2012 BusinessofCollegeSports.com Exclusive Midnight Madness Guide

Today marks the start of college basketball season, as teams are allowed to begin practicing in preparation for the upcoming 2012-2013 NCAA basketball season at 5 p.m. ET.  BusinessofCollegeSports.com reached out to some Division I Men’s Basketball pre-season favorites to learn what their plans are for Midnight Madness.  The following is one of the most comprehensive guides available online detailing the exciting events hosted by perennial NCAA basketball powerhouses.

To learn more about the history of Midnight Madness, click here.

Arizona

What:  McDonald’s Red-Blue Game

When:  Sunday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Cost:  $5 to $8 dollars by October 20, $7 to $10 dollars the day of the event.

Event details:  Along with featuring an inter-squad scrimmage, the event will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Arizona’s 1988 Final Four team. Many members of the team are expected to return to campus and be in attendance.

Connecticut

What:  First Night sponsored by Webster Bank

When:  Friday, October 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free, with the first 75 students to arrive receiving VIP courtside seating.

Event details:  The event begins with an autograph signing session with the men’s and women’s teams.  Recording artist Bobby V will perform, as will the UConn band, cheer and dance squads.  The event features introductions of the players and coaches, a dunk contest and giveaways.

Creighton

What:  Bluejay Madness, presented by First National Bank of Omaha

When:  Friday, October 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  The event will include player introductions, a three-point shooting contest, a dunk contest and scrimmages.

Duke

What:  Countdown to Craziness

When:  Friday, October 19.  The team will hold a practice before military personnel at Fort Bragg on October 15, which will be televised by ESPNU.

Cost:  The event is ticketed at an unspecified cost.

Event details:  The event features a Blue-White scrimmage and dunk contest, along with other activities.

Florida State

What:  Seminole Madness

When:  Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  FSU students will compete against assistant coaches in shooting challenges.  The team will compete in three-point and dunk contests as well as a scrimmage.  Autograph and photo sessions will be held after the event.

Indiana

What:  Hoosier Hysteria, presented by Smithville

When:  Saturday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  Fans will get their first look at what is expected to be an impressive 2012-13 Hoosier team.  A canned food drive will also be held for a local food bank.

Kansas

What:  Late Night in the Phog, presented by Hy-Vee

When:  Friday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  The event features music by the KU pep band, skits by both basketball teams, video highlights, coach and player introductions, and scrimmages by the KU men’s and women’s teams.  A food drive of non-perishable items to be given to a local food bank will also be held.

Louisville

What:  Red-White Men’s Basketball Scrimmage

When:  Saturday, October 13 at 4 p.m.  The team will hold a private practice on Friday, October 12.

Cost:  $5 to $10, which Louisville says is used to cover facility costs.

Event details:  The first of three Red-White scrimmages, Saturday’s event coincides with Louisville’s homecoming.  Along with watching the men’s basketball team play, fans will have the chance to be entered into a drawing for a trip to the teams’ upcoming game in the Bahamas.

Marquette

What:  Marquette Madness

When:  Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  Fans will receive a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt and watch as the team’s surfboard from the Maui Invitational, in which Marquette will play this season, is delivered.  Special jumbotron presentations will be made and teams will compete in activities.

Michigan State

What:  Midnight Madness

When:  Friday, October 12 at 9:30 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  Last season, Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo entered the arena in a fighter jet.  Fans are expected to once again be surprised by Izzo’s entrance.  The event will feature an autograph signing session, introduction of the men’s and women’s teams, performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty, along with giveaways.

North Carolina

What:  Late Night With Roy

When:  Friday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  Fans will get their first glimpses of the 2012-13 Tar Heels at the event named for men’s basketball head coach, Roy Williams.

North Carolina State

What:  Primetime with the Pack, presented by PNC

When:  Friday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  The event will include player introductions, skills competitions, giveaways, autograph sessions and a scrimmage.

Syracuse

What:  AmeriCU Credit Union Orange Madness, presented by TK99

When:  Friday, October 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost:  Free

Event details:  Rapper Wale will perform, and fans will watch the teams compete in scrimmages, skills challenges and other activities.