Oct. 6, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The excitement of Maryland basketball tips off in grand style on Friday, Oct. 15 when the Terrapins host the annual Maryland Madness celebration at Comcast Center.

Head coaches Gary Williams and Brenda Frese will be introducing the new versions of their teams, with brief scrimmages taking place as the Terrapins hit the hardwood for the first time in the new year.

The men's team is fresh off its regular-season championship in the Atlantic Coast Conference and will be blending three seniors with six newcomers, who will be making their debut in front of the College Park faithful.

Maryland's women's team also has a number of newcomers, with six freshmen forming one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.

The evening will include the annual alumni men's game, which this year features former All-American Juan Dixon, current assistant coach Keith Booth and popular recent graduate Dave Neal.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. that day in advance of the Terrapin volleyball team's match against Miami, to be played on the main arena floor at 5:30 p.m. Maryland Madness will begin shortly after the conclusion of the volleyball match, but will not begin before 7:45 p.m.

Parking is free in the lots surrounding Comcast Center and in Terrapin Trail Garage.

Tickets are not needed for this event, but fans with questions can contact the Terrapin Ticket Office at 1-800-462-TERP. Seating will be first-come, first-served.

Fans are encouraged to bring canned food and other non-perishable items as a donation to the Capital Area Food Bank. Drop locations will be situated inside the Comcast Center entrances, staffed by the Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Season ticket mini-plans for Maryland men's and women's basketball are also now available at umterps.com or by calling the Terrapin Ticket Office.

Maryland Madness will be broadcast live online on TerpsTV, with television coverage live on Comcast SportsNet from 9 to 10 p.m.

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