Oct. 11, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Tickets for Friday night's Midnight Madness festivities at Comcast Center are completely distributed, it was announced on Friday morning. The annual opening to the college basketball season, Midnight Madness at the University of Maryland this week also marks the first public event at the University's 17,950-seat Comcast Center.

On the heels of a national championship last April, the defending champion Terrapin men's basketball team will open the 2002-03 season alongside the Terps' women's team at midnight on Oct. 12. Midnight Madness activities begin on the floor tonight at 10:45 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with Gary Williams and Johnny Holliday participating in a book-signing event at approximately 9 p.m.

Admission is free, but for the first time in Maryland history, Midnight Madness has become a ticketed event in order to meet the joint demands brought by the national title and the opening of the new arena.

Capacity distribution of advance tickets for students and the general public was reached on Friday morning.