STEPHENVILLE – Tarleton State Basketball is less than three weeks away from returning to Wisdom Gym and will conduct its annual kick-off event on Thursday night.
In a tradition dating back as long as can be remembered, the Tarleton State Men’s and Women’s basketball teams will streak out onto the floor at midnight to commemorate the start of the 2024-25 basketball season. This year’s edition is slated to be the most exciting Midnight Madness events to date, with a packed schedule from start to finish.
After introducing all members of both squads, both teams will combine with randomly selected lucky fans for a pair of contests. First, four teams of a men’s and women’s basketball player and a randomly selected fan will compete in an NBA All Star Game-like tradition shooting contest. Each member of the group will make a layup, free throw or three-pointer. Then, all three will combine to try and make a half-court shot. The four teams will compete in a bracket-style competition with one group deemed the winner.
The second game played will be a full court relay race dribbling contest. With four teams of one men’s and women’s player and a selected fan, the trio will be required to go one-by-one dribbling down the court, make a layup dribble back to the next contestant and make another layup before handing off the ball. The teams will compete in a bracket style with the two fastest trios competing in the finals for ultimate bragging rights.
After the pair of contests, the women’s basketball team will host a three-point contest, followed by a men’s basketball team dunk show during warm-ups, immediately followed by a men’s basketball scrimmage.
To top off the night, “America’s Got Talent” Season 9 quarterfinalist Loop Rawlins will thrill the fans in Wisdom Gym with a can’t-miss performance. Rawlins will perform a series of rick roping, whip cracking, fancy gun spinning, and may even use fire in his act. He is known as one of the smoothest and most technical western performers in the world and has trained many including actors on the famous movie series Kingsman.
As always, students are welcome to line up outside Wisdom Gym to make sure they get the best seats available ahead of doors opening at 11 p.m. Tarleton Athletics will provide music and make the outside atmosphere enjoyable before the event begins at 11:15 p.m. The first 1,000 fans into Wisdom Gym will receive special Midnight Madness T-shirts, plus light sticks will be available to help students and fans make Wisdom Gym glow.
DJ Quan will be back on scene to give the gym an electric atmosphere throughout the night. Prior to midnight there will be performances by Tarleton State Cheer, Texan Stars, and Tarleton State Color Guard.
Midnight Madness is an in-person only event and will not be streamed. Attendance is free to the public and student body. No tickets are necessary.
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