Oct. 12, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - It has become an annual tradition in college basketball across the nation, and for LMU, it has become one of the biggest events of the year.

The 2011-12 LMU men and women's basketball season kicks off with MADNESS on Friday, Oct. 21 at Gersten Pavilion. Doors open at 8 p.m. MADNESS is the annual celebration of LMU Athletics, and has been one of the highest attended student events at LMU every year.

And this year is shaping to be even bigger as LMU celebrates its Centennial Season. The Centennial Madness will once again feature a dance competition between nine LMU teams, including swimming, softball, women's water polo, women's basketball, baseball, men's golf, women's soccer, men's basketball and defending champs men's soccer.

In addition, there will be performances by LMU student dance groups IB Modern, B-Boy Status, Rad-ix and Kuumba Beatz. MADNESS will also feature free-throw, three-point, and slam dunk contests throughout the night.

The event will culminate with an introduction of the men and women's basketball squads for 2011-12. A student dance will be held following MADNESS in the Burns Recreation Center.

MADNESS is free, and as a reminder no bags, purses, or containers will be allowed in Gersten Pavilion.

Friday night is just the start to the weekend festivities. On Saturday Oct. 22 the Crimson-Navy Scrimmage will be held in Gersten Pavilion. The men and women's basketball teams will showcase their squads for the first time.

Women's basketball will scrimmage at 10:00 a.m., followed by free burgers courtesy of In-n-Out for the teams, fans, and students. Men's basketball will then take the court for their Crimson-Navy scrimmage at 2:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

During the event, those who have purchased season tickets may pick-up their tickets during the festivities on Saturday. Fans who have yet to purchase tickets can also do so anytime during the event or by calling 310-338-5466.