the first time this season, followed by short scrimmages and a three-point shooting contest.

Prior to doors opening, a pre-Mason Madness gathering in conjunction with Family Weekend will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Patriot Center's south entrance. There will be music, the bookstore will be selling Mason gear and light refreshments will be served.