For the 16th time, the George Mason men's and women's basketball teams will officially tip off their seasons on Friday, October 12 at 9 p.m., taking part in the annual Mason Madness tradition. The Patriot Center doors will open at 8:30 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public.

Fans will hear from men's basketball second-year head coach Paul Hewitt and fifth-year head women's basketball coach Jeri Porter before each member of the 2012-13 teams is introduced. Both teams will take part in on-court activities, including the men's team participating in the annual Green vs. Gold scrimmage.

Festivities will include performances by a number of entertainment groups including Doc Nix and the Green Machine, UrbanKnowlogy, Masonettes and the Patriots cheerleading squad.  One lucky Mason student will be randomly selected from the crowd and have an opportunity to take one shot from half-court for a grand prize of $10,000.

The Mason athletics box office in the Patriot Center will be open during the event, allowing attendees an exclusive pre-sale to purchase individual-game tickets to Mason's 14-game home schedule in 2012-13, including the home opener against Virginia on November 9.

Prior to the doors opening, Pre Mason Madness, sponsored by the Office of Orientation, Family Programs and Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. outside the North Entrance of the Patriot Center. The event will feature several fan-friendly activities, including face painting, spirit item giveaways, a pumpkin ring toss, kettle corn, caramel apples, and much more!