The 2008-09 Providence College basketball season will open on Friday, October 17, with the annual Late Night Madness in Mullaney Gym on campus. Admission is free and doors will open to the public at 9:30 p.m.

The first 1,000 fans to enter Alumni Hall will receive a 2008 Providence College Late Night Madness T-shirt. The WEEI "Waterboys" and "Watergirls" will be in attendance with special giveaway items for the fans. WEEI 103.7 FM is the radio home of the Friars' men's basketball team.

The Late Night Madness festivities will kick off with hip-hop artists Jon Hope and John Xavier performing until 10:00 p.m. PC Student Congress members will then host games and other entertainment. Throughout the evening DJ Finesse will be playing music to entertain the crowd.

At 11:00 p.m., men's basketball Head Coach Keno Davis will lead the 2008-09 Friars onto the court for the first time where the team will perform several drills, including three-point shooting, a slam dunk contest, and other skill tests.

The seating for the event is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to wear black and white attire to show their support for the team. The Department of Athletics will offer live video stream of the event free online at www.friars.com.