A little more than 2,000 men’s basketball student season tickets sold out for this upcoming season, and did so before the end of last semester — the fastest ever at UW. Freshmen did not even have the opportunity to buy tickets. 35 days before seats were assigned, students lined up to get courtside tickets to cheer on one of Wisconsin’s most successful athletic teams from up close.

With the rise of UW’s basketball program as one of the nation’s premier programs and with the continued and unyielding support of fans, we are brought to only one conclusion: UW should start the season out with a bang by hosting a session of “Midnight Madness.” Midnight Madness would be a great opportunity for the players to start the season with a practice at 12:01 a.m. Friday night, Oct. 17. This event would be held during Homecoming week when school spirit is already high and would give the fans a great opportunity to welcome back veteran players, meet the new players, and demonstrate the support students have for the team. Typically, the event includes contests for fans, an appearance by the band, cheerleaders, Bucky of course, an introduction to the team and a brief scrimmage. The free event would be a great way for the athletic department, and the basketball team specifically, to thank the fans for their loyal support through the good times and the bad. Midnight Madness would also be an opportunity to introduce fans to the women’s basketball team and its new coach, Lisa Stone, building a greater fan base for UW’s women’s basketball program. Such an event would also give the program the added benefit of receiving national attention and would put the program in the national spotlight it deserves, similar to Kansas and Kentucky. According to Sports Illustrated, almost one-third of all Division I schools hold Midnight Madness.

At most schools, Midnight Madness is the ultimate pep rally for the diehard and moderate fans alike. And why shouldn’t UW students be excited for the upcoming basketball season? After a trip to the NCAA Final Four and back-to-back Big Ten Championships in just the past four seasons and a pre-season No. 5 ranking for the team this year by Lindy’s College Basketball Preview magazine, what self-respecting UW student wouldn’t be excited for the potential of Bo’s 2003-04 Badgers?

The dedication of fans and the sheer number of fans who are buying tickets and waiting days, weeks and even more than a month in some instances, to get premier tickets to athletic events is unprecedented at UW. Students are arguably more connected to UW athletics now than ever before, and the No. 1 College Town ranking by Sports Illustrated only spurs this dedication. The athletic department and basketball program have indicated a remarkable amount of interest in finding creative ways to thank students for their support and generate excitement for the program. Saul Phillips, director of men’s basketball operations, has invited student feedback on the issue. He says student interest and feedback is important and the possibility of hosting Midnight Madness could become a reality in the not-too-distant future if fans believe it would be important. Send him an e-mail at [email protected] and let him know students want to see Midnight Madness come to Madtown.