Binghamton University is set to open the 2006-2007 basketball season with the first-ever “Hoop Fest” on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. The event will begin with a free basketball clinic for all Junior Bearcat members starting at 9 a.m. Current members of both the men’s and women’s teams will teach integral skills to kids and an autograph session will follow.

The real fun will start at 11 a.m., when the men’s and women’s teams will both be introduced, with a 12-minute intrasquad game for both teams to follow. There will also be various promotions and give-aways during the afternoon, including free T-shirts for the first 200 fans to arrive.

The festivities will end with a luncheon scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. The luncheon will be free for Bearcat Club members, $5 for adults and $3 for children. Fans will get a chance to enjoy a meal while chatting with the players. Space is limited so anyone interested should call (607) 777-5459 immediately.

This event is a great way to show your support for the basketball teams. It will be replacing “Late Nite Madness,” which had been on the schedule since the Events Center opened. Late Nite Madness was a fun-filled night involving the cheer and dance teams along with other acts, such as the unforgettable stunt team and stick man, and of course, the basketball teams. While it is not quite clear why the format of this year’s event was changed, and why it is occurring on a Saturday afternoon instead of a Friday night, speculation is that players and coaches were worried about getting hurt during a meaningless exhibition in which players attempt dazzling dunks to pump up the crowd.

Being that several of the important conference games this season are scheduled during winter break, when the majority of the students will be home, “Hoop Fest” will be one of the prime opportunities for students to catch the basketball teams in action.