FORT MYERS, Fla. – With the start of the 2019-20 basketball season underway, it is officially one month until FGCU hosts the annual premier event Dunk City After Dark on Oct. 25 at Alico Arena. This year, the event is part of FGCU's official Eagle Family Weekend serving as a showcase for the men's and women's basketball season. Additionally, Dirty Bird members can pick up their official fan shirt, sponsored this year by The Reef and Coastal Village.
 
The marquee event, which is presented by The Reef and Coastal Village, Wells Fargo and Coconut Point Ford, will feature the first opportunity for the general public and University community to see and meet the 2019-20 men's and women's basketball coaches and student-athletes. The event has something for everyone – children and families, students, season-ticket holders and the general public. One lucky FGCU student will also have the chance to win the Dunk City Mustang presented by Coconut Point Ford.
 
The night kicks off with Hoops and Halloween and children 12-and-under are encouraged to dress in their best Halloween costume. Kids will be able to trick-or-treat starting at 6:15 PM; take pictures with student-athletes, cheerleaders and Azul the Mascot; win prizes for best dressed; and participate in a costume parade around Alico Arena to music by the FGCU pep band.

"Every year we look forward to Dunk City After Dark as a great way for our community, fans and students to meet our team prior to the first week of play," said head men's basketball coach Michael Fly. "Our guys have so much fun with the event and it's great to see all the young kids interacting with them. Plus, there's just something that's always fun about hosting an event like this on a Friday night where people are looking to get out to have some great family time as a way to start their weekend."
 
Food will be provided by the following FGCU featured sponsors: 3-Pepper Burrito Company, Beef 'O' Brady's, Pepsi, Culver's, Dunkin' Donuts, Mission BBQ, Moe's, Papa John's, Skillets, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Wally's Deli.
 
Season ticket holders may pick up their tickets and Eagles Club packets inside the Alico Arena lobby starting at 6:30 PM. For individuals who have yet to purchase season tickets, limited quantities will be on sale at the event, as well as the opportunity to join the Eagles Club and secure other membership benefits like preferred parking and access to VIP events.
 
At 6:50 PM, the costume prize winners are announced and DJ M DOT will start the high energy music and a lightshow as meet the two teams, see players compete in a scrimmage and then be dazzled by the fan-favorite 3-point shooting and dunk contests.
 
"We look forward to this event every year," said FGCU head women's basketball coach Karl Smesko. "Not only does it signal the start of another season, but it gives us a chance to put on a preseason exhibition and for our fans to interact with our new players for the first time. It's a relaxed and fun event for families and fans of all ages."
 
Highlights of the evening will also include two students each having the opportunity to win the Coconut Point Ford Dunk City Mustang by making a half-court shot and one student attempting a half-court shot for free in-state tuition. Additional prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.
 
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE MADNESS
FGCU began hosting Hoops and Halloween in 2012, a Sunday matinee basketball event. After its run to the Sweet 16, the University began hosting an evening basketball kickoff event, Dunk City After Dark, prior to the 2013-14 season. The Midnight Madness tradition was founded in 1971 by then-Maryland coach Lefty Driesell, who started the tradition with a team workout at 12:03 AM on Friday, Oct. 15 – which was then the first official day teams could commence practice for the season. Since then, the midnight start has morphed into a pep rally earlier in the day rather than an actual practice, including an emcee, music, dancing, competitions and giveaways for fans in attendance.
 
TICKET INFORMATION
Season and mini-plan packages for the 2019-20 FGCU men's and women's basketball teams are now on sale. More information can be accessed by visiting FGCUTickets.com. To purchase tickets, or for additional inquiries, call the FGCU Ticket Office at 239-590-7145 Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM.
 
MBB SOCIAL CENTRAL
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the men's basketball program, follow @FGCU_MBB on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook at /FGCUMBB.
 
WBB SOCIAL CENTRAL
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the women's basketball program, follow @FGCU_WBB on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook at /FGCUWBB.
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.