The annual University of Southern Indiana Midnight Madness event will return Thursday, October 20 to the Screaming Eagles Arena to introduce the inaugural Division I USI Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m., and the event is open to the public at no charge.

Midnight Madness will begin at 9 p.m. with an introduction from Jon Mark Hall, Director of Athletics. The evening will then feature USI Women’s and Men’s Basketball team introductions, performances from the USI Cheer and Dance teams, giveaways, and a variety of student and fan competitions. Free refreshments will also be available at concession stands in the Arena.

“Midnight Madness has traditionally been one of the top-attended student events on campus, and we hope this year is no different,” Hall says. “With this being our first year competing at the Division I level, we are really focused on getting our students engaged and to the games. We hope Midnight Madness will be an event student will get to know our Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams and get them excited about the upcoming season.”

Midnight Madness is not only open to students but also to faculty, staff, and the general public. Hall said he hopes the entire community will come out to support the event and generate some excitement ahead of the start of the season.

USI Men’s Basketball enters its third season under the leadership of USI Men’s Basketball Head Coach Stan Gouard. The team will open its season against the University of Missouri on November 7 at Mizzou Arena. “We have diligently prepared for our annual Midnight Madness,” Gouard says. “Our student-athletes and coaches are excited, and we cannot wait to see our USI fans in attendance.”

This will be the 24th season with the Screaming Eagles for Rick Stein, USI Women’s Basketball Head Coach. USI Women’s Basketball will open its season against Oakland City University on November 7 at the Screaming Eagles Arena. “We are extremely excited to kick off our basketball season with Midnight Madness,” Stein says. “It is always a great night for our students, student-athletes, and fans to enjoy, and this year will be even bigger and better as we transition to Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference.”

For questions regarding Midnight Madness, contact Josiah Goudreau, USI Athletics Graduate Assistant, at jdgoudreau@eagles.usi.edu.