Oct. 6, 2005

Champaign, Ill. - Tip-off for the 2005-06 basketball season officially gets underway this Friday, Oct. 14 when the Fighting Illini men's and women's basketball players and coaches are introduced at Illini Basketball Madness. Doors to the Assembly Hall open at 9 p.m. with activities beginning approximately 30 minutes later.

The event will include introductions and scrimmages with both the men's and women's teams. Prior to the men's scrimmage, Coach Weber and the Illini seniors will raise the 2005 NCAA Runner-Up banner. A commemorative poster featuring the 2005-06 Illini men's team will be handed out to the first 5,000 fans, and "Paint the State Orange" T-shirts will be given out to the first 8,000 students. There will be multiple contests, including a slam dunk and three-point shootout, and there will also be a shooting contest where one lucky fan will have a chance to win a $10,000 prize. Other activities include performances by the Illini cheerleaders and dance team, the Illini drum line, and the Bucket Boys out of Chicago.

The event is free of charge and there is no reserved seating.

Also, for fans that plan on attending Illini Basketball Madness after the conclusion of the Illinois volleyball match at Huff Hall; following the match traffic on Fourth Street will be closed off from Gregory St. through Kirby Ave. so that fans can walk together directly down Fourth St. from Huff Hall to the Assembly Hall.

Men's basketball single-game tickets go on sale at 9 a.m., Nov. 1. Individuals may order by phone (217/333-3470 or toll free at 866-ILLINI-1), mail, in person at the Athletics Ticket Office (Assembly Hall), or, online at www.fightingillini.com.

Women's single-game tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Nov. 4. Individuals may order by phone (217/333-3470 or toll free at 866/ILLINI-1), mail, or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office (Assembly Hall).