Oct. 4, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland will host its annual Maryland Madness Friday, October 12 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to the public. The introduction of both basketball teams, along with their first public sessions takes place during the festivities, which begin at 8:00 p.m.

Among the numerous activities planned for this year's Maryland Madness are games, giveaways, and activities for fans and students, including a student slam-dunk contest. Maryland cheerleaders and dance teams will perform, in addition to the annual high-flying exhibition by the Maryland Gymkana Troupe. The annual men's basketball alumni game will kick-off the event at 8:00 p.m.

Following various performances, the women's basketball team will take the floor at 9:25 p.m. The women's players and staff will be introduced prior to a team scrimmage and comments to fans from head coach Brenda Frese. The Terrapins boast eight letterwinners from last year's 28-6 squad, including four starters.

The men's team will take the floor at 10:05 p.m. with head coach Gary Williams addressing the crowd at 10:20 p.m., prior to an intrasquad scrimmage. The Terps return seven lettermen from last season's 25-9 squad which participated in postseason play for the 14th consecutive season.

Comcast SportsNet will provide comprehensive coverage of Maryland Madness beginning at 9:30 pm during SportsNite, with interviews and other special segments. Maryland Madness will also be covered free of charge in its entirety beginning at 8:00 pm live on the web on ACC Select nationwide. Fans can view the event by logging on to: http://acc.playonsports.tv/umd. Tickets for Maryland Madness are free, but must be reserved by calling the Terrapin Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP. Free Maryland Madness T-shirts will be given to the first 5,000 students in attendance.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee will be sponsoring a canned food drive as part of the event. Fans are encouraged to donate items to the Capital Area Food Bank. Drop locations will be situated inside the Comcast Center entrances, manned by members of Maryland's S.A.A.C.