XU celebrates Midnight Madness on Friday at The Barn

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana will celebrate the 2011-12 basketball season with Midnight Madness at The Barn.

The free event will run from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 21), followed by a block party with free food and soft drinks from 10:30 p.m. to midnight in the parking lot in front of The Barn. Midnight Madness and the block party will be open to all.

The 2011-12 Xavier Gold Nuggets basketball team
Last season: 27-7, GCAC Tournament champion, ranked 20th in NAIA
(click photo to enlarge)

The 2011-12 Xavier Gold Rush basketball team
Last season: 27-6, GCAC Tournament runner-up, ranked 17th in NAIA
(click photo to enlarge)

"We want Midnight Madness to generate strong spirit for XU on our campus and in the community," said Dannton Jackson, in his ninth season as coach of Xavier's men. "And we hope it will boost our attendance at The Barn this season and give the Gold Rush and the Gold Nuggets the best possible home-court advantage."

Fans can participate by entering a costume contest — the person whose costume best demonstrates Xavier spirit will win $100 — and more prizes will be awarded during a 3-point shooting contest.

The Rush and Nuggets, both 27-game winners and NAIA Division I National Championship participants this past season, will conduct 15-minute intrasquad scrimmages. Xavier's three spirit groups — the cheerleaders, the Gold Star Dancers and the Golden Girls pom squad — also will perform.

"You can expect a few surprises too," said Bo Browder, in his 13th season as coach of XU's women. "Our fans will have fun and be entertained at Midnight Madness."

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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