Details for UConn Basketball First Night Released

Whether you like it or not—chances are if you’re reading this, you do—the 2016-2017 college basketball season is rapidly approaching.

The Husky Run is set for this coming Wednesday. Practice officially begins next Saturday.

First Night, UConn’s version of Midnight Madness, will be held exactly three weeks from today, on October 14th at Gampel Pavilion, it was announced Thursday.

The First Night festivities will officially get underway at 7:30 p.m. The basketball portion of the night kicks off with shooting contests, skills contests, and a slam dunk contest for the men.

Following that is the Blue vs. White scrimmage, comprised of four five-minute quarters—two for the men’s team and two for the women’s squad.

Fans will have the opportunity to vote on the teams, which will be coached by Kevin Ollie and Geno Auriemma. Voting opens next Thursday via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

First Night, which comes at no cost and is open to the public, will introduce its newly integrated “Selfie Session,” which appears to be taking the place of the usual autograph format. The first 300 fans who sign up at Gampel’s SOUTH Entrance will have an opportunity to pose for pictures with members of both the men’s and women’s teams.

Doors open at 3:00 p.m., with a UConn volleyball match versus Central Florida set for 4 p.m.

Premium courtside seating is available for the first 50 students in line.