FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason will once again kick off basketball season in grand style.

The Patriots' premier fan event, Mason Madness presented by Virginia Lottery, will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 14 at EagleBank Arena.

In conjunction with Mason Alumni Weekend and Mason Family Weekend, the annual preseason bash will feature introductions of the men's and women's basketball teams and the coaching staffs, along with performances by Doc Nix and the Green Machine, Mason cheer and the Masonettes. Fans will also get a chance to see both the men's and women's teams in action on the court.

In addition, the night will include performances by magician duo Quick Change, the Virginia Lottery Game Guy, Frisbee dog act Mutts Gone Nuts and George Mason dance troupe Urbanknowlogy 101. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the event, which is free to the public.

The men's team returns 10 letterwinners and welcomes five freshmen for the 2016-17 season. Head coach Dave Paulsen enters his second year at the helm. The women's team is led by fourth-year head coach Nyla Milleson. The Patriots return seven letterwinners and add five freshmen and a transfer.

The opening weekend for both basketball teams is set for Nov. 11-12 at EagleBank Arena. The women will open the season against Radford on Nov. 11. The men will tip off the next day against Towson on Nov. 12. For tickets for these games and the rest of the 2016-17 season, click here.