Oct. 15, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tiger Nation, it's getting closer. In a little over 24 hours, the 2008-09 Memphis hoops season tips off with the team's annual celebration - Memphis Madness presented by AutoZone and Tennessee High Education. Mapco Express is donating gas cards as give-aways during the event.

The Madness is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17 at FedExForum, with the doors to open at 7:00 p.m. (CT). Admission is free.

"Our guys are excited and anxious to get started," said head coach John Calipari. "From what some have told me, our fans are bursting with anticipation for the season to begin, and what a way to start with Memphis Madness Friday. It's going to be a great night for Tiger basketball, looking back at the dream season we had last year and also setting the tone for this campaign.

"I'd encourage our fans to buy the season tickets that are left. I've been told there are around 200 season tickets remaining, so if you want to see the Tigers in person, you're going to have to purchase season tickets."

Friday's fun actually starts before the doors open to Memphis Madness presented by AutoZone and Tennessee High Education. At 6:30 p.m. (CT), the Memphis band and cheerleaders will perform on the outside plaza of FedExForum. The Madness program begins at 8:00 p.m. (CT) and runs until approximately 9:30 p.m. (CT).

The following are highlights of the night's schedule of events (times are approximate):

7:00-7:50 pm - Team autographs on concourse (team posters and schedule cards distributed); Memphis women's hoops team practice on court
8:10 pm - Tiger women's basketball team introductions
8:23 pm - Chinese coaches introductions
8:25 pm - Tiger introductions
8:33 pm - 2007-08 season video and NCAA championship game banner raising
8:50 pm - Dunk contest (Anfernee Hardaway, Ernest Smith, Andre Turner are judges)
9:10 pm - Men's intrasquad scrimmage
9:25 pm - Scrimmage ends