Husker Madness Set for Saturday at Husker Nation Pavilion

Lincoln -- In what will be one of the most unique events of the college basketball season, the Nebraska men's and women's basketball teams will tip off the 2004-05 campaign at Husker Madness, an event that will be held outside at the Husker Nation Pavilion this Saturday, Oct. 16, before the Nebraska-Baylor football game.

Among the events planned for Saturday ? which is the first day of practice for both Husker squads ? are a scrimmage by both the men's and women's teams on a special outdoor court that will be placed on the Ed Weir Track. The scrimmages will be shown live on Huskers.com and is free to the public.

One fan will also have the chance 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.

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 adds five talented newcomers. The Huskers will then hold a 15-minute scrimmage for the fans.

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

The outdoor court ? a Swiss Flex Court ? the Huskers will be playing on Saturday is being brought in from Illinois. 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