Pitt basketball to hold outdoor Midnight Madness

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh men's and women's basketball teams are taking their annual "Midnight Madness" outdoors for the first time.

The programs will make their public debuts for the 2012-13 seasons on an outdoor court near the university's Cathedral of Learning on Friday, Oct. 12. Temporary bleachers will be set up and a video monitor will be brought into to add to the atmosphere.

The event coincides with homecoming for the Pitt football team and is part of a celebration for the school's 225th anniversary.

In the event of inclement weather, Midnight Madness will be held at the Petersen Events Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Pitt men are coming off a disappointing 22-17 season in which they failed to make the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade, though the Panthers did claim the College Basketball Invitational title. The team returns three starters, including point guard Tray Woodall.

The Pitt women return four starters, including unanimous Big East all-Freshman Big East selection Brianna Kiesel.

Pitt, which is entering its final season in the Big East before joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, last hosted Midnight Madness prior to the 2003-04 season.

WPXI