Oct. 16, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - Midnight Madness and the 2003-04 basketball season are only hours away!

A free ticket is required for admission. All tickets have already been distributed for this event.

The Maryland men's and women's basketball teams are nearing the final hours before the 2003-04 season tips off, with Midnight Madness festivities planned for Friday evening, Oct. 17. Doors at Comcast Center open at 9 p.m. Fans can join coaches Gary Williams and Brenda Frese, "Voice of the Terps" Johnny Holliday and Kirk McEwen and Steve Ash from 98 Rock, as Maryland ushers in the season with a night of contests, giveaways and a laser-light show at midnight as the Terps are introduced to their fans for the first time this season.

Free t-shirts will be given to the first 8,000 students in attendance.

"We would like to see as many Terp fans at Midnight Madness as possible," said Williams. "It should be a great night, and our fans should be ready for a surprise!"

Brenda Frese officially begins her second season at Maryland at Midnight Madness.

"Midnight Madness is always a terrific event," added Frese. "We are looking forward to being part of the celebration and seeing many of our great fans."

The festivities begin with the annual men's basketball alumni game followed by performances by the Maryland Gymkana Troupe, the Terrapin Spirit Squad and Maryland band. After the lights go down and the teams are introduced at midnight, the men's squad will hold their first Red/White scrimmage of the year.

Student contests and giveaways will be conducted throughout the hour-and-a-half program leading up to the introductions of the 2003-04 Terps. Contests are sponsored by 98 Rock, Comcast SportsNet and Southwest Airlines. Maryland announcers Holliday and Mac Barrett will be joined by McEwen and Ash from 98 Rock as hosts for the evening.

Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items as a donation to the Capital Area Food Bank. Drop locations will be situated outside the Comcast Center entrances, manned by members of Maryland's Student Athletic Advisory Council (S.A.A.C.) and staff from the Terps' Academic Support and Career Development unit.

GO TERPS!!