Photo by michael starghill. Is there a better sports month than October? Okay, so maybe April gets the nod, but between the World Series, the NHL and NBA starting up, and every weekend being occupied by college and professional football, there’s a lot to look forward to. That sofa cushion isn’t going to occupy itself, you know?
Lest we forget, however, that this Friday marks the first time college basketball teams can run organized practice for the upcoming season. In other words, it’s Midnight Madness time.
DCist has taken the liberty of compiling this year’s Madness events in the area — they all take place tomorrow night (unless specified otherwise) — so whether you root for the Hoyas, Terps, Patriots or Colonials, we’ve got you covered.
Maryland: The University that started the national tradition kicks off the festivities at 9:30 p.m. at the Comcast Center. This year’s Maryland Madness will feature an alumni game starring players from the 2002 team to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Terps’ national championship.
Maryland Madness will also include a performance by America’s Got Talent semifinalists Gymkana as well as the spirit squad, dance team and pep band. The event is open to the public and will be televised on Comcast SportsNet from 10:30 p.m to midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Georgetown: The Hoyas will be hosting Midnight Madness at McDonough Arena with wristband distribution starting at 6 p.m. Outside events start at 6:30, while doors open at 8. Admission is free and will feature performances by the Georgetown Step Team, GU Jawani and Groove Theory.
George Washington: G.W.’s Colonial Invasion takes place at the Smith Center and will tipoff immediately following the women’s volleyball match against Fordham, which starts at 6 p.m. Capital Funk (the university’s hip-hop dance team) and the GW Spirit Program are scheduled to perform and will also feature the “Buff and Blue Games”. Admission is free.
George Mason: Mason Madness kicks off at the Patriot Center at 9:30 p.m. and will feature performances by Snap Boogie and Peter Rabbit, Doc Nix and the Green Machine, UrbanKnowlogy, Thee Masonettes, and the Patriots cheerleading squad. Doors open at 9 and admission is free.
Howard: Part of this year’s Howard University Homecoming Celebration, Midnight Madness takes place at Burr Gymnasium on Saturday, October 15 at 10 p.m. Admission is free.
American: Turns out American Madness took place on Tuesday (whoops). In case you missed it, the event featured the AU cheerleaders and dance team, pep band, and most importantly, the second annual Faculty vs. Staff Basketball Classic. (Spoiler alert: the staff won.)
