Oct. 14, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The official start of the 2008-09 college basketball season is this Friday, Oct. 17, and the South Carolina Athletics Department is set to host a “Basketball Block Party” for the Carolina student body from 5-7 p.m. The event will be held on Greene Street in front of the Russell House. The Basketball Block Party marks the beginning of Gamecock basketball practice, similar to Midnight Madness, which is commonly known across the country as the first night of practice for the upcoming basketball season.

There will be a free barbeque for students and music by DJ Jeff Hunter. There will also be great promotions, where fans will have the chance to win prizes that include iPods, Gamecock basketball gear, and concert tickets to the upcoming Rascal Flatts concert to be held at Colonial Life Arena.

The 2008-09 men’s and women’s basketball teams will be introduced to the crowd, and fans will hear from head coaches Darrin Horn and Dawn Staley. The basketball teams will be joined by Cocky, the cheerleaders and the Carolina Girls dance team. The event is presented by Pointe West Apartments.