Event: UMD Midnight Madness 2011

I love free events, so last I was psyched to go to the University of Maryland's free Midnight Madness event last night, Friday, October 14. Last night's event, which is a scrimmage / pep rally type event to open the basketball season, was the university's 40^th Midnight Madness so, in addition to the usual festivities, there were video reminiscences from past coaches and players.

What's great about this event is that there's something for everyone. The night included various competitive games for the students, who could win Under Armour apparel, gift certificates to the book store, and other goodies; an alumni basketball game featuring some great players from the history of the school's basketball program; performances by the cheerleaders, the dance team, and Gymkana, a gymnastics group open to all students that made it to the semi-finals on America's Got Talent this season; and, finally, the introduction of both the women's and men's basketball teams followed by scrimmages. The stadium's food booths were open and serving their (expensive) fare of hot dogs, pizza, and soda. And it appeared there were giveaways, too, as I saw many students with posters and new T-shirts.

Gymkana

Women's entrance

Men's entrance

Men's entrance