In previous years, Memphis Madness, the start of college basketball season in Memphis, was free and open to the public. But this year, Tiger fans will have to pay a $5 fee to get into the FedExForum on Oct. 18.
Deputy athletic director at the University of Memphis, Wren Baker, said the University had many problems with last year’s free entry.
“Last year, we had an event that did not carry a charge with it,” Baker said. “We had pockets in the building that were empty because people took more tickets than they needed.”
Baker estimated about 1000 people were unable to get in because of this.
In the spring of 2014, the athletic department decided to institute a charge for the annual game.
Although the University feels the $5 fee is affordable, it plans to give many tickets away to underprivileged fans.
“We are going to funnel a lot of tickets to a lot of youth organizations so that we can still get tickets to kids who may not afford to go otherwise,” Baker said.
The idea behind charging for admission is to keep the event accessible and safe.
The event will still be free for many U of M students, but there will be a cap on the number of students with free entry.
“Our hope is that by doing those things that this is going to be a fun, exciting event,” Baker said. “There’s a limit on the number we’ll be able to do that for, but we’ve been able to accommodate in years pass.”
The athletic department also announced that award-winning hip-hop artist Rick Ross will perform at Memphis Madness. Ross will perform a half-hour show for basketball fans.
Memphis head coach Josh Pastner said he is excited to get the season underway.
"I love Memphis Madness because it means basketball season is almost here," Pastner said in a press release. "It's also a great opportunity for us to showcase Tiger Nation as the best fans in college basketball to our new players and recruits. We're excited to add Rick Ross to this year's event and look forward to introducing the 2014-15 Tigers to our fans."
Ross, a Mississippi native, was slated to perform at Memphis Madness in 2011, but the performance was cancelled after the star had a seizure during his flight to Memphis.
Ross’ connection to Memphis runs deeper than the cancelled appearance three years ago. He owns five Wingstop restaurants in the area, and in August, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton presented Ross with a key to the city.
Memphis Madness is Tiger fans’ first look at the U of M’s men’s basketball team each season. Activities will include a dunk contest, 3-point contest and light scrimmage. There will also be a DJ outside in the plaza of the Forum.
Everything begins at 4 p.m. with performances from the pom squad and the Mighty Sound of the South. The event itself begins at 5 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive autographs from their favorite men’s basketball players while the women’s basketball team showcases their squad.
