Oakland University’s basketball season marks its official start with the 11th annual Midnite Madnezz celebration on Friday, Oct. 16. The event features a block party, pep rally, comedian performances, prizes and giveaways.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms with comedians Rob Stapleton and Hassan Minhaj.
Golden Grizzly fans can then meet at 8:30 p.m. in the P-16 parking lot across from the O’rena for free food with the Grizz and dance to a DJ’s beat at the Pep Rally.
The main attraction of the night comes when student athletes from all of Oakland’s teams gather for the introduction of the 2009-10 men's and women's basketball teams and the official opening of the 2009-10 NCAA season. This event will feature a number of exciting giveaways, performances by the OU Cheer and Dance Team, and a performance by Hooper and the Flight Crew.
“Events such as the Jamboree and Midnite Madnezz offer students the opportunity to show their spirit and support as well as provide a safe, fun-filled atmosphere where they can be with their friends and still show their school pride,” said Kate Boylan, coordinator of Athletics Marketing and Promotion.
Students who attend the Pep Rally will have an opportunity to win prizes such as a flat screen TV. One male and one female student each will win free tuition, and the first 1,000 students will receive a special OU giveaway.
A special addition this year is the Grizz Gang and Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' Challenge following the Pep Rally. Watch four Grizz Gang members battle their way through the last round of the championship. The winner receives a $100 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings and the runner up receives $50. Participants must register from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Oakland Center food court.
An elimination round takes place earlier that week. The preliminary challenge begins with 10 randomly selected registered participants and takes place outside the food court entrance facing O’Dowd from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. The top four winners move on to the championship round at 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16. Students must register from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Oakland Center near the food court.
The winners of the Grizz Gang t-shirt contest and the Grizz Kidz Club coloring contest will be announced as well. The winning T-shirt design will be featured on the 2009 Grizz Gang student section shirts to be worn by all student members at home athletic contests. The coloring contest winner will receive four season tickets to men’s and women’s basketball games for the 2009-10 season.
The Midnite Madnezz celebration kicks off the basketball season on Friday, Oct. 16. The event features a block party, pep rally, comedian performance and prizes.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Thursday, October 1, 2009 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Friday, October 2, 2009 Article Start Date: Thursday, October 1, 2009
