As part of the University of Pittsburgh’s 2014 Homecoming festivities, Pitt Basketball and Pitt Volleyball will combine to host “Spike and Slam Madness” on Friday, Oct. 24 at Fitzgerald Field House. First, the Pitt Volleyball team (15-2, 3-1 ACC) will face undefeated and No. 4 ranked Florida State (17-0) at 7 p.m., then immediately following the match, the Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams will host their version of “Midnight Madness.” Admission is free and open to the public for the entire evening.
“Spike and Slam Madness” will highlight the 2014-15 Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams and feature player introductions, promotional activities, a hot shot competition and a slam dunk contest. Attending Pitt students will receive two (2) loyalty points for attending while the first 500 will receive a free “Spike and Slam Madness” tee-shirt. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Last year, Pitt hosted “Morning Madness” at Stage AE prior to its Virginia homecoming football game. Stage AE transformed its black wooden stage into a mini basketball floor, complete with white floor lines, a Pitt logo and baskets on each end. Following player introductions, Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon emerged from backstage driving a camouflaged golf cart and dressed as the popular TV show Duck Dynasty character “Uncle Si.” Following several skits and games, the event concluded with a slam dunk contest.
In 2012, Pitt hosted “Midnight Madness on Bigelow Boulevard” as part of the university’s 225-year anniversary celebration. An outdoor court was constructed on Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union. Televised on ESPN, Dixon surprised fans when he emerged from a bus dressed as the Jackie Moon character from the movie SemiPro. In addition, members of the Pitt basketball team performed skits recounting great Pitt basketball moments. The event concluded with a slam dunk contest.
This Sunday, Pitt will host its sixth annual Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair/Fan Fest and Blue-Gold Scrimmage. Admission is free and open to the public for the event, which will run from 1-4 p.m. The event concludes with the Blue-Gold Scrimmage beginning at 3 p.m.
Pitt returns three starters and 11 letterwinners from a team that finished 26-10 overall and advanced to its 12th NCAA Tournament in the last 13 seasons. For more information and updated news on Pitt Basketball, follow twitter.com/hailtopitthoops. For more information on the Pitt basketball team check out the 2014-15 Schedule, 2014-15 Pitt Basketball Prospectus and updated 2014-15 Roster.
UPCOMING PRESEASON PITT BASKETBALL EVENTS
Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair/Fan Fest/Blue-Gold Scrimmage, Sunday, Oct. 19; Petersen Events Center; 1-4 p.m.
Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair/Fan Fest, 1-4 p.m.
Player/Coach Autographs, 1-2 p.m.
Blue-Gold Scrimmage, 3 p.m.
Spike & Slam Madness, Friday, Oct. 24, Fitzgerald Field House
Pitt Volleyball vs. No. 4 Florida State, 7 p.m.
Pitt Basketball Season Tip-Off Event, approximately 10 p.m.
ACC Media Day, Wednesday, Oct. 29, Charlotte, N.C./Westin Hotel, All day
Men’s Exhibition Game One: Pitt vs. Indiana, Pa., Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., Petersen Events Center
Men’s Exhibition Game Two: Pitt vs. Philadelphia Univ., Friday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Petersen Events Center
Men’s Regular Season Game One: Pitt vs. Niagara (ESPN3), Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Petersen Events Center