Date for Midnight Madness announced

It's official. The 2011 AmeriCU Credit Union Midnight Madness will take place October 14 at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse announced earlier today. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event begins at 8. The event will mark the beginning of the 2011-12 season for both the men's and women's basketball teams. Midnight Madness is the first practice of the year for both basketball teams, but the atmosphere of the event resembles more of an NBA All-Star game than a mid-season practice.

The night will not only feature both basketball teams for SU but also 1980s rapping sensation Tone Loc and the Russian Bar Trio from "America's Got Talent." Also, Deena Nicole Cortese of 'Jersey Shore' fame will be signing autographs. The event is designed to attract a wide variety of people.

“Even the most casual basketball fan will want to come out and see the show," Ed Levine, president and CEO of Galaxy Communications, told Syracuse.com. "We’ve got Tone Loc. There’s no show on TV hotter right now than 'Jersey Shore.' We have the acrobatic group from 'America’s Got Talent.' And starring the men’s and women’s basketball teams." 

Midnight Madness is an annual event held at SU and other colleges across the country. Last year's event featured a 5-minute scrimmage, a dunk contest and a lavish entrance by the men's basketball team and its coaches. Players arrived in a stretch Hummer, while coaches arrived in three limos.

The event is free but a ticket is required to get into the building. Tickets will be available Thursday, October 6 at the following AmeriCU Credit Union locations:

• Shine Student Center, Syracuse University campus 

• 6303 Thompson Road, Syracuse

• 200 Walton St., Syracuse

• 7474 Oswego Road, Liverpool

• 6414 State Route 31, Cicero

• 1916 Black River Blvd., Rome

• 231 Hill Road, Rome

• 224 N. Genesee St., Utica

• 4957 Commercial Drive, Yorkville

• 295 Grant Ave., Auburn

• 326 E. State St., Herkimer

• 10750 Enduring Freedom Drive, Fort Drum

• 20991 NYS Route 3, Watertown

• 7394 Utica Blvd., Lowville

• 280 Genesee St., Route 5, Oneida