Sept. 4, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - From the time of Lefty Driesell's now-fabled Midnight Run in 1970, and through nine straight NCAA Tournament seasons under Gary Williams and a 2002 NCAA crown, Midnight Madness at the University of Maryland has prompted constant excitement and crowds that have grown with each season.

Last year alone, with the Terps' men's basketball team ranked No. 2 in the country and returning from their first trip to the Final Four, a capacity crowd packed 14,500-seat Cole Field House in anticipation of the final season of play at the historic building.

Now, on the evening of Oct. 11, 2002, the Terps men's and women's teams will move their annual evening of midnight mania to their modern new home: the Comcast Center!

The Comcast Center is bigger. It's better. It's completely modern and state-of-the-art. The Comcast Center is awaiting the arrival of the defending national champions!

The Comcast Center is the site of this season's Midnight Madness. Admission is free for students and fans who will get their fill of T-shirts, contests, prizes, an alumni game featuring Terrapin stars of the past, a laser show at midnight and of course - the introduction of the Maryland men's and women's basketball teams.

98 Rock of Baltimore will sponsor the event, with radio personalities Kirk McEwen and Steve Ash serving as MCs for the event.

Due to security and safety concerns and overwhelming demand, this typically student-oriented event will now require a ticket for admission. While these tickets are free, there is a limited supply, with approximately 11,000 tickets being held exclusively for students. All students must reserve their free ticket by accessing the Terps' new online ticket distribution system at www.tickets.umd.edu, beginning Oct. 5.

The Athletics Department is holding 5,000 tickets for Terrapin Club members, who may request up to two (2) tickets. Terrapin Club requests will be filled on a first-received, first-filled basis, using forms that are to be mailed in early September. Phone orders will not be accepted.

First-year women's head coach Brenda Frese will welcome her Maryland squad to the floor at exactly midnight, followed by the introduction of the men's team under the direction of Maryland alum and 14th-year head coach Gary Williams.

Where will you be on Oct. 11?

Click here for the 2002-03 men's basketball schedule.
Click here for the 2002-03 women's basketball schedule.