Husker Madness Hits Husker Nation Pavilion

Lincoln -- The Nebraska women's basketball team will tip-off its 2004-05 with one of the most innovative events of the entire college basketball season, when the Huskers join the men's basketball teams for Husker Madness at the Husker Nation Pavilion Saturday, Oct. 16, before the Nebraska-Baylor football game.

The outdoor event will help the Huskers celebrate the first day of practice for both squads.  Husker Madness will feature scrimmages by both the women's and men's teams on a special outdoor court that will be placed on the Ed Weir Track, and a chance for a fan to shoot to win up to $500,000. The first 5,000 entrants Saturday will be eligible to have the chance to take one three-point shot for $7,500, one half-court shot for $37,500 or a series shootout (a made lay-up, free throw, three-pointer and half-court shot in 25 seconds) for $500,000.

"This will be a unique setting for our fans to get their first look at the teams as we enter an exciting time for the Nebraska basketball programs," said NU Executive Associate A.D. Marc Boehm.

The excitement begins at 10:30 a.m. when the football team arrives at Memorial Stadium for The Walk, one of the newest traditions in Husker football. Immediately following The Walk, Husker fans should plan to take a seat at the Ed Weir Track grandstand for the start of the basketball program.

Coach Connie Yori, who enters her third season with the Husker women's team, will get the event started. Yori and her squad, which includes five returning letterwinners from last year's 18-12 squad and seven newcomers, will be introduced to the Big Red faithful before scrimmaging for approximately 10 minutes.

“We can’t wait for the start of practice to get another basketball season started at Nebraska,” Yori said.  “I think Husker Madness is a great way for our fans to get a first-hand look at our new team.  Playing in front of an actual crowd, outside on a football Saturday at Nebraska, also gives our players some added excitement for the first day of practice.”

Following the end of the women's scrimmage, Coach Barry Collier and the Husker men will be introduced to the public for the first time this season. The Husker men return 10 letterwinners from their 18-13 campaign last season and add five talented newcomers. The Huskers will then hold a 15-minute scrimmage for the fans.

After the men's scrimmage, Collier will draw the name of the person who will have a chance at winning the $500,000 prize.

The outdoor sport court ? a Swiss Flex Court ? the Huskers will be playing on Saturday is being brought in from Georgia. It is a full-size court that will fit on the East side of the track with bleacher seating for the Red Zone student section placed on each base line. The court and goals will be installed on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Husker fans will also have a chance to purchase season tickets at the Husker Nation Pavilion on Saturday. Great tickets are still available for as low as $99 for all 18 home games.

Husker Madness
Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004 -- Husker Nation Pavilion

10:30 a.m. Football team arrives for The Walk
10:35 a.m. Women's basketball team introduced and starts scrimmage
11 a.m. Men's basketball team introduced and starts scrimmage
11:20 a.m. Coach Collier draws for a winner to attempt $500,000 shot