US Army Presents Mason Midnight Madness Set for Oct. 17

FAIRFAX, VA, Sept. 26, 2003 -- The beginning of basketball season will be featured the weekend of Oct. 17 as George Mason University's Intercollegiate Athletics Department and the US Army present Mason Midnight Madness - Mason Idol.

US Army presents Mason Midnight Madness - Mason Idol gets started on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Patriot Center. Doors open at 10:30 p.m., with the start of the festivities at 11 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Mason Midnight Madness is the annual rite of fall on the Fairfax campus. Over 3,000 fans are expected to attend the festivities, which feature pre-practice games for fans, events and interactive competitions. Mix in dance routines from the nationally recognized George Mason cheerleaders and Masonettes dance team, innovative introductions of the basketball teams and an atmosphere that promotes boisterous family fun and the stage is set for a resounding sendoff for another Patriot basketball season.

An impressive indoor fireworks display will welcome the men's and women's basketball players when they are introduced at the stroke of midnight. The late-night session will end with brief scrimmages by both teams.

This year's "Mason Idol" theme promises to provide excitement and entertainment for all who attend. The 15 finalists will have a week to prepare for the first round, which will be held at First Fridays on Friday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m. in the Bistro at the George W. Johnson Center. The top four finalists will perform at Midnight Madness. The "Mason Idol" winner will be determined by the loudest crowd cheer, and the winner will be scheduled for their own concert in Harris Theatre.

Among the preliminary events are the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Step Show, Faculty/Staff Aquatic Center "Bellybutton Basketball," Domino's Pizza Pig Out contest and the Brion's Grille Alumni Musical Chairs. Great student prizes for the night include George Mason Bookstore "Books For A Semester" competition and the Parking Services "Reserved Spot Contest."