On Friday, the men and women’s basketball team will publicly unveil themselves to fans in the inaugural “BBallin’ at the Old Barn” in Reynolds Coliseum. Furthermore, Saturday, Oct. 27, both teams will continue with the traditional Red and White game at the RBC Center.
Set up as an open practice for the men and women’s teams, the event will feature a hot-shot competition, three point contest and a 30-minute autograph session with players of both teams and coaches Sidney Lowe and Kay Yow.
This added fan exposure is noteworthy, but Athletics should consolidate the “BBallin’ at the Old Barn” and the Red and White Game into the traditional Midnight Madness.
All around the country, big-time athletic programs had the ultimate fan experience in Midnight Madness to unveil their teams for the upcoming season. Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas and even our favorite rivals North Carolina all opened their seasons with the mid-October classic that Midnight Madness has become. So why can’t we?
Having Midnight Madness provides an opportunity for Wolfpack fans to come together for an all-out extravaganza, culminating in the introduction of the men and women that will represent our school on the court.
“BBallin’ at the Old Barn” and the Red and White game are two events that should be combined into one. Both events can’t compete with the atmosphere that Midnight Madness creates for fans and students.
Returning the Pack to Midnight Madness will be a return to our great past. The Athletics Web site, GoPack.com, put a spotlight on the 1983 basketball season with a special section called “Reliving the Magic of ’83,” the last year N.C. State won the national championship.
It’s clear that season’s success is important to the department, and it hopes it will be repeated this year. However, if Athletics really wants to “Relive the Magic of ’83,” it should return to having Midnight Madness, as it was during Jimmy Valvano’s stint at the helm of the men’s basketball team.
State has taken steps to build excitement for the upcoming basketball seasons — however it needs to take it up a notch and bring back the madness. It’s time to all gather in Reynolds and greet the team when the clock strikes midnight.
