While D.C. is wrapped up in watching the Nationals trying to capture the division crown or praying that Robert Griffin III stays healthy the entire year, it’s amazing to believe that Midnight Madness has slowly crept up on us. Yes, that’s right – the event signifying the start of the college basketball season is this Friday. And while Michael Wilbon feels differently, the fact that there are – count ’em – four Division I programs in the immediate area with Midnight Madness events planned makes Washington a haven for college hoops.
And that’s where we come in. DCist has taken the liberty of compiling this year’s Madness events in the area – they all take place tomorrow night, natch – so whether you root for the Hoyas, Terrapins, Patriots or Colonials, we’ve got you covered.
University of Maryland: The university that started the national tradition kicks off the festivities at the Comcast Center with a family-friendly start time of 7 p.m. Scheduled events include a performance by Gymkana as well as a student dunk content judged by former Terps. The event is open to the public and will be televised on Comcast SportsNet. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Georgetown University: The Hoyas will be hosting Midnight Madness at McDonough Arena with wristband distribution starting at 6:30 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, Groove Theory and Doug E. Fresh. Georgetown will also be streaming the event live on their website.
George Washington University: In what is perhaps the most intriguing venue for a Midnight Madness event, this year’s Colonial Invasion will be held at Fort Myer in Arlington. Complementary tickets (which are required for entrance to the Army base) are available both for the general public as well as students with transportation provided by the University leaving from the Smith Center. The event starts at 7:30 p.m at Conmy Hall. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the Colonials, who played their home games at Fort Myer between 1956 and 1975.
George Mason University: Mason Madness kicks off at the Patriot Center at 9 p.m. and will feature performances by Doc Nix and the Green Machine, UrbanKnowlogy, The Masonettes and the Patriots cheerleading squad. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and admission is free.
